The program was designed in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence to help reduce bullying and violence among youth in schools and communities. The program focuses on Action, Bravery, and Compassion, comprising the ABCs.
McClurkin led the students in an interactive presentation to teach students how to spot bullying behavior and how to respond, including walking away and telling a teacher.
The program targets elementary and middle school students and involves Globetrotter players discussing the three key words in the ABCs and tools that kids can use on a daily basis to reduce bullying. The Globetrotters equate what it means to be part of a team to how kids can offer support to one another to help stop bullying. McClurkin used the Globetrotters’ signature ball handling skills to engage students during the informative presentation.
He cited the creation of the Harlem Globetrotters in 1926 due to African-Americans not being allowed to play in the National Basketball League and said the Globetrotters helped to get the first African-American player signed by an NBA team and a change in perception.
“Excluding anyone from a sport due to their race or gender is bullying,” McClurkin said.
