By Kathy Chouteau
Richmond Police Department Detective Orlando “OJ” Johnson—a popular youth mentor at RPAL (Richmond Police Activities League)—was on the cusp of being honored with an event there when he recently lost his life to cancer.
The “Heart Classic Basketball Tournament and Mural Unveiling” honoring the late OJ will go on, according to Brandon Evans, and welcomes the community to join in on Sat., March 29 at Noon at RPAL. The event is a collaboration between the Yellow Heart Committee and RPAL.
A “Basketball Tournament” for boys and girls youth teams (age 7+) and the adult division will take place during the event, as will a mural unveiling and reception dedicated to OJ at Noon. A proclamation from the Mayor’s Office is also scheduled, to be presented by a representative of the City of Richmond.
To participate in the tournament, which will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, and to find out more information, click here to fill out a short form. A $50 registration fee applies toward a fundraiser looking to build a community center in OJ’s honor. To that end, also see this GoFundMe.
To volunteer or attend the event, click here. RPAL is located at 2200 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond.
