Last year’s 9th annual Safe At Home Game was a truly surreal experience for me. As I watched a WSBTV Channel 2 interview featuring Atlanta Police Department Major Ralph Woolfolk IV and LEAD Ambassador alum Jakari Wade, two of my favorite people on earth, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration.
Both Major Woolfolk and Jakari hold a special place in my heart. Not only are they exceptional individuals, but they also share a common background as former catchers on the baseball field. As someone who had the pleasure of being Major Woolfolk’s hitting coach during his high school years, I witnessed firsthand his incredible athleticism, high aptitude, and quick bat. Seeing him excel at Morehouse College and now serving Atlanta as a Major in the Atlanta Police Department reaffirms my belief that the game of baseball truly helps shape leaders in life.
Jakari, on the other hand, is a student at Alabama State University and works with LEAD Center For Youth as an intern Program Coordinator/Coach. His aspirations to pursue a career in law enforcement after college reflect his dedication to serving his community. Standing side by side with Major Woolfolk during the interview, I have no doubt that Jakari will continue to accomplish great things.
The Safe At Home Game holds a special significance in bringing together Atlanta’s inner-city high school baseball players with officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Public Schools Police Department, Georgia Tech Police Department, and Deputies from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. This 7-inning, self-officiated baseball game serves a greater purpose beyond the field – it fosters a sense of competition, trust, and respect between two communities that often struggle to find common ground.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Safe At Home Game, slated for Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Baseball Stadium, I’m filled with gratitude for the impact this event has had on bridging divides and fostering meaningful connections. Here’s to many more years of promoting unity and understanding through the power of baseball.
SafeAtHomeGame #CommunityUnity #LeadershipDevelopment #BaseballForChange
