Distinguished PAL Kids Across America

Since 1914, The Police Activities League, through its many chapters across the United States, has been working to break the cycle of poverty and prevent juvenile crime and violence by promoting educational and sports activities that build bonds between cops and kids.  Throughout the League’s history many of our PAL kids have gone on to notoriety and fame.  In commemoration of Black History Month, Hollenbeck PAL would like to highlight some of our most distinguished African American Alumni. Below is a partial list:

Muhammad Ali, Boxer & Philanthropist – Boxer, philanthropist, and social activist Muhammed Ali was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. Ali won the Golden Gloves Tournament in 1959 and an Olympic gold medal in 1960. During the 1960s Ali won all of his bouts with the majority of them by knockout. Since his retirement, Ali has devoted much of his time to philanthropy.

Alicia Keys, Singer – Alicia Keys was born Alicia Augello Cook in New York City on January 25th, 1981. She began to play the piano at the age of 7 and wrote her first son by the age of 14. She was discovered at a Harlem Police Athletic League by vocal coach Conrad Robinson and friend Jeff Robinson. In 2002, in her first Grammy appearance, she went home with five statuettes, and throughout her career she’s won 14 Grammy Awards out of 27 nominations. Alicia also works as an ambassador for Keep A Child Alive and helps raise millions of dollars to provide HIV and AIDS medicine to families in developing countries.

Bill Cosby, Actor & Comedian – Bill Cosby was born July 12, 1937, Philadelphia, Pa. During his sophomore year, he left college to entertain as a stand-up comedian. Cosby’s first acting assignment, in the espionage series I Spy (1965-1968), made him the first black actor to perform in a starring dramatic role on network television. Cosby’s most successful work, The Cosby Show, appeared on NBC from 1984 to 1992.

Colin Powell, Former U.S. Secretary of State – Colin Luther Powell is a United States statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army.He was the 65th United States Secretary of State (20012005), serving under President George W. Bush. He was the first African American appointed to that position. He was the first African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Metta World Peace, Basketball Player – Formerly known as Ron Artest, Metta World Peace won the National Basketbal League’s defensive player of the year award in 2003-2004 and was part of the NBA All Star Team in 2004. He currently plays forward for the L.A. Lakers and celebrated a championship NBA championship win in 2010.  Metta World Peace has advocated for the ethical treatment of animals as well as contributed greatly to the awareness of mental health issues nationwide.

Larry Holmes, Boxer – Larry Holmes was born November 3, 1949 in Cuthbert, Georgia. In the mid-1970s he was a sparring partner for both competing heavyweight champions, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. From 1973 to 1978 Holmes won 28 consecutive bouts. In 1978 he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight crown.

Oscar Robertson, Basketball Player – Oscar Robertson was born on November 24, 1938, in Charlotte, Tennessee. He grew up in Indianapolis and in 1956 became the first African American to play basketball at the University of Cincinnati. While in college, he set 14 NCAA records. In 1960, he won a gold as part of the U.S. team at the Olympics. The NBA drafted him that same year.