Harlem Globetrotter talks bullying prevention at San Francisco school
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- October is Bullying Prevention Month. That means groups nationwide are working now to bring awareness to this important issue. The Harlem Globetrotters have joined the effort, teaming up with a San Francisco school to deliver a message of compassion toward others.
Fatima "TNT" Maddox is one of the ambassadors of goodwill, the only woman on the Harlem Globetrotters' exhibition team.
She came to deliver the Globetrotters' message of bullying prevention to the girls at The Hamlin School in San Francisco. It's as simple as ABC.
The "A" stands for action.
"We feel like it's not right for kids to go to school and be in fear," said TNT. "We tell the kids all the time school is for fun and for learning."
The "B" stands for brave.
"It also takes bravery to go over to someone who you know has been bullied and you know you may be a target next but to still just talk to them and say hey it's alright, you got a person here for you, for yourself and myself included," said student Maya Thompson.
TNT added, "One of the bravest things you can do when it comes to bullying is not join in when someone else is being bullied."
And the "C" stands for compassion.
"The compassion is caring but it's caring enough care to act, not just to stand back and look, but to stand up," said Wanda Holland Greene, head of The Hamlin School.
Students at The Hamlin School are constantly reminded of those three key words -- action, bravery, and compassion.
And there is always time to learn other skills while having fun. TNT showed off some of her skills after talking to the students.
"If someone is bullying you because you're different, don't change yourself," said student Siena Martin.
That's a message the Globetrotters are delivering to other schools and communities.
ABC7 News staff wore purple on Thursday to show support during this anti-bullying month. It was our day of action called Spirit Day 2015. To show how you're taking a stand against bullying, post your photos on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with #abc7now.
