Henrico PAL honors youth, advocates

From his childhood growing up in Oakland, California, Antonio Davis went on to travel the world, play 16 years of pro basketball, and rack up a career total of more than 9,000 points and 6,700 rebounds on four NBA teams.

But as he told a crowd of Henrico Police Athletic League supporters last fall, the self-described "skinny kid with a lot of dreams" never could have made it so far without the benefit of youth sports programs.

In his keynote speech at Henrico PAL's 15th Annual Awards Banquet, Davis noted that the coaches who introduced him to sports did not simply teach him ball-handling and shooting skills. He credits his coaches – and the game of basketball – for imparting important character-building traits as well.

"Things I still use today," Davis said, citing a list that included "to work hard when no one is watching, to work through adversity, to bond as a team. Perseverance."

The coaches of his teams at the Boys and Girls Club, PAL, and the city's parks and recreation department also mentored him in important ways, said Davis.

"I had a guy in my life," he recalled, "that took the time to pull me aside when my grades were dropping and I was running with the wrong crowd." In years to come, whenever he was tired and discouraged, Davis said he would summon the memory "of him pulling me aside and whispering in my ear. Telling me that he knew I was destined for something great."

PAL officials become 'like surrogate parents'

The awards ceremony, held Oct. 30 at The Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa in Sport Pump, also featured remarks from Henrico PAL Board President Johnny Newman. A former NBA player himself, Newman remarked that although he and Davis were on opposing teams, they enjoyed a friendly rivalry off the court.

Another highlight of the evening was a performance from Officer Mervin Mayo, a nationally recognized gospel recording artist who has performed on America's Got Talent.

But the musical entertainment and the speeches were mere warm-ups for the heart of the celebration, which recognized PAL's youth leadership, community supporters, and volunteers for their many contributions.

In addition to spotlighting local organizations and individuals that assist with PAL's summer camps and after-school programs, the awards also honored board members, staff, and members of the Youth Leadership Council. YLC teens not only participate in community service projects, college tours, and leadership retreats, but also have the opportunity to earn scholarships – several of which were awarded at the banquet.

Sgt. Kenny Ragland (Retired), HPAL's executive director, pointed out how gratifying it is to see "PAL kids" grow up in the organization and go on to become young adults with promising futures.

"We're like surrogate parents," he said. "We get young people as kindergartners, and they come all the way through adulthood."

About the time the kids reach fourth or fifth grade, Ragland explained, "We start dangling the carrot in front of the kids," and encouraging them to give back to PAL. Before long, he said with a smile, he hears, "Sgt. Ragland, Sgt. Ragland, I want to be a counselor!"

Guard rails needed

Davis can vouch for the urge to give back to his community; he has long been involved as a volunteer with Oakland's Coaching Corps, which connects low-income kids to coaches and mentors.

During the pandemic, when courts and gyms were forced to close, he volunteered with an Oakland food pantry that he can remember walking past in his old neighborhood.

Davis can also attest to the demand for groups such as PAL, which he says are needed more than ever in a changing world – one that poses dangers he did not have to face in his day.

"I knew many who went down the wrong path," he said of his Oakland childhood. "But I had a community in my life to protect me. . . I had people in my life giving me structure, and guard rails."

Today, Davis said, it's harder to create structure in young lives, who have technology at their fingertips. "The guard rails are being taken off with social media."

Davis said he does his best to convey to youngsters that, in his eyes, "Success isn't about being a pro. It's about you being the best you can be."

It takes groups like PAL, he emphasized, to inspire young people to achieve that best.

"Keep inspiring. Keep building," Davis concluded.

"PAL doesn't just build players. It builds leaders."

For details about Henrico PAL, visit henricopal.org.