Pearl 31 Inc Foundation is an organization designed to help the youth grow into superstars. This organization was created by Brownsville native Dwayne “Pearl” Washington. A lot of you guys may know him for his role in the NBA. He played for the New Jersey Nets, which is now the Brooklyn Nets, and Miami Heat. Unfortunately he passed away in 2016. Now Janie Washington Bennett who’s his sister, is currently keeping his legacy alive by running the Pearl 31 Inc Foundation.
P.E.A.R.L stands for Providing Education And Revitalizing Lives. Ms. Bennett main objective is to provide educational opportunities along with life skills to those who live in her community. She wants to make Brownsville a safe place for families to live. Recently I had the opportunity to meet her at a public school located in Brooklyn. I spoke with her briefly and met some of the kids who plays basketball for her organization. Hearing her story and how she became a successful principal for the Department of Education, inspired me to want to do more in the educational system.
This summer the young children were blessed with the chance to compete in different tournaments at Gersh Park, the Salvation Army, and more. They recently won a championship and received a ring and a trophy. The Brooklyn Nets have been backing them and supporting their journey as well. Some of the kids were granted the opportunity to attend some of their games in the past as an award for their hard work and dedication. Ms Bennett has been doing everything she can along with Malik and the coaches to keep these young children off the streets.
