The ninth season of Kings & Queens Rise (KQR) concluded on August 22 with an all-day championship celebration at Sacramento State University, bringing together youth, families, coaches and community partners to celebrate a summer of growth, teamwork and achievement.
Watch the Championship Day Recap Video
An initiative of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation’s Black Child Legacy Campaign, Kings & Queens Rise is much more than a basketball and cheer league. Founded in 2018 in response to the killing of Stephon Clark, Kings & Queens Rise creates safe spaces where youth can build confidence, develop leadership skills and form meaningful relationships across Sacramento neighborhoods.
This summer, approximately 350 youth participated across 24 teams, engaging not only in sports but also in weekly mentorship and curriculum-based conversations focused on values such as nonviolence, identity, teamwork, emotional wellness, respect, community, leadership and resilience.
“Kings and Queens Rise is about more than what happens on the court,” said Shelley Jones, Managing Director of Local Initiatives at The Center at Sierra Health Foundation. “Every summer, young people from across Sacramento are building confidence, forming lasting friendships and learning from mentors who believe in them.”
Championship Day also highlighted the growing network of partners supporting Sacramento youth. Alongside longstanding partners including the Sacramento Kings and Sacramento State University, this season welcomed support from United Way California Capital Region and PG&E. The Sacramento Kings helped make the day especially memorable with appearances by Slamson and back-to-school backpacks for participants.
For many young people, the impact of Kings & Queens Rise extends far beyond competition.
“Being here makes me feel understood, listened to, very important and like I really mean something in this world,” said participant Cayden Taylor.
As the season comes to a close, Kings & Queens Rise continues to demonstrate the power of sports, mentorship and community connection to create safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for Sacramento youth. To continue providing these opportunities for the next generation, we rely on the support of community partners, funders and champions who believe every young person deserves a safe place to belong, grow and lead.
Follow the Season
Throughout the summer, participants explored eight core values that shaped the Kings & Queens Rise experience. Catch up on each week below: