When the summer heat settles over the Triangle, a unique program is turning the city's basketball courts into informal classrooms of camaraderie. The Raleigh Police Department's Hoops Night initiative provides a basketball court setting for South Raleigh teens to interact with police officers, offering mentorship and positive community engagement.
A Summer of Connection
Jordan N'goran, a student at Carnage Middle School, stepped onto the hardwood last Friday not just to play basketball against officers but to exchange passes and learn new moves. The games have become a venue where young people can improve their skills while gaining a personal view of the men and women who wear the badge.
Police Chief Rico Boyce launched the program to create a safe space for youth to socialize and build relationships with officers. By hosting the events on Friday nights, the department aims to provide positive activities for teens and foster neighborhood mentorship opportunities that extend well beyond the summer months.
Sharon Crenshaw and Dorothy Adams, leaders with Women of Southeast Raleigh, have been vocal about the mentorship potential of Hoops Night. They emphasize that each dribble carries a lesson in mutual respect, encouraging participants to see law enforcement as allies rather than adversaries.
Joni Craven, a community liaison, notes that participants are beginning to view police interactions through a lens of partnership. "It helps young people communicate positively with law enforcement and understand that not all officers are negative," she said, highlighting the shift in perception that the program is cultivating.
Attendance has climbed week after week, signaling strong community appetite for such interactions. The success of Hoops Night has prompted the department to consider expanding these activities year‑round, moving beyond the summer schedule to reach even more neighborhoods across Raleigh.
The final Hoops Night event of the summer is scheduled for next Friday at the Lake Lynn Community Center, where organizers expect a festive turnout. As the program looks toward a year‑round future, the hope is that the connections forged on the court will continue to ripple through the community, strengthening trust between youth and law enforcement.