A celebration marked the two-year anniversary Friday of the death of a Pearl Washington, the former basketball player from Brooklyn. 

His real name was Dwayne Washington. He played basketball for Syracuse University before joining the NBA to play for the New Jersey Nets, which years later became the Brooklyn Nets.

After his NBA career ended, his family said he was devoted to giving back to the Brooklyn community. His mission was cut short when he died of brain cancer two years ago. 

His family carried on his legacy by holding an event in his honor, holding raffles of autographed NBA memorabilia to raise money for a summer basketball program.

Relatives said they wanted to give kids a chance to play the game that meant so much to Washington.