A Vision Born From Data
While serving as Town Manager of Glenarden, Maryland, Mr. G. Van Standifer studied police reports that decisively showed that most crime occurred during the hours of 10 pm to 2 am and was committed by individuals from a narrow age group — 17 to 25 years old.
In response to the escalating crime rate in his town, he established the Association of Midnight Basketball League, Inc. (MB) in June 1986. Using basketball as the tool to attract the target audience, participants then had to take part in the other MB program components to be able to play in league games. Thus the program Mr. Standifer founded provided an alternative late-night activity in addition to workshops and educational opportunities.
"From the beginning, the MBL Program was a success — embraced and supported by local businesses, law enforcement, and political and community leaders."
— AMB Founding HistoryNational Recognition
MBL's success in Glenarden generated national attention. It was featured on television by anchors such as Peter Jennings and Tom Brokaw. Programs sprang up throughout the United States:
In April 1990, President George H. Bush dubbed Midnight Basketball the 124th Daily Point of Light in his 1,000 Points of Light Program. Later, President Bill Clinton would specifically reference MBL in his Crime Bill.
Awards & Commendations
A Legacy That Endures
Mr. Standifer unexpectedly passed away in September 1992. Through MB, this man left a remarkable legacy. Despite the loss of its president, the MBL program would continue under the leadership of the founder's sons, Mr. Eric Standifer and Mr. Nelson Standifer. The MB Program eventually spread to 50 cities nationwide throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. However, lack of funding, accompanied by changes in local leadership, resulted in many cities discontinuing their MB Programs.
Lawrence Gray, Jr. and Emanuel Hunt, Jr. remained believers in the power of the MB Program to inspire and uplift. Their deep conviction for the program sparked them to obtain the exclusive rights to the trademark, name, and logo from MBL Inc. of Glenarden, Maryland. In January 2004, the Association of Midnight Basketball Inc. — a non-profit organization — was born. It serves as the central administrative body, providing consistency of operation amongst chapters, nurturing chapter growth, and perpetuating the history of the MB Program.
