Hundreds of turkeys made their way into the hands of community members, and hundreds of points were scored on the basketball court by high school athletes during the 2nd annual Terrence Clarke memorial event last Saturday (Nov. 23) at Roxbury’s Vine Street Community Center.
The event is named for the hoop star from Dorchester who died in 2021 at age 19 after a car accident in Los Angeles, where he was training for the NBA draft. He was expected to be a marquee pick after having had a standout season at the University of Kentucky.

“This year’s TC5 Community Gift Back event was a powerful celebration of unity and love,” said organizer Russell Martin. “We gave away nearly 600 turkeys, bringing families and the community together in Terrence Clarke’s honor. With incredible support from all corners, we turned a moment into a movement, spreading the peace and compassion the world needs.”

Dorchester residents Carla Hands and Miles Graham, volunteers from the Shirley Public Schools METCO program, handed out more than 600 turkeys.

Clarke’s father, Adrian Briggs, was in attendance again.

“This event is near and dear to my heart because this is absolutely what Terrence would have wanted,” Briggs said. “Every time I went up and watched the games, I could see him there playing ball. It’s hard for me, but it is also a joy and I hope we can continue it for as long as possible.”
Clark’s college coach, John Calipari, chimed in by video, saying: “What you all are doing in Terrence’s name is incredible. To keep his name alive and do it through charity and helping others and families and creating hope – all the things Terrence was about - I encourage you to be involved and let’s keep Terrence’s name alive.”

Dorchester volunteer Lisa Searcy stands in front of the Vine Street memorial to Terrence Clarke.

Mayor Wu, who attended the event, said: “It’s a hard time for everyone to be able to make ends meet and put food on the table; it’s so encouraging to see everyone here and coming together in Terrence’s name to make sure every family can have a special holiday,” she said. “That means so much.”

On the basketball court named for Clarke, a raucous and competitive pre-season high school basketball tournament played out between Brookline High School, Fenway High School, Charlestown High School, and the Jeremiah Burke High School. Coordinated by Nugget (who commonly doesn’t use his full name in print), a Dorchester hoops coach and organizer, the tournament was very competitive and a nice peek into what to expect in the upcoming winter season. Brookline prevailed over the Burke in the championship.

Dorchester’s Lina Alexander helps to distribute yellow squash at the food pantry.

Dorchester volunteers Fatou and Issa Mata – part of the Shirley Public Schools Metco program – handed out potatoes.

Charlestown High’s Jerry Brown goes up for an easy two during a tournament game against Brookline High.

Clarke’s father, Adrian Briggs, with sponsor Danny Lambert of Dorchester’s Lambert’s Rainbow Fruit Market, and event organizer Russell Martin.

Mayor Michelle Wu and Council President Ruthzee Louijeune gathered with other leaders to celebrate the 2nd annual event.

Coach Willie Maye, of the Boston Celtics, acted as the emcee for the event and the basketball games.

State Sen. Liz Miranda (center) stopped for a photo with volunteers from the Shirley Public Schools Metco program while handing out turkeys and the fixins’ on Saturday.