By Dorothy J. Gentry Sports Editor
The relationship between the African American community and the police has historically been strained. Nothing reiterated that fact than the events of the past two years with the nationwide protests and social unrest after the murders of Botham Jean, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tatiana Jefferson and others.
Recently, the Dallas Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Dallas Mavericks teamed up to offer a youth basketball clinic aimed at closing the long-existing gaps between the community and police.
Building Bridges Through Basketball, held at the Thurgood Marshal Recreation Center in Oak Cliff, was designed to help build bridges and form bonds between young people and law enforcement officials through the game of basketball.
With the help of Mavs Academy and a surprise visit from Dallas Mavericks legend Derek Harper, police officers served as PAL coaches for the clinic, leading kids through various stations to enhance their basketball skills. They also discussed the importance of being leaders in their community. Chris Arnold, Mavs In-Arena host served as moderator. Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas also attended to speak with the youth and share words of wisdom and encouragement.
“Your job is to go to school, do your best, make good grades, and do your chores at home,” Thomas told the more than 75 girls and boys assembled in the gym. “We’re teaching you how to be leaders and how to be responsible. In return you have a responsibility to be a good example and show someone else how to make good choices.”
Councilman Thomas told the youth that most kids their ages end up in jail or prison due to wrong choices.
“The reason they end up there – they knew the different between right and wrong – but they reason is they just didn’t believe that they would be caught. They didn’t think there would be consequences for their actions,” he said. “You don’t want to be a statistic. You want to show people how you can make good choices and decisions.”
Thomas then asked the campers to repeat after him: “ I’m a leader. I love my community. And I will make a difference.”
Mavs Academy coaches Ronard Patton and Cory Carter helped the youth and police conduct the various drills and stations. The campers also received Mavs school supplies, including backpacks, notebooks and other Mavs merchandise.
“We try to foster a relationship between the first responders and police officers and citizens,” said Dallas Sr. Cpl. Allison Brockford who works at the Northeast Division. “In particular, with PAL, we work with our youth and do various programs and events, and that’s the vehicle to build relationships.
“Today is about basketball, but we do other activities like horsemanship, we have a chess club, boxing and financial literacy programs.”
The past year and a half has been challenging for so many, she said, specifically due to the pandemic hampering plans to reach the youth.
“It’s been really tough because of COVID. We couldn’t do some of our programs, and for some of the kids, this is really all they have. They don’t have a lot of these after-school programs…so it’s been hard for them.”
Also speaking to the kids were Mavs legend Derek Harper and former NBA players Willie Davis and Morlon Wiley, representing the National Basketball Retired Players Association.
“Throughout my career, I always thought it was necessary to be in the community,” said Harper. “A lot of people don’t see this part of professional sports. Serving the community has always been important to me, and that will never stop. You come out here and give something back.
“There’s a lot that’s gone on in the last year and a half with racism and social injustice,” Harper continued. “I think that police, in general, get a bad rap, but like with anything, there are bad people and good people. I think it’s clear that the officers here today want to make a difference in the lives of these young people, along with the Mavericks and other community leaders.”
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