‘Black-ish’ TV star visits Eastern Shore school to celebrate new PAL program
CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The screams coming from Mace’s Lane Middle School’s students could probably be heard from miles away. And their excitement was all for good reason. On Friday, the school hosted celebrity guest Miles Brown ,who plays Jack Johnson on ABC’s hit TV show Black-ish, to help kick off Cambridge Police Department’s newest Police Athletic League program.
“I just want to get the message out because I know that they can do what I can do,” said Brown.
The Police Athletic League, also known as PAL, is a nationwide program that allows police officers and other volunteers to serve as mentors to the youth, while also providing a safe place for kids to learn, grow, and be inspired. And with some convincing from two Cambridge police officers, the program will now be offered to kids in the city.
“The kids around here need something to do and they need a safe environment to be in and that’s what we’re going to provide for them,” said Kason Washington, police officer with the Cambridge Police Department.
“The importance is trying to show kids again not only are we police officers, we are members of the community and we care about them just as much as parents and other folks,” said Officer John Foster.
During the kick-off event, Brown took the opportunity to share his own personal experience being involved in PAL, and how it ultimately changed his life.
“I don’t even think I would be here if it weren’t for PAL because I started acting through dance and I started dancing at the PAL so if it weren’t for them I probably wouldn’t have started dancing and then I wouldn’t have gone into acting and I wouldn’t have gotten here which was to spread the message to other kids,” said Brown.
Program officials say having Brown there to tell his story to kids his own age, will help them to realize they can do whatever they put their minds to.
“I think it’s important that they see kids who look like them or are similar in age to them, because they realize that they have access to things that Miles has,” said Executive Director for the DMV PAL, Cherelle Hill.
PAL organizers say the program is starting up next week and it will be held at Mace’s Lane Middle School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 pm. If you live in the area and are interested in signing up your kids for the program, you can contact either Officer Washington or Officer Foster with the Cambridge Police Department at 410-228-3333.
