BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WBRC) – Parker and Ramsay say this is one of the city’s biggest rivalries, but Thursday was about more than just football.
It was the second annual Stop the Violence Classic and players and coaches wanted to do their part and lead by example to create safer communities. Both teams were eager to take the field, but players said that no matter who came out on top, they hope this game inspires people, especially the younger generation, to put an end to violence.
Parker players like Naeem Offord and Jourdin Crawford, as well as Cameron Keenan, Marquell Patterson and Ryan Reese of the Rams, were willing to play to bring more peace to their community.
“We should all come together. We can’t just cause gun violence in our community. A lot of people admire us. We have to show the kids the right path,” Crawford said.
These team members say they have been affected by gun violence and, in some cases, have lost classmates to the violence.
The statistics are frightening, says headmaster Dr. Mark Sullivan. In the last two years, the Birmingham City Schools system has lost 20 students to gun violence. Now officials and stakeholders want to do their part to prevent more children from dying.
“This game is more than just a game. It’s really to make sure you know that we care not only about football, but about our community,” Reese said.
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