Bay Area – Last night, the Greater Vallejo Recreation District (District) passed a unanimous vote to provide financial resources to ensure that Vallejo’s youth have a safe space on Friday evenings during the summer. Board Member Rizal Aliga’s eyes swelled with tears as he spoke about the positive impact this program had on his upbringing. The District will provide an immediate $25k cash payment through the Solano County Community Foundation.
Louis Michael of Touro University organizes Late Night Basketball. The program is more than just basketball. Before the first shot is taken, the participants must attend mandatory classroom sessions on health, wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. They also receive a meal. Basketball is just the carrot to get community participation.
The pillars of the Vallejo community pledged resources and joint engagement to ensure the program’s success. Dr. Ramona Bishop and Tausha Johnson of Elite School will provide the gymnasium, insurance, and staff support. Mark Lampkin of the East Bay Basketball Officials Association will provide quality officials and job training. “Sarah Speaks” a mental health professional and her 13-year-old son, spoke passionately about the positive impact of the program. “This is a place where kids that can’t afford AAU basketball or don’t have the competitive skills can come and play. It’s these 12 and 13-year-olds that can’t play basketball at a high level that need somewhere to go.” Pastor Tony Summers of Impact Bible Ministries and various community members spoke about how many of these children go hungry and simply need a meal.
Despite a packed meeting with overwhelming support, the tension and passion in the District meeting were thick. Vice Chairman Tom Starnes addressed the need for prudent fiscal decisions, such as the ability to make payroll and purchase simple items, such as pens. The most passionate voice in the room was Secretary Thomas Judt who illuminated that in the face of budget deficits, “there are funds available and there is no better use of the funds.” Board Members Ward Stewart and Thomas Bell provided context and affirmed that these types of programs are what the District is supposed to support.
Late Night basketball will be hosted from June 20th to August 8th on Friday evenings from 6pm to Midnight. If you would like to participate or volunteer, visit website latenightbasketball.org or send an email to louismichaeljr@gmail.com.
