Or we have a hard time. It's an issue a lot of men deal with in this community. And there are stereotypes, especially for young black men. But we want to be with our kids. During the winter off-season, Friday nights are open gym for Midnight Basketball at the Ira Jinkins Recreation Center in East Oakland.
Rap music drowns out the sound of squeaking sneakers and the friendly trash talking on the courts.
The guys seem to play with more heart than aggression, but there are moments of astounding athleticism. The guys aren't overly competitive, because they've been coming to Ira Jenkins every Friday since they were in high school. Even the open gym games manage to draw a few spectators. One of them is Barbara Edmiston, director of the Midnight Basketball League, who sits near the free snacks. She has strategically placed leaflets near the food, including an article about an upcoming child care fair.