On the latest episode of The Bad For The Community podcast, hosts Rob, Nate, and Saint Yves were joined by friend of the show, Ikenna “Ike” Ndugba—professional basketball player and founder of the nonprofit organization 617Peak. As the co-founder of the music label Words Speak Life, Ike has been working tirelessly to uplift Boston’s youth, blending his passion for community development with his love for music and sports.
In the episode, Ike reflected on the origins of 617Peak, which began as open mic events aimed at reducing youth violence during the summer. Since its inception, the program has expanded into Boston Public Schools, hosting monthly creative workshops focused on public speaking, radio, fashion, video production, and more. “Our goal is to help young people express themselves and provide opportunities they might not otherwise have,” Ike shared, emphasizing the program’s rapid impact and its collaborative environment.
As a pro athlete, Ike admits that balancing his basketball career with his nonprofit work hasn’t always been easy. A knee injury sidelined him temporarily, allowing him to dedicate more time to 617Peak and Words Speak Life. “Initially, I was hesitant to publicly associate myself with non-basketball ventures,” Ike revealed, citing concerns about how it might affect his athletic career. However, a conversation with an NBA general manager shifted his mindset, showing him that pursuing passions outside of sports could be an asset, not a liability.
617Peak operates on a unique “blessing model,” focusing on empowering youth to discover their potential rather than profit-driven goals. Through Words Speak Life, Ike and his team have also been managing emerging artists like Nay Speaks and Yanna G, providing them with tools to grow creatively and professionally. Despite challenges like learning organizational structures and setting boundaries with students, Ike remains committed to creating safe spaces for self-expression.
“We’ve invested in studio time, retreats, and consistent mentorship,” Ike said, reflecting on lessons learned in resource management and relationship-building. “It’s about equity—building trust and delivering on promises over time.”
As Ike recovers from his injury, he’s also looking to expand 617Peak’s reach. His vision includes working with up to 20 schools in Boston, scaling programs that operate sustainably even in his absence. On the music front, Words Speak Life continues to grow as a hub for artist management, further solidifying its place in Boston’s creative landscape.
“I want to be remembered as someone who did good work, not for accolades, but for helping others achieve their dreams,” Ike said, summing up his mission.
