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PeacePlayers Detroit and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons have united on a six-week initiative to promote peace and non-violence in metro Detroit, Michigan communities in the U.S. ‘Pistons for Peace’ will bring local youth and Detroit Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) together in a series of interactive activities and discussions focused on building trust, fostering respect and strengthening community ties.
With locations in the U.S., South Africa, Northern Ireland and the Middle East, PeacePlayers sees sport as a catalyst for the world’s peace-building efforts. The organization provides a medium where people can come together and draw life correlations in spaces where that would otherwise not happen.
Pistons for Peace kicked off this past Tuesday at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center, a facility for both community learning and athletic training. This initiative will create a safe space for open dialogue, mentorship and trust-building while strengthening the bond between the community and local law enforcement. Each week, participants will enjoy two-hour sessions learning about conflict resolution, communication, leadership and other essential life skills, followed by basketball drills that promote teamwork and physical fitness. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM through February 11.
In addition to fostering positive relationships between youth and police officers, the program aims to equip young people with tools to navigate daily challenges and build a stronger, more unified community. By incorporating basketball, a universally loved sport, the initiative will create a fun and energetic environment that encourages collaboration and understanding between the two groups.
Melanie Harris, President of Business Operations for the Detroit Pistons, emphasized that Pistons for Peace promotes non-violence and harmony throughout metro Detroit. Pistons guard Malik Beasley will serve as an ambassador for the program and will participate in sessions, helping bridge the discussion between youth and law enforcement. Participants in the program also attended the Pistons game on January 4.
PeacePlayers actively unites divided communities by focusing on youth, and began its work in Detroit in 2017. The international organization sees its programs as long-term investments that empower young people to grow into coaches and leaders within their communities. For nearly 20 years, it has worked with youth – over 143,000 since 2001 – around the globe using basketball to bridge divides, change perceptions and develop leaders.
PeacePlayers is a member of the Beyond Sport Network.
Photos: PeacePlayers
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