Mayor Ras J. Baraka, as part of Community Family Fun Day, will be refereeing a high school youth three-on-three basketball tournament onFriday, August 11, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and continuing until 8:00 p.m., in the Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center at 300 Clinton Avenue.

The event is, in part, in honor of Shani Baraka, the Mayor’s late sister, a longtime athletic coach who was herself a victim of domestic violence. Her birthday falls on August 12.Alongside the basketball tournament, the festival will include live jazz, spoken word poetry, workshops, information services, food, music, games, free health screenings, and special guests. It is free and open to the public.

The Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center acts as a one-stop center for women in crisis. It provides immediate full-time on-site health screening, crisis, mental health, and addiction, counseling and mental health services, victims’ and children’s assistance and support, and employment counseling. The center also provides emergency services for food, clothing, and shelter.

At only 31 years old, Shani Baraka left an indelible mark on all who knew her.  She was a teacher, activist and role model. The Center honors her memory by providing a safe haven for women and children.

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WHO:             Mayor Ras J. Baraka

                      Other special guests

WHAT:            Will referee the three-on-three basketball tournament at Community Family Fun Day event.

WHEN:           Friday, August 11

                       3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE:       Shani Baraka Women’s Resource Center

                        300 Clinton Avenue

                        Newark

For more information, contact the Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004 or (201) 207-6030.

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

-NEWARK-