Breaking Barriers and Basketball
By Afaf Muhammad
Jersey City residents from every community had the opportunity to enjoy music, food, and recreation with the people that make up Jersey City’s law enforcement departments at the Unity In Our Community BBQ, in Lincoln Park on Sunday, August 7th. During this exciting event residents were able to visit information tables from the Jersey City’s Sheriff, Fire, Corrections, and Police Departments; and to try on the gear for the United States Corrections Special Operations Group of Hudson County.
The purpose of this event was to break down barriers that have caused many people to have preconceived expectations of each other due to their career choices or the neighborhoods in which they reside. This was a great opportunity for everyone to become familiar with each other and share the importance of breaking barriers that cause stigmas leading to unnecessary violence.
During this impactful event, officers from the Sheriff’s Department greeted the youth residents of Marion Gardens with a game a of basketball, which was provided by Go Get My Kids, Inc. and Freeholder Bill O’Dea. The group then branched off into mixed teams of officers and children; the game ended 11 to 0. After a break for water a Sheriff’s officer gave a gift of footwear to one of the children, and also some words of wisdom to stay focused on academics and to be focused on the right path. Then it was back to the games, with the Salem-Lafayette team, which ended with Marion winning 61 t0 50.
Sheriff’s Officers play a game of basketball with the Go Get My Kids, Inc. Marion Gardens team during the Unity in Our Community BBQ inLincoln Park, in Jersey City
Sheriff’s Officers play a game of basketball with the Go Get My Kids, Inc. Marion Gardens team during the Unity in Our Community BBQ inLincoln Park, in Jersey City
Toss up with Sheriff’s officers and Go Get My Kids, Inc.’s Marion Gardens basketball team
Go Get My Kids, Inc.’s Salem-Lafayette and Marion Gardens teams play a game of basketball at the Unity in Our Community BBQ in Lincoln Park
Police Canine-Officer Dora gets some love from community members
Children try on the Corrections Special Operations Group’s gear
Trying on Corrections Special Operations Group gear
Go Get My Kids, Inc.’s Marion Gardens and Salem-Lafayette basketball teams play a game during the Unity in Our Community BBQ at Lincoln Park in Jersey City.
Go Get My Kids, Inc.’s Marion Gardens and Salem -Lafayette basketball teams play a game during the Unity in Our Community BBQ in Lincoln Park in Jersey City
Go Get My Kids, Inc.’s Marion Gardens and Salem-Lafayette basketball teams during the Unity in Our Community BBQ in Lincoln Park
Go Get My Kids’Inc.’s Marion Gardens and Salem-Lafayette basketball teams during the Unity in Our Community BBQ in Lincoln Park
HUDINFONEWS 