VOICE Buffalo ran a pilot program of a Midnight Basketball League in the summer of 2024 to address the pressing issues of youth poverty, crime, and community violence in Buffalo. By providing a safe and structured environment for young people during late hours, the program aimed to reduce crime rates and improve overall community well-being.
Based on the demographics of the youth population, there is great need for this type of programming. In fact, according to the 2020 census, Buffalo's 10-24 year old population is just under 60,000, accounting for approximately 20% of the city's total population. Data shows there are some after school and summer program initiatives but very few that cover the critical time period of late evening.
Buffalo, NY is one of the most segregated cities in America today. Disparities exist among different racial groups, with 30% of white children experiencing poverty before turning 18, compared to more than 75% of Black youth. This significant economic hardship puts young people at a higher risk of engaging in or falling victim to violent crime. Despite a general decrease in homicides in Buffalo (from 71 in 2022 to 39 in 2023), youth homicides remain a critical issue. In 2023, 9 out of 39 homicides involved individuals aged 10-24 and occurred between 5pm and 1am. Youth need a free, safe, and fun space to build community, friendships, and self-esteem during summer hours and afterschool hours.
Midnight Basketball operated on a successful model based in Washington DC, which has been in operation since 1986. This model involves keeping recreation centers open during late hours, providing young people with a safe space to play basketball and participate in educational workshops with food, personal care products, and other youth-related supports available. Program activities include organized basketball games from 6 to 11 pm to engage youth in positive, structured activities during peak crime hours. Informative workshops on topics such as nutrition, healthy choices, workforce development, and health care services will be offered as Voice Buffalo partners with local organizations that will facilitate access to additional resources and support.
Historically, the original Midnight Basketball program led to significant decreases in crime in participating cities, with crime rates fell more rapidly than in other cities during the same period. Cities like Akron, Atlanta, Oakland, and Milwaukee have successfully revived Midnight Basketball programs recently, recognizing the need for alternative activities for young people in the evenings and summer hours–reducing violent interactions. Studies show, for instance, that Atlanta saw a dramatic reduction in 911 calls in the neighborhood where games were held, with no calls reported during game times.
Buffalo’s Midnight Basketball League Program Aimed to:
Reduce Youth Crime
Decrease the number of violent crimes involving youth aged 10-24 during late-night hours.
Enhance Community Safety
Increase Youth Engagement
Finally, the Midnight Basketball program by VOICE Buffalo served as a proactive solution to address the high rates of poverty and violent crime among young people in Buffalo. By providing a safe and engaging environment during critical hours, we aimed to reduce crime, promote positive youth development, and enhance community safety.
Program Impact
Enhanced Community Safety
Fostered a safer community environment by reducing the youth involvement in high risk activities.
Increased Youth Engagement
Reduced Youth Crime(In the 14208 zip code)
A Note on The Social Construction of Crime
Crime is a social construct because what is defined as criminal behavior is shaped by societal norms, values, and laws, which vary greatly across cultures and time periods. Rather than being inherent or universally recognized, the concept of crime is created by societies to reflect what they consider unacceptable or harmful behavior. This means that actions deemed criminal in one context may be legal or even acceptable in another. The social construction of crime also reflects power dynamics, as those in positions of authority often define what is considered criminal, which leads to the marginalization of certain groups. Crime is not just about the act itself but also about how society perceives and responds to that act.
Thank you to our Program Sponsors
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