TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Topeka’s religious community and city leaders are taking the time to honor a group of student athletes for their reaction to a difficult situation.
In early December, the Topeka High School boys’ basketball team was playing on the street and came under fire from what witnesses described as offensive and potentially racist comments and behavior.
Pastor Carl Frazier and Mayor Mike Padilla visited Eye on NE Kansas to explain the conversations that took place among the clergy after the incident and how the clergy then worked with the city for an event to recognize their positive behavior in a negative situation.
Frazier said as plans were being made, they learned how the Highland Park boys’ team canceled a game when verbal fighting in the warmup got out of hand. In both cases, Frazier and Padilla agreed that the results could have been different if students had responded differently.
The community is invited to a student recognition event, “Concerned Clergy Saluting Excellence.” It will take place from 6-7pm on March 6 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. It will include remarks from Dr. Ruben West and performances by the drum line and cheerleaders from Topeka High and the International Academy Youth Choir.
