During the performance, students were able to learn some new basketball tricks and how to put an end to bullying.
Tatem Elementary School students eagerly waited to see Harlem Globetrotter Chris “Handles” Franklin at a special anti-bullying performance last Friday in the school’s auditorium. During the performance, Franklin showed off basketball tricks and discussed the negative impacts of bullying in playful and engaging ways.
For 91 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have played all over the world, incorporating theatrics and humor into each performance. Franklin applied charisma to his anti-bullying campaign at Tatem and Central elementary school a few weeks ago.
During the performance, students learned some new basketball tricks and how to stop the silent epidemic affecting schools across the country — bullying. It was all laughs and excitement as students were picked out of the crowd to show off their court skills.
Some of the principles Franklin shared in the team’s anti-bullying campaign in elementary schools throughout the country include the ABC’s of bullying, which is an acronym for “action,” “bravery” and “compassion.”
The students learned how to spin a basketball, shoot some hoops and win some Harlem Globetrotters’ prizes, such as headbands and pictures.
Franklin shared his story to the students, saying that since he was 7 years old, he was inspired to be a Globetrotter from watching a Scooby-Doo episode that featured the team. Despite Franklin being bullied himself, he went on to not only get his bachelor’s degree but his master’s degree — and, of course, become a Globetrotter. He wants to show his younger fans that obtaining an education is just as important as chasing dreams.
Franklin not only prides himself and the Harlem Globetrotters on being phenomenal basketball players, but he values being able to participate on a team where he has the opportunity to be an excellent role model for kids.
“Well you know, we pride ourselves in not only being great basketball players, but great role models for kids, and it’s just so important for us to give positive messages out to the youth. They go through such a tough time, and if we can go and put a smile on their face, give them some positive principles that they can use to help them through some tough situations, we try to do that all over the world,” Franklin explained.
Franklin also prides himself and the team on having a connection with fans and hopes this anti-bullying performance will have a lasting impact on the students.
“We have a great connection with our fans. We try to make it a positive and intimate experience that they can remember forever,” Franklin said.
For more information on the Harlem Globetrotters, go to http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com.
