Ford receives the 2012 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award
I first met Rick Ford five years ago when I caught word of an upstart little-league program in a rough Philadelphia neighborhood called Strawberry Mansion and decided to do a City Paper cover story on it.
That story, linked here, sparked an interest and support that extended beyond a journalistic story. I go back to Mander Playground each Opening Day of the Strawberry Mansion All-Stars season, and for the coaches/parents game vs. the FBI/law enforcement community.
It’s a great program that actually helps steer youngsters away from other street pursuits. The FBI agreed. To wit:
Special Agent in Charge (SAC) George C. Venizelos, of the Philadelphia Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is pleased to announce that the Philadelphia-based Strawberry Mansion All-Star Baseball League will be presented with the 2012 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Strawberry Mansion All-Star Baseball League founder and Commissioner Derrick Ford will be accepting this award on behalf of the League. …
Since 1990, the FBI has publicly recognized and honored the achievements of individuals and organizations for their continued efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs and violence in America with the Community Leadership Award. Each year, one individual or organization in each of the FBI’s 56 field offices is selected whose achievements in the terrorism, crime, drug, gang, and/or violence prevention and education field have had exemplary impact on the community.
The Strawberry Mansion All-Star Baseball League is an organization dedicated to providing the youth of the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia with respect and pride in their community through structured athletic activities and an emphasis on the principles of education and family values. The League works to proactively address violence within our communities.
An honor well-deserved.