Image courtesy of Peaceplayers
The Detroit Pistons and PeacePlayers Detroit have teamed up to launch “Pistons for Peace,” a groundbreaking six-week initiative designed to promote peace and non-violence across metro Detroit communities. The program will unite local youth and Detroit Neighborhood Police Officers (NPO) in a series of activities and conversations focused on building trust, fostering mutual respect, and strengthening community ties.
Kickoff for the program is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, at the Henry Ford Pistons Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility ideal for both learning and athletic training. Sessions will be held every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, running through February 11. This initiative aims to create a safe space for open dialogue and mentorship while enhancing the community’s connection to its law enforcement.
“Pistons for Peace” is designed to bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement through engaging and interactive activities. Each week, participants will enjoy two-hour sessions that blend educational workshops focused on essential life skills with dynamic basketball activities that promote teamwork and physical fitness.
The workshops will cover a range of topics in detail, including conflict resolution, communication skills, and leadership development, equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate challenges in their daily lives. The basketball activities will not only provide a fun and energetic environment but also encourage positive relationships between the youth participants and law enforcement officers, building understanding and cooperation.
Melanie Harris, who serves as the President of Business Operations for the Detroit Pistons, highlighted that Pistons for Peace is focused on promoting non-violence and harmony throughout metro Detroit by facilitating open conversations between local youth, community leaders, and law enforcement to tackle community challenges and explore potential solutions.
“Together with PeacePlayers Detroit, this program will seek to build understanding, respect, and collaboration between youth and law enforcement, ultimately creating a safer and more united Detroit,” Harris said.
Pistons guard Malik Beasley will serve as an ambassador for the program. Beasley will sit in on programming, taking part in sessions and helping bridge the discussion between youth and law enforcement. Participants in the program will also attend the Pistons game on Jan. 4 where Beasley will meet with the youth before the game.
Jasmine Cooper, the Director of PeacePlayers Detroit, emphasized that this collaboration is genuinely motivating.
“Since PeacePlayers came to Detroit in 2017, the Pistons have been incredible thought leaders and partners in our work, and bringing the Detroit Police Department into this collaboration gives our young people valuable perspective and highlights the DPD’s commitment to the youth in the communities they serve,” Cooper said.
“We’re also so grateful to have Malik Beasley as the program’s ambassador, helping to bridge these important conversations. I couldn’t be more excited to see the transformation this program will bring.”
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