On this episode of Blacklight on Sports, Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Sam Willis—former basketball standout, youth mentor, and now owner of Just Turkey in South Minneapolis.
Willis first captured attention in the early ’90s as a sharp-shooting senior at Roosevelt High School. He went on to play collegiate and professional basketball before shifting his focus to media and community engagement. A familiar face at WCCO and SPNN, Willis has also mentored young men through the Save Our Sons program.
Now an entrepreneur, Willis brings that same focus and fire to the culinary world. His restaurant, Just Turkey, is more than a place to grab a bite—it’s a neighborhood staple rooted in culture, connection, and community pride.
In this conversation, Willis reflects on how his experiences in sports, media, and mentorship continue to shape his mission to uplift others.
🎥 Watch the full video above.
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