The week of events included the East/West Vintage Baseball Game.
As part of an initiative to celebrate Blacks in baseball, an organization in Prince George’s County, Md. held its sixth annual week of celebration, July 31 to Aug. 1, dedicated to teaching youth the history of Blacks in baseball.
“I would like our residents and youths to know more about the untold stories of some great baseball players who were not able to play in Major League Baseball. Because of segregation, they were denied the opportunity to play America’s game of baseball,” Dwayne Renal Sims, founder of the Negro League Legends Hall of Fame, said.
The week included a signing of Sims’ book, “Scurlock – Negro Leagues” at the Bowie Public Library on Hall Road, a Black Baseball Exhibit presentation at the Smithsonian Museum in Anacostia, an auto car show, and the East/West Vintage Baseball Game at the Prince George’s Stadium located on Crain Highway. The youth played a role in each event by being hosts, helpers, or as presenters of awards to recognize individuals helping to make a difference in the lives of young Black children.
“It is important to introduce the youth to a sport that they are not choosing to play and one of the reasons is that there are not enough ball parks being built in their communities,” Sims said.
Leon Harris, anchor with WJLA 7 ABC News, received the Spirit Award for his charity Harris’ Heroes. “There is not enough mentioning of all the good news in our communities . . . there are many that are making a positive difference every day, so let’s talk about it,” Sims said. He said he hopes the week motivates the youth to become more curious about the history in their communities.
Not only did Harris win an award at the week’s concluding event, he was also a guest speaker along with U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) at the baseball game. “Keeping historical moments alive enriches our lives every day,” Harris told the crowd at the stadium.
