Sen. Moseley-Braun's bill seeks $6 million to aid youth basketball league - Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun - Brief Article

Jet, June 14, 1993

Recognizing a need r inner-city youth basketball leagues across the country, Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun recently proposed a bill to finance youth leagues with up to $6 million in federal dollars. Moseley-Braun, once a captain of her high school basketball team, noted that there is a precise federal interest in the program because it provides gang members and potential recruits with options.

"On spring and summer days around our nation, you can go to literally thousands of parks and see young Americans playing little league baseball," Moseley-Braun said while addressing the Senate to introduce the bill.

"In 41 communities, however, something a bit less traditional is going on. At 10 p.m. and later in these 41 communities, you can see what is known as "Midnight Basketball."

The Midnight Basketball League would benefit from the bill. In many urban areas, youths affiliated with gangs have been formed at public housing developments. The teams traditionally play during the hours that crimes are committed, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.