When the City Director for Ward 6, in west Central Little Rock, Doris Wright, and long-time resident, Tamara Farisa teamed up to implement a plan that would give, the youth hope in an inner city torn by guns and gang violence nearly every day, they had no idea just how successful it would turn out.
Both women knew they had their share of a workload to do if they were to make the ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper Basket Ball Tournament’ a successful event.
At the Tuesday City Council Meeting held on June 6th, Director Wright presented Farisa with a proclamation, giving her the authorization to proclaim June 11, 2017 National Children’s Day in Little Rock. In addition, to commemorate the event they coordinated with other organizers in the community and put together a series of events for the weekend of June 9th through 11th.
On Friday, the opening ceremony began with the singing of the National Anthem.
Director Wright also presented several city police officers with plaques of appreciation for their community service.
Farisa introduced the team coaches and a DJ entertained everyone with music.
On Saturday, the teams suited up and gathered into the gym prepared to play for a first place prize of five hundred dollars.
A community fair included local artist, Michael Ward, Jewelry Maker, Mary Pat Tate and theater educator Emily Faith of the Little Rock Repertoire.
Entertainment included a local DJ, a dance team, spoken word and poetry artists.
On Sunday, the participants and organizers gathered to conclude the event in a private ceremony where they gave winners trophies and medals of recognition.