Judge Judy Bailiff Heads to Oakland to Host OK Program's Community Unity Celebration in the Park

HAYWARD, Calif. - May 17, 2016 - PRLog -- Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises~~~~

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Jim Hill
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Darron Story
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Judge Judy Bailiff Heads to Oakland to Host OK Program's Community Unity Celebration in the Park

KIC'IT In The Park '16 to highlight the contributions of youth, positive relationships between community and law enforcement

Television personality Petri Hawkins-Byrd, known for his role as the popular bailiff on the television court program Judge Judy, will serve as the master of ceremonies for KIC'IT In The Park '16, a special gathering that celebrates the spirit and vitality of young people and promotes unity in Bay Area communities. The free event will be held in Oakland on Saturday, May 21 at Verdese Carter Park, 98th Ave. and Bancroft Ave. from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

KIC'IT In The Park '16 will feature a community picnic with free food and soft drinks, a host of fun games and activities for youth and families, a free food give-away, and a special performance by the ACTS Full Gospel Choir. The event also will provide opportunities for residents to get to know each other as well as police officers, faith-based leaders, elected officials, and other community-based leaders who will be on hand to meet, greet and interact with KIC'IT In The Park attendees.

"I'm looking forward to seeing hundreds of friends and families in Oakland for this very special fun day in the Park," said Hawkins-Byrd, known affectionately as Byrd by Judge Judy and others. "We want to celebrate our youth, as well as highlight all the positive things that are being done in our communities, especially the efforts between the Oakland Police Department and Oakland's OK Program," added Byrd, who serves as the Chair of the national OK Program Board of Directors. "Both organizations work hard to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the African-American community. KIC'IT in The Park is just one example of a program that reinforces those efforts and brings unity to the community."

According to Bishop Bob Jackson, Senior Pastor ACTS Full Gospel Church, and Chair of the Board of the Oakland OK Program, the KIC'IT in The Park partners include the Oakland OK Program, Oakland, Police Department, Allen Temple Baptist Church, in addition to Acts Full Gospel.

The OK Program (Our Kids) was founded in 1990 in Rancho Cordova, Calif. to develop leadership and critical thinking skills in African-American boys, promote their academic excellence, and most importantly to reduce the high rates of incarceration and homicides that young black males were facing. In addition to Oakland, there currently are OK Programs in Little Rock, AR, Indianapolis, IN, Monroe, LA, Rockdale County, GA, Kansas City, KS, and Kansas City, MO.

"We want people from throughout the Bay Area to join us at the KIC'IT in The Park celebration to show their support for peaceful communities where our young people not only survive, but really thrive and live long productive lives," said Jackson, the event's lead organizer.

He added that the OK Program is the country's best example of the positive things that happen in the lives of young black boys when African-American men get involved and serve as positive role models and mentors. He cited examples of OK alums who are now university professors and staff members, law enforcement officers, attorneys, entertainers, public school teachers, and successful entrepreneurs. "There's no question, we need the OK Program in every city across this country. It really is time to get with the program," added Jackson.

For more information about the OK Program and ways to provide financial support, please visit: www.okprogram.org.