Happy 30th Anniversary To The Association of Midnight Basketball
June 26, 1986 – June 26, 2016
The Association of Midnight Basketball League, Inc. (MBL) is a concept that was developed and Implemented in 1986 by the late G. Van Van Standifer. As City Manager of Glenarden, Maryland, he became concerned about the high incidence of crime being committed late at night by youth. His feelings were that if these “at risk” youth had positive late night activities (basketball) to occupy their time, they would be too tired to commit crimes. He was correct and late night crimes was reduced by 70% in the township. Although it originally was just basketball played late at night, the concept was a raging success. It received national media coverage from prominent news anchors such as Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings. It transcended political party lines by gaining support from a Republican President, Mr. George Bush, Sr., and a democratic President, Mr. Bill Clinton. Mr. Bush invited the founder to the White House and subsequently visited the Glenarden Program. He proclaimed the program as the 124th point of Light. Mr. Clinton participated in program activities in Arkansas. He subsequently endorsed the program in his Crime Bill.
As the program grew into major cities, other components were added beyond just basketball played at night. In 1989, a mandatory educational component was added. With this addition, the program spread like wildfire and proved itself to be successful, effective program in communities where it operated.
That success naturally attracted interest from cities across the country. However, this influx of interest created growing pains for the founder’s administrative capabilities. He realized that for MBL to continue to expand in an orderly manner, it needed centralized guidance and assistance capabilities. In 1991, he established the National Association of Midnight of Association of Midnight Basketballs, Inc. (NAssociation of Midnight Basketball).
Association of Midnight Basketball TODAY
The Association of Midnight Basketball continues to provide positive alternatives for the youth and young adults of our communities.
NAssociation of Midnight Basketball = Association of Midnight Basketball
In January of 2004, The National Association of Association of Midnight Basketballs, Inc. ( NAssociation of Midnight Basketball) signed a written agreement with The Association of Association of Midnight Basketballs, Inc ( Association of Midnight Basketball ), a non – profit organization, as the official representative and governing entity for all official Association of Midnight Basketballs . ( Chapters and Activities ) Association of Midnight Basketball, Inc. also was given the rights to protect the MBL, Inc., Name, Logo, and Trademarks.
After 30 years, Association of Midnight Basketball/MBLP is still existing and cities are still wanting to be a part of the organization. We are getting cities to joining us, and help give youth and young adults in our communities an alternative to the street.
Visit the WEBSITES: www.Association of Midnight Basketball.com and www.scaredstiff.org
” The Key To The Future, Is The Knowledge Of The Past “