Beyond the court, NBA players are leading champions of social justice across the globe. At this summer’s ESPY awards, four of the game’s biggest stars challenged their peers from every arena and background to promote social change.
In Sacramento, that charge begins with the Kings mission statement: to enhance the lives of those we touch and act as an agent of change in the community. Often the Kings can be found volunteering their time, donating to worthy organizations, or joining forces with the team’s foundation for memorable moments.
Now, they’ve taken a huge step forward by forming the Kings Community Coalition, developed in partnership with law enforcement to create stronger communities with open communication.
Last night, Matt Barnes, DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Garrett Temple brought together over 150 students from four area high schools and members of Sacramento’s law enforcement community for a special town hall to discuss the challenges that youth face, open a new dialogue to bring communities together, and identify how together, they can become a catalyst of change in Sacramento.
PHOTO GALLERY: Kings Community Coalition
The program for the evening was developed and led by the players, facilitated by Pastor Bob Balian and former NFL tight end – and Kings Chaplain – Scott Galbraith, to create an opportunity for open and honest discussions between athletes, students and those charged with keeping our communities safe.
“It’s a sensitive topic, but we're going to put it all out there now. It starts here with you,” said DeMarcus Cousins. “This is an open dialogue. We know what’s going on and we’re here to nip it in the bud.”
Throughout the night, the players shared their own personal experiences and anecdotes that represent a cross-section of our nation – from Alabama, Maryland, Louisiana and Sacramento.
“A lack of understanding is what’s causing all of this…us not understanding them, cops not understanding us…,” said Matt Barnes. “It’s a lack of knowledge and getting a better understanding of each other [that] will help put this to rest.”
Students had an opportunity to ask questions about safety, legal process, policy and procedures. By sharing their personal stories with local leaders like NBA Security Representative and former Sacramento Sheriff Lieutenant Dwight Pruitt, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Undersheriff Erik Maness, Sacramento Police Deputy Chief Ken Bernard, Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Carlton Davis and Roseville Police Chief Daniel Hahn, the students were able to share their concerns in a candid setting.
“It’s important just to have this dialogue,” said Undersheriff Erik Maness. “It’s a great opportunity for us to reach the community.”
The conversation transitioned into a role playing session where students, players and police switched roles to understand the experience from a new perspective.
“It was tough conversation, but the important thing was the kids saw people they respect on the same stage with law enforcement, asking heartfelt questions, and us hopefully providing heartfelt answers,” said Deputy Chief Ken Bernard.
In the coming months, the Kings Community Coalition will continue to grow. Each of the Kings players and panelists from the town hall have committed to keep the conversation going. They’ll continue to work with youth and others from additional schools around the Sacramento area with the goal of increasing knowledge about law enforcement, cultivating a deeper connection between law enforcement and communities and further listening to, learning from and understanding the people in our neighborhoods.
“It's very important for us to use our platform to try to create the change that we want to see,” said Garrett Temple.
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