Among the players were students from Hoover Elementary School and teenagers from a group home in Oakland. On the sidelines were parents, mentors and community leaders, hoping to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

The gathering last week was sponsored by Male Advocacy In Pregnancy and Parenting. Program director Darryl McMillon and area pastors want to recruit 1,000 mentors for the program and say 100 have signed up so far.

They hope to link young people with responsible adults who can help them make wise choices about behavior and urge them to stay in school and off the streets.

Deputy Police Chief Michael Holland told the predominately African-American group of young males that 1,200 blacks have been killed in homicides in Oakland since 1993.

"Think before you act," he cautioned.

"Did you know the Oakland Police Department has a mentoring program, and a basketball and track program for young people?" Holland asked the young people after the pickup games.

They were gathered high above the Arena floor in a luxury suite, where the young men returned later to watch the Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz.

Holland also urged the young people to consider joining the Police Cadets program, which gets youths on track for careers in law enforcement.

Early Intervention
Community leaders say what's needed are more early intervention programs that give young people choices and role models.

Richard Ince, 17, came from a group home in Oakland, along with David Rosas, 16, and Anthony Bernal, 15. Playing at the Arena was thrilling, they said. "It's a big place and makes you feel like a pro," Ince said.

Briana Silvestri, 17, who dreams of playing in the WNBA, was skillful as she scored on a group of guys. "I'm not intimidated by them," she said.

The young people were used to hearing rappers such as 50 Cent or Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boys. But on this day, they heard from several Christian rappers. Then local pastors, the Reverend Brondon Reems, Keith Clark and Kevin D. Barnes, showed up and said they were looking to hire young people to work at a gourmet coffee shop in East Oakland called Heavenly Grounds.

Teaching Respect
Bill Whyte, a mentor with 100 Black Men, a local civic group, brought along students from Hoover, including Leon Richardson, 8, Unzell Ross, 11, and Esean Kelly, 10.

"We want to teach them how to respect others, and some of the kids have never been here," said Whyte, whose son, Daryle, got him to join 100 Black Men.

Charlesetta Burns Humphreys came with her sons, Terrence Humphreys, 12, and Raylachar Winston, 18. She sat with RaJon Collins, a staffer from Youth Line, an Alameda County youth program. "It's great to see young people doing something positive," Collins said.

Anthony Mitchell of Vallejo showed up at the Arena with his two sons, James and Tanner. Mitchell, who used to play professional basketball in Europe, also was looking to help young people. He runs a basketball camp and preaches, too.

"It's always good to make a positive impact on young people," Mitchell said. "It's a way to invest in the future."

For more information on the group, call (510) 691-3093.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
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