Fathers and Sons Together (FAST) recently hosted the Basketball Empowerment Camp Honoring Slick Watts at the Rainier Beach Community Center in Seattle. The event was designed as a direct community response to recent gun violence, addressing the urgent need for collective healing and community building in the neighborhood. 

Partnering with the WATTS Foundation, Seattle Neighborhood Group, and the Seattle Police Department, FAST centered the gathering around the theme, “Play Together. Protect Together. Rise Together.” FAST Co-Executive Director Cathie Wilmore emphasized the significance of the Rainier Beach neighborhood, noting that while they have experienced tragedy, they are fundamentally a very resilient community.

Former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Garry Gilliam, now CEO of The Bridge Eco Village, attended the event, sharing his firm belief that "talent is evenly distributed, but resources and opportunity are not," and stressed his desire to help build that bridge for local youth.

The celebration culminated in a moving tribute to the event's namesake, Seattle SuperSonics legend Slick Watts, a figure celebrated for his foundational work and deep commitment to youth and mentorship in the community. City Council President Joy Hollingsworth presented an official proclamation of "Slick Watts Day" to Donald Watts on behalf of his late father. 

The basketball camp demonstrated the Rainier Beach community's resilience, proving that by centering youth and families, a robust foundation for real safety and hope can be built.

Learn more about FAST fastfathersandsonstogether.org