Upcoming community, police Basketball Classic offers fun with a purpose

The Lower Merion Police and Race for Peace are holding the tenth Community and Police Basketball Classic on April 10. 

Andrew Howell, founded Race for Peace, along with former Lower Merion Police Superintendent Mike McGrath.

Howell said he was inspired to start Race for Peace after Texas police arrested Sandra Bland during a traffic stop and she died three days later in a jail cell.

Howell said he thought, “What can I do to close the gap between the community and police? I wanted my grandson to have a better relationship with the police.”

After meeting with McGrath for over a year, brainstorming about possible events, the idea of a basketball event came to fruition. This year, the teams will “mix it up,” so groups mingle, rather than stay in their cliques. 

“The guys get a chance to engage with each other,” said Howell. “We are all different, but we’re all the same.” 

Race for Peace is dedicated to combatting racism, said Howell, a former Lower Merion employee who is now a contractor.

In addition to the basketball game, Race for Peace will hold a meet-and-greet with various area police departments at the King of Prussia Mall on May 9. The group also takes part in National Night Out every year, among other events.

Howell does what he does for unity and understanding.

“Racism and violence are like a bully,” he said. “When you do nothing, it turns into a Goliath. The Race for Peace Committee has one route to knock Goliath out.”

The Basketball Classic will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Kobe Bryant Gym at Lower Merion High School, 315 Montgomery Avenue in Ardmore. Ages 6 and up can participate.

The events include: 5-on-5 games; 3-on-3 games; a dunk contest; and a 3-point contest. There will be halftime entertainment and light snacks.