What's behind Detroit's new summer Midnight Basketball League
Detroit has launched a new Midnight Basketball League for residents aged 18-26 as part of its summer violence prevention efforts. The initiative, tied to Mayor Mary Sheffield's Occupy The Summer program, includes mentorship and support services alongside organized games. Local high school basketball stars from Detroit King and Detroit Renaissance helped promote the league in a city-produced video.
- ▪The Midnight Basketball League is a seven-week summer program for Detroit residents aged 18-26.
- ▪It is part of Mayor Mary Sheffield's Occupy The Summer initiative aimed at reducing summer crime.
- ▪The league will operate at Heilmann, Adams Butzel, and Kemeny Recreation Centers, locations chosen for their proximity to active crime intervention areas.
- ▪Players from Detroit King and Detroit Renaissance high school teams starred in a promotional video with the mayor.
- ▪The program offers not only basketball but also mentorship and wraparound social services.
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