The Dallas Police Department and Dallas ISD Police Department will host the 2nd Annual Unity Classic – Bridging the Badge & the Block on August 29, bringing together law enforcement officers, community leaders, and residents to honor the life and legacy of fallen Dallas police officer Darron Burks.
The free, family-friendly event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ellis Davis Field House, 9191 S. Polk St. Organizers say the event is designed to strengthen relationships between police and the community while celebrating Burks’ commitment to service as an officer, mentor, and educator.
“Join Dallas PD, Dallas ISD PD, and community leaders on August 29, 2026, for the Second Annual Unity Classic – Bridging the Badge and the Block,” the Dallas Police Department said in a post on X. “Held to honor the legacy of Officer Darron Burks, #12543, this free community event brings together officers, community leaders, and members of Officer Burks’ fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, for friendly competition and a youth basketball clinic.”
Join Dallas PD, Dallas ISD PD, and community leaders on August 29, 2026, for the Second Annual Unity Classic – Bridging the Badge and the Block. Held to honor the legacy of Officer Darron Burks, #12543, this free community event brings together officers, community leaders, and… pic.twitter.com/EEvdwYHT3e
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) August 6, 2026
Basketball Game, Youth Clinic Highlight Event
The Unity Classic will feature a community basketball game between members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Dallas-area law enforcement officers, along with a youth basketball clinic for children ages 7 to 16. Youth participants must register in advance, with check-in beginning at 9 a.m.
Additional activities include:
- A live DJ
- Free food and snacks
- Community resource vendors
- Giveaways
- A special tribute honoring Officer Burks’ life and service
According to the event’s Eventbrite page, organizers describe the gathering as an opportunity to celebrate “community, connection, and the courageous life of Officer D. Burks.”
“This event is about more than fun — it’s about coming together, honoring a hero, and building trust and unity between police and the people they serve,” organizers said.
Admission is free, though registration is encouraged for event updates and youth clinic participation.
Remembering Officer Darron Burks
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Burks was ambushed while sitting in his patrol car in the 900 block of East Ledbetter Drive in Oak Cliff on August 29, 2024.
Police responding to the officer-in-distress call found Burks inside his patrol vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Two additional officers were wounded after exchanging gunfire with the suspect, who later led police on a chase before being shot and killed by officers.
Burks, 46, had joined the Dallas Police Department after spending nearly two decades as a math teacher and coach at Texans Can Academies. He graduated from the Dallas Police Academy in December 2023, leaving education to continue serving his community as a police officer.
The annual Unity Classic serves as both a memorial to Burks’ life and a celebration of the values he represented through his work in education, law enforcement, and the Dallas community.
During last year’s inaugural Unity event, the DPD basketball team edged out the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity team by a score of 39-38, claiming the win, trophy, and bragging rights.
Provided by Dallas Express
