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By Harry Porterfield

January 25, 2007 -- Reverend Ruben Robinson is more than just keeping children in Chicago's North Austin community off the streets. He is empowering them both socially and academically. He is doing it all through a program that teaches tumbling.

ABC7's Harry Porterfield thinks Reverend Robinson , founder of the Inner City Tumblers, is someone you should know. No matter how cold it gets, a hot spot for teens in the North Austin community has to be the gymnasium where the Inner City Tumblers hold forth. The team was organized three years ago by the Reverend Reuben Robinson. "The reason we started it is to give them a chance to do better, to know that they do have alternatives, and this is a way out for them, and I believe it can help them academically as well as socially," said Robinson.

Youngsters must maintain a C average to be a part of the program, and if not, they get tutoring. "I like to tumble. I've been tumbling ever since I was 2 because I was in gymnastics for 12 years and cheerleading for four, so it's a great way to get out," said Drossilc Johnson, tumbler. "We take time out here rather than on the streets. We have fun," said Mercedes Jones, double dutch participant. Erica Stewart finds it important to keep her two sons involved. "Because it's an excellent program. It teaches the boys self-esteem. They have fun, they work out, they get exercise," said Stewart.

Eighty youngsters are involved in the program that uses the San Miguel School gymnasium for training sessions every Tuesday. "It's a fun program. You know, I've been tumbling since I was young. I just love tumbling, so when coach told me he was opening up a tumbling team, I just thought to join," said Marvin Johnson, tumbler. "I've been rolling around on my head since I was little. I love tumbling. That's what I do," said Marcus Craig, tumbler. Robinson is motivated by his past when he was a Jesse White Tumbler. "He took the time out with me, and I can give back and take my time out to do the same thing. It's just a matter of giving back. I figured if it could work for me it could work for them," said Robinson.
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