CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Much of NBA All-Star Weekend is about what happens off the basketball court and creating a lasting, positive impact for Charlotte.
All-Star Weekend is about fun and games, but serious social issues such as money, community, and policing have been addressed at various events throughout the weekend.
One of the first events was held at the Albemarle Recreation Center, where a group of parents put on an all-day basketball tournament for at risk youth from across Charlotte.
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- Official NBA All-Star Weekend website
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"I felt it was very important to have an event for them and the parents just showed up and everybody showed up and showing support so it's good," organizer LaShaundria Coleman said.
There are many celebrities in town for the weekend's events and several gathered for a Women's Empowerment Summit.
Gabriel Union, Ayesha Curry, and Ray Allen's wife and former Hornet Barron Davis talked about the issues of financial importance to women.
There was also a forum discussing law enforcement and community relations.
Officers and some former NBA players like Charles Smith, a former New York Knick talked to kids about getting along with police officers and having uncomfortable conversations.
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"What comes out of it at the end of the day is opportunities for people, teachers, and adults, teens, and youth to hear each other and learn their perspectives," Smith said.
Officials said serious discussions will continue in various forms throughout the day Sunday as well.
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