Take Back The Court
Introduction:
Take Back the Court is a community organization that was formed to address the issue of missing hoops in 45 out of the 150 basketball courts in Chicago. The missing hoops are a result of “crime fighting” tactics that were developed in the early 1990s. These tactics have disproportionately affected lower-income neighborhoods and have deeply rooted racist implications. Take Back the Court is working to reinstall hoops in these neighborhoods and create sustainable cycles of community development and youth empowerment through sports.
Background:
The issue of missing hoops in Chicago's basketball courts is a result of public officials' “crime fighting” tactics. The tactics were developed in the early ’90s to combat gang activity and drug use in the city. As a result, basketball courts in many neighborhoods were stripped of their hoops, which officials believed would discourage gang activity and drug use. However, this policy had unintended consequences. Removing the hoops created a void in the community, leaving youth without a safe place to play and increasing their risk of being drawn into gang activity and drug use.
On a micro level, these tactics have had a disproportionate impact on lower-income neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are already considered “at risk” due to high levels of poverty and lack of resources. Removing the hoops from basketball courts in these neighborhoods places added pressure on an already vulnerable demographic.
On a macro level, the “crime fighting” tactics have deeply rooted racist implications. The association between black men and criminality is unfounded and has led to discriminatory policies that unfairly target people of color. Removing the hoops from basketball courts in predominantly black neighborhoods perpetuates this unfair association and creates a sense of distrust between the community and law enforcement officials.
Take Back the Court is a community organization that was formed to address the issue of missing hoops in 45 out of the 150 basketball courts in Chicago. The missing hoops are a result of “crime fighting” tactics that were developed in the early 1990s. These tactics have disproportionately affected lower-income neighborhoods and have deeply rooted racist implications. Take Back the Court is working to reinstall hoops in these neighborhoods and create sustainable cycles of community development and youth empowerment through sports.
Background:
The issue of missing hoops in Chicago's basketball courts is a result of public officials' “crime fighting” tactics. The tactics were developed in the early ’90s to combat gang activity and drug use in the city. As a result, basketball courts in many neighborhoods were stripped of their hoops, which officials believed would discourage gang activity and drug use. However, this policy had unintended consequences. Removing the hoops created a void in the community, leaving youth without a safe place to play and increasing their risk of being drawn into gang activity and drug use.
On a micro level, these tactics have had a disproportionate impact on lower-income neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are already considered “at risk” due to high levels of poverty and lack of resources. Removing the hoops from basketball courts in these neighborhoods places added pressure on an already vulnerable demographic.
On a macro level, the “crime fighting” tactics have deeply rooted racist implications. The association between black men and criminality is unfounded and has led to discriminatory policies that unfairly target people of color. Removing the hoops from basketball courts in predominantly black neighborhoods perpetuates this unfair association and creates a sense of distrust between the community and law enforcement officials.
Objectives:
Take Back the Court has two main objectives. The first is to support youth in recognizing and collectively challenging the factors that threaten their security and well-being. By reinstalling hoops in their neighborhoods, Take Back the Court is providing youth with a safe place to play and socialize. This helps to reduce their risk of being drawn into gang activity and drug use. Additionally, by involving youth in the process of reinstalling the hoops, Take Back the Court is empowering them to take action and make positive changes in their communities.
The second objective of Take Back the Court is to "just let the kids play ball." By reinstating the hoops, Take Back the Court is advocating for the importance of sports and recreation in youth development. Basketball provides an outlet for youth to channel their energy and build valuable social skills. By removing the hoops, officials have taken away a critical resource that helps to keep youth engaged and active in their communities.
Results:
Since its formation, Take Back the Court has successfully installed hoops in several neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The organization has worked closely with community members to identify areas where hoops are missing and has provided the resources needed to reinstall them. Take Back the Court has also partnered with other community organizations to promote youth engagement and empowerment through sports.
The impact of Take Back the Court's work can be seen in the communities where hoops have been reinstated. Youth have a safe place to play and socialize, and community members have a renewed sense of pride and ownership over their public spaces. By empowering youth and creating sustainable cycles of community development, Take Back the Court is making a positive impact in the fight against racism and inequality in Chicago.
Take Back the Court has two main objectives. The first is to support youth in recognizing and collectively challenging the factors that threaten their security and well-being. By reinstalling hoops in their neighborhoods, Take Back the Court is providing youth with a safe place to play and socialize. This helps to reduce their risk of being drawn into gang activity and drug use. Additionally, by involving youth in the process of reinstalling the hoops, Take Back the Court is empowering them to take action and make positive changes in their communities.
The second objective of Take Back the Court is to "just let the kids play ball." By reinstating the hoops, Take Back the Court is advocating for the importance of sports and recreation in youth development. Basketball provides an outlet for youth to channel their energy and build valuable social skills. By removing the hoops, officials have taken away a critical resource that helps to keep youth engaged and active in their communities.
Results:
Since its formation, Take Back the Court has successfully installed hoops in several neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The organization has worked closely with community members to identify areas where hoops are missing and has provided the resources needed to reinstall them. Take Back the Court has also partnered with other community organizations to promote youth engagement and empowerment through sports.
The impact of Take Back the Court's work can be seen in the communities where hoops have been reinstated. Youth have a safe place to play and socialize, and community members have a renewed sense of pride and ownership over their public spaces. By empowering youth and creating sustainable cycles of community development, Take Back the Court is making a positive impact in the fight against racism and inequality in Chicago.
