News

Kings and Queens Rise (KQR) co-ed youth sports and mentoring league seeks to prevent violence by providing an opportunity for Sacramento’s young people through inter-community sports activities. The league provides a caring, productive environment with community building, sportsmanship, and resources for health and safety. This eight-week initiative of the Black Child Legacy Campaign will run from June 22 through August 24 and feature 24 teams composed of nearly 400 youth from 4th through 11th grades.

“Every Thursday we get to have a practice and a game every Saturday—that brings consistency,” said KQR League Commissioner Kenneth Duncan. “That’s what our [children] need: consistency, structure and love. And I think that’s what this league provides.”

Kings and Queens Rise was created in response to the tragic killing of Stephon Clark in 2018, to commemorate his life while creating safe spaces for youth. The league brings together youth from eight neighborhoods in Sacramento—Arden Arcade, Del Paso Heights-North Sacramento, Foothill Farms-North Highlands, Fruitridge-Stockton, Marina Vista, Meadowview, Oak Park and Valley Hi—to foster friendships and unity. Black Child Legacy Campaign community partners in each neighborhood provide safe spaces for training and season games, and coaches are trained, trusted adults from these partner organizations. Last year, KQR saw 24 teams with 280 players throughout these Sacramento neighborhoods.

“These youth, they’ve got a place where they can grow,” said Lorenzo Washington, KQR coach for Arden Arcade. “A nice healthy environment where, if needed, they could express their emotions and get away from any distractions that might be outside that might be detrimental to their health.”

Over nearly 200 games, players will develop invaluable skills of teamwork, conflict resolution and communication. In past seasons, youth participants shared that KQR helped them feel safe and valued, build new friendships, minimize stress, learn new life skills, receive mentorship from their coaches, and have fun.

Anna W., a KQR parent from Marina Vista, shared, “[Kings and Queens Rise] is very community driven, and they also like to have all of the siblings and family members involved. I do appreciate that.”

KQR is hosted in partnership with the Sacramento Kings, Sierra Health Foundation, My Brother’s Keeper and Kaiser Permanente. Watch this video to learn more about Kings and Queens Rise.

The Black Child Legacy Campaign has made remarkable strides, reducing African American childhood deaths by 35% in #Sacramento since its inception in 2013. On July 31, Associate Director of Community Economic Development Shelley Dyer made an appearance on KCRA News to talk more about the campaign’s pursuit towards a long and healthy future for Sacramento families and children. Watch or read the full story at KCRA3

The Kings and Queens Rise Co-Ed Youth Sports and Mentoring League provides an opportunity for young people to engage in intercommunity sports activities. The league provides youth with a sense of community and a fun, meaningful summer full of learning experiences and memories.

Registration is open for the 2023 Season, and each Community Incubator Lead is currently registering youth! Please see our Neighborhoods page to connect with your local Community Incubator Lead.

The application due date for appointment to Sacramento County’s Steering Committee on Reduction of African American Child Deaths has been extended to Friday, June 2, 2023. Access the Steering Committee application (doc).

Black Child Legacy Campaign youth are invited to participate in the “High School Bioskills Workshop” hosted by Nth Dimensions. This event is sponsored by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation’s Black Child Legacy Campaign and My Brother’s Keeper Sacramento and will be held on Friday, March 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sacramento Youth Center. This event is designed to expose Black students to careers in the medical field through an evening of interactive workshops with Black doctors and other youth. This is a FREE event open to middle school and high school students. Refreshments will be served! Register with Nth Dimensions. Access the workshop flyer (.pdf).

Applications for appointment to Sacramento County’s Steering Committee on Reduction of African American Child Deaths are due on April 17, 2023. Access the Steering Committee application (doc).

Mutual Assistance Network will host a Black History Month celebration on Feb. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 3525 Norwood Ave. in Sacramento. The event will include performances, food and treats, and local artists and vendors. Call Mutual Assistance Network at (916) 927-7694 for registration details.

Join Liberty Towers and their team of Influential Listeners on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Student Voices. Together, they will hear more than 100 student voices on how teen trauma, substance abuse and safety can all lead to each other. Liberty Towers is at 5132 Elkhorn Blvd. in Sacramento. E-mail questions and get more information and register for the event (ImpactSac.org).

The Black Parallel School Board will host the Sacramento Unified School District Black Parent Involvement Day on Feb. 21. Parents will have an opportunity to meet teachers, observe classes, learn about what their scholars need to succeed and participate in Black History Month. Parent Involvement Training will be held virtually on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Register on Zoom.

This virtual update on July 27 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. will focus on Medi-Cal reimbursement for doulas and will provide an opportunity for attendees to share what they believe will provide support and incentive for doula participation in Medi-Cal reimbursement. Register online. Access the event flyer.