IMAGINE A SATURDAY IN THE GYM
Imagine a gymnasium full of tall athletic young men, families, children, babies, Grandmothers, mentors and friends in Deep East Oakland.
Imagine an intense game being played with slam dunks, deep three pointers, bodies flying into each other, captains leading their teams and a lead official from the same Oakland streets who can handle all the intensity without showing any sign of stress.
Imagine Josh Hatcher, league manager, bringing all the players in the next game together at half court and leading a chant of “Brotherhood.” Now he’s passing out gifts to groups of small children. Next he is jumping into a team huddle to calm one player down and encourage another.
Imagine a young man getting off a long exhausting graveyard shift at a warehouse or as a security guard having something fun, healthy and safe to look forward to this weekend.
Imagine a Grandmother watching her Grandson with pride, the 6’9” man with long arms and skills, who she thought would be in the NBA if things had played out differently. Now she tells us she loves to be able to support him in a community league like ours.
Imagine Wayne Clarke, starting a Mentoring Into Manhood group at OLC, making the rounds and getting to know players. Keith Delaney, employment specialist for OLC, meets guys to share a new venture called Urban Pedal, a pedicab business startup designed to create jobs with growth potential for young adults. A local pastor shares a word of hope and encouragement in between games.
Toddlers clap while their Daddies take a shot. Mothers and girlfriends cheer with passion. Our solid scorekeeping team is the best we’ve ever had and keeps everything moving smoothly while making some extra cash for their families. Edward Tucker fulfills his dream of being a basketball announcer for the playoffs and All Star game, adding to the energy. My own son Chase watches with excitement, waiting for his favorite player Aaron McCray to throw down another highlight worthy dunk and watching Chris Head to learn how to play point guard.
This is the Oakland Independent Basketball League, brought to you by OLC. Your support allows us to heavily subsidize this league so that each player pays a very small fee and no one is turned away. Your donations allow us to rent the gym, pay officials, pay scorekeepers and pay Josh Hatcher a stipend. As the main league wraps up Andrew Park and Jay Brown of Trybe are taking the lead on a recreational version of the league to start up immediately after this season.
Thank you for your prayers and support!
Nate Millheim for Oakland Leadership Center
