#United States #Mexico #Tyronn Lue #Garfield School #Commitment to Community

Tyronn Lue Inspires Change in Mexico, Missouri

On July 5, 2025, a significant moment occurred in Mexico, Missouri as community members, local leaders, and alumni of Garfield School came together to dedicate a transformed historic building as the new base for Tyronn Lue's multimillion-dollar community initiative, known as Commitment to Community (C2C).

This initiative aims to revitalize the community and provide essential resources and educational opportunities for local youth. The building, now renamed the Kim and Olivia Lue Garfield Legacy Center, honors Coach Lue's mother and grandmother, celebrating their connection to the school and the community. This center represents more than just a facility; it signifies hope and a return to the roots of education and community support that Garfield School once embodied.

Garfield School has a rich history originally serving Black students during the segregation era. After a period of closure, during which it was repurposed into a Credit Union, it is now restored to its intended purpose as a space fostering community engagement and youth development. The dedication ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting, a community legacy walk, and guided tours of adjacent buildings acquired to expand the initiative's impact.

Coach Tyronn Lue expressed his pride and commitment to his hometown: "Mexico, Missouri, is the type of place where you're raised by the entire community, not just your family. The Garfield School was so important to so many people, and its closure devastated the community. It is an incredible honor that we were able to buy this and transform it back into a community hub where people can connect, learn and find resources and opportunities."

The launch of the Kim and Olivia Lue Garfield Legacy Center marks a pivotal step in Lue's larger vision for accessible community resources. This newly minted center will host programs designed to uplift youth, prepare them for future success, and foster community integration through partnerships and educational initiatives.

In collaboration with the Tyronn Lue Fund and Partners for Rural Impact (PRI)—a nonprofit dedicated to improving educational prospects in rural areas—C2C outlines a five-year commitment that was first announced in July 2023. Lue's investment of ten million dollars aims to ensure that everyone in Mexico, Missouri, has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.

This initiative not only addresses the educational and social barriers present in rural communities but also serves as a model for community upliftment. Lue aims to showcase his commitment not just in Missouri but also among his supporters in Los Angeles through a fundraising event set to be held at the Intuit Dome on October 19. This second annual fundraising affair will mobilize resources to further enhance C2C's efforts.

For Lue, the revival of the Garfield School as the Kim and Olivia Lue Garfield Legacy Center is deeply personal. It represents a cycle of giving back, reflecting the support he received during his own upbringing. By investing in the next generation, he hopes to instill the same sense of community and belonging that he cherished growing up.

As Lue takes strides to uplift the Mexico community, his story serves as a reminder of the power of returning to one's roots and creating opportunities for others. The Kim and Olivia Lue Garfield Legacy Center promises to be a beacon of hope and a springboard for future leaders, encouraging young minds to thrive within an enriching environment. For ongoing updates and details about the Commitment to Community initiative, visit c2cmexmo.org.