For Immediate Release

Game On! Local Pastor Uses Basketball to Break Barriers Between Community and Law Enforcement

InTouch Community Basketball Tournament Connects Community on Common Ground. Newport News Police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments Along With local Youth Basketball Teams Meet, Greet, and Compete For A Common Cause--Unity!

Newport News, July 20, 2017: A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals that only about one-third (36%) of the American public says they have a lot of confidence in their police department. Officers, however, want to see a change. Seven-in-ten (72%) officers say it is very important for an officer to have detailed knowledge of the people, places and culture in the areas where they work. Know your contact’s name, telephone, fax, and email

Dr. Willard Maxwell, Jr. has partnered with the Newport News Police Foundation, Ferguson, Patrick Henry Mall, New Beech Grove Baptist Church Community Development Center, Coalition of Concerned Clergy and a host of elected officials, community leaders, and business owners to bridge the gap between local law enforcement and the community in which they serve.

As a local Pastor who also serves as a volunteer Police Chaplain, Dr. Willard Maxwell, Jr. has witnessed first hand the devastation this tension and distrust has had on the community. "My vision is to ensure at least one positive interaction between law enforcement and the community," says Maxwell, "with the hopes that this [the tournament] can begin to ease tension, eliminate stereotypical views and serve as a breeding ground for unity among each group."

The 2017 InTouch Basketball Tournament was comprised of three tournaments held in various Newport News Communities to include the South, North, and Central precincts. The tournament will culminate on August 4, 2017, with championship tournament, backpack giveaway, food, fun, a career fair and a host of other festivities designed to unite and strengthen the community.

Tournament Finals, Awards, and Community Activity Day:

North Precinct – August 4, 2017 9AM-5PM

Denbigh Community Center
15198 Warwick Blvd.
Newport News, VA 23608

To volunteer or to donate to this worthwhile cause visit https://www.newbeechgrove.org/ or contact Roxann Norman at (757) 928-5088 for more information.