Damian Lillard Hosts Fourth Annual Community Barbecue in Oakland

For the fourth consecutive year, Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard hosted a community barbecue in his hometown of Oakland on Saturday. His out-of-pocket funding and help from city council member Desley Brooks provided free food and backpacks for youths that gathered at Brookfield Park, according to Allison Weeks and Philippe Djegal of KRON 4 News.

For the past four years, Lillard has teamed up with Brooks, holding a free community picnic and backpack giveaway at Brookfield Park.

“It’s about community, its about appreciating where you come from, its about dreams making sure that these young kids in this community know they can reach the heights that he has,” Brooks said.

Such altruism is commonplace for Lillard, who is widely known for his community outreach efforts, but its meaning is unique for community members who see Lillard giving back to the people that helped build him up, continuing a much needed cycle of positivity.