UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Basketball can bring just about everybody together, but basketball with a message is what sets this group apart.
Prison Fellowship hosted around 150 kids aged 7-17 for a basketball camp at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden Saturday. The campers have or had an incarcerated parent.
“I was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and my mom and dad weren’t necessarily with me all the time," said 17-year-old Josai Prevot whose parents were incarcerated. Normally it is a situation he'd have to face alone, but at this camp he's in the majority.
“Just hearing everyone’s different sides and how everyone has a different background, a different mindset, it made me feel connected in a way and not alone," said Prevot who now lives in Manassas, Virginia with his grandmother.
“It’s a bigger problem than people probably realize, and a lot of times people don’t really feel safe to talk about it, but these camps, this is a place where it’s safe to talk about and process and get support," said Prison Fellowship President & CEO Heather Rice-Minus.
Campers in attendance got the chance to shoot some hoops with former professional basketball player, Brandon Johnson, who knows what these kids are going through.
"I was incarcerated when my son was out and then my mom was incarcerated," said Johnson. "For me, talking to those babies, people tell him, ‘Hey, he’s an NBA guy’. That’s not my story. My story is ‘hey, I’m like you.’”
Johnson was arrested at the beginning of a promising professional basketball career. The college star played for the Phoenix Suns in Summer League action and was on the Washington Wizards' preseason roster, according to his website.
“I was sentenced to prison for points shaving in college," said Johnson, a former standout at the University of San Diego.
It was a mistake that derailed his life but gave him a new purpose.
“To be alone in that world is tough," said Johnson. "I’ve seen it, I’ve experienced it, and it puts you in a position to make decisions that you wouldn’t have made.”
Now he guides and motivates kids around the country that are in his shoes.
“I love it because we’re all so connected, and I understand these kids’ struggles," said Johnson.
Campers left with a free basketball, new pair of shoes and a new perspective.
“It helps me to reflect that we all come from different backgrounds, but in some situations and areas we’re the same," said Prevot.
Prison Fellowship said it reaches 250,000 kids across the country every year.
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