Alonzo Mourning

Alonzo Mourning, commonly known as “Zo” is an American icon; Miami Heat NBA Champion, Vice President of Player Programs and Development, Naismith Hall of Famer, Philanthropist & Community Leader.

Alonzo Mourning is the Co-Founder of Mourning Family Foundation (formerly known as Alonzo Mourning Charities), a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public fundraising foundation, created to inspire others through advocacy, education, and enrichment services. Since 1997, Mourning has been instrumental in raising more than $50 million for various programs; as well as building a new state of- the- art youth center that will aid in the bridging gaps and strengthening communities in the urban core.

In addition to supporting numerous educational initiatives throughout South Florida; Alonzo Mourning co-founded The Overtown Youth Center in the historic South Florida area of Overtown in 2003. The Overtown Youth Center provides a comprehensive approach designed to bridge educational, social, emotional, health and opportunity gaps. OYC deliver services that foster hope and promote lifelong learning and success for inner-city youth and families.  As part of the Mourning Family’s philanthropic legacy; Alonzo is an advocate for uplifting girls specifically through the Honey Shine Inc. Mentoring Program Initiatives, founded by Tracy Wilson Mourning to empower young girls to shine as leaders by nurturing experiences that enlighten their paths and empower their future.

In 2000, Mourning was selected to join an elite group of NBA players to represent the United States in the Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Mourning won the coveted gold medal, but was soon diagnosed with Focal Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare genetic kidney disease.

After being diagnosed with FSGS, Mourning personally led a campaign to raise $2 million to aid in the research, education, and financial relief of patients who cannot afford medication and named the campaign Zo’s Fund for Life.  Mourning eventually underwent a successful kidney transplant in December 2003. He continues to raise awareness about the importance of becoming an organ donor and is also active with the National Kidney Foundation, educating the public on the importance of early detection.

Consistently recognized for his charitable efforts;  Mourning has received numerous awards such as:  the NBA’s Community Assist Award in 2006, National Urban League’s Outstanding Community Service Award in 2003, Silver Medallion Community Service Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice in 2003, the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Sportsmanship Award in 2002, The Children’s Trust Excellence Award for Public Policy in 2007, and recently,the Sapphire Award from Florida Blue Foundation in 2019, just to name a few.

In August 2009, Miami Dade County Public School honored Alonzo and his contributions to Miami by naming a school after him and Tracy Wilson Mourning in North Miami, Florida.

Mourning is a highly sought after sports champion, philanthropist, community and business leader. Alonzo has traveled the world encouraging sports teams, business executives, health care professionals, community leaders, philanthropic leaders, young professionals, children and others who aspire to maximize their full potential of greatness. From the President of the United States to the 3 year- old boy suffering from kidney failure, Mourning has the ability to reach, empower, and inspire everyone he encounters. He engages audiences of all sizes and ages, emphasizing the importance of education, leadership, and perseverance.

Understanding the importance of a holistic approach to strengthening low income communities; Alonzo developed a $22M affordable housing development to Overtown in 2016 in partnership with HTG; with others coming on-line in similar communities in the near future.

Mourning is a graduate of Georgetown University and holds a degree in Sociology. He is a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, a member of his alma mater’s Board of Directors, Vice President of Player Programs and Development with the Miami Heat, and has been the Chair of the McDonald’s All-American Game Advisory Committee since 2008. Alonzo resides in Miami, Florida and is the father of the three children – sons Trey and Alijah and daughter Myka.