On January 18, 2006, as part of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's "Champions of Character" Education Series, Black Fives founder Claude Johnson spoke to an audience of 250 fifth graders about the importance of "passion."

According to Johnson, passion is one of the most important elements that define a person's character. "Once you identify your passion, many things seem to fall into place," Johnson said. "Purpose, motivation, perseverance, vision, faith; these are easier to find and hold onto with passion there first."

Johnson encouraged the students to seek out or study others who also have passion for something -- anything, really. "When those around you understand passion," he explained, "you will feel great about yourself and any attempts by difficult peers to dismiss, belittle, or criticize your dreams will fail."

The talk was attended fifth grade students from several elementary schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Some of their teachers and parents also made the trip.

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