The vibrant spirit of community and remembrance converged on Saturday at Bernard Brown Park, as the third annual Mr. Uniondale 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament unfolded. This poignant event serves as a powerful tribute to Xavier Parris, a beloved Uniondale alumnus whose life was tragically cut short, while simultaneously raising vital scholarship funds for graduating students of Uniondale High School.
Parris was celebrated not only for his exceptional athletic abilities across basketball, football, baseball, and lacrosse during his time at Uniondale High School but also for his captivating presence. His family fondly recalled a “silky smooth dancer” with an undeniably magnetic personality, a fun-loving individual whose contagious smile and knack for humor brightened the lives of those around him.
However, this vibrant life ceased abruptly in October 2022, when Parris was just 26 years old. His untimely passing left his family grappling with immense grief, yet they have admirably channeled their sorrow into a profound purpose: the continuation and growth of this annual tournament, transforming pain into a lasting legacy of support for future generations.
Over its three-year history, the Mr. Uniondale tournament has already made a significant impact, with past events successfully raising as much as $8,000 for scholarships. Empress Henderson, Xavier’s mother, expressed her earnest hope this year’s rendition would surpass previous fundraising achievements, underscoring the family’s unwavering dedication to honoring her son’s memory.
The choice of Bernard Brown Park as the tournament’s venue holds deep sentimental value. As hip-hop, R&B, and the rhythmic sound of bouncing basketballs filled the air, Henderson remarked that the park felt like the “perfect place” to host the gathering, given Parris’s countless hours spent perfecting his hoops skills on its very courts.
Although Empress Henderson and her family now reside in Massapequa, their roots in Uniondale remain profound, having lived there for 14 years. Xavier’s father, Terrance Henderson, has dedicated 23 years to educating students at Uniondale’s Turtle Hook Middle School, further solidifying the family’s enduring connection to the community. Like his late brother, Solomon Henderson also distinguished himself as a standout athlete at Uniondale High School.
The devastating circumstances of Xavier Parris’s death were clarified by Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly’s office in March 2024. Parris, who had been celebrating a friend’s birthday, was a backseat passenger in a Dodge Charger on October 29, 2022, when the vehicle, driven by the friend’s stepfather, collided with a tree on Jerusalem Avenue in Hempstead. The driver, Donnell Hill, a former MTA bus driver, was reported to be heavily intoxicated and driving at a perilous 97 miles per hour.
Through the unwavering efforts of his family and the strong support of the community, the Mr. Uniondale 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament stands as a beacon of remembrance, ensuring Xavier Parris’s inspiring spirit and dedication to Uniondale continue to benefit local graduates for years to come. This enduring event not only memorializes a cherished life but also powerfully advocates for responsible choices and community unity.
