Article written by: Tucker Taylor, Action News 5
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Keeping the kids out of trouble late at night on a Friday: That’s the task at hand for the men at Red Door Urban Mission.
Red Door Urban Missions is a nonprofit that serves the marginalized, helping them turn their lives around and make positive impacts in their communities
In 2024, the group of mentors spoke at different schools around the “901 Now,” encouraging kids to stay on the right track.
Now, they are taking their mission to the basketball court.
On the courts at Memphis Athletic Ministries, you can find the men and kids hooping with a purpose.
“Basketball is the typical sport that everyone loves to play,” Nator Mold said. “It’s just an action game.“
“Well like at a late-night hoop session, they are just hooping to be hooping,” Lapecus Smith added. “These kids, they are coming here and getting away from the violence, getting away from all the bad things and coming here and hooping with kids that’s from other sides of town. It makes it greater, it makes it bigger.“
The same men seen volunteering in classrooms last year are looking to give kids something to do outside the classroom on late Friday nights.
“You know, there are all kinds of programs for kids to get involved in but on a Friday night, what is happening on a Friday night from 9 to 12 p.m.? Nothing that the kids need to be engaged in as well as young adults,“ Marissa Williamson said.
As mentors with Red Door Urban Missions, the team and its newest initiative focuses on providing a healthy option for Mid-South kids on a Friday night.
“At this time, they want to be at peace,” Mold said. “They want to get away from the world and fellowship with other people as well — just coming together as one as a unity.“
A late-night hoop session, youth mentors, and good fellowship: it’s a new task to assist with helping the youth, through a sport cherished in the 901.
Youth and young adults ages 13-35 are encouraged to come out. Boy and girls are welcomed to attend for a night of fellowship and fun.
The men at Red Door Urban Missions just hope the initiative will be a slam dunk.
“Just to see somebody coming up just like you, from the other side of town and be able to hoop together and get along,” Smith said. “I think that’s what makes it great.“
This Friday tips off the weekly Friday Night HYPE hooping session. The gym doors open at 9 p.m. and will stay open until 12 a.m.
There will be food and other resources.
