The second annual Black History Month Basketball Tournament at St. Mary’s Gym welcomed youths and families to enjoy a day of competition and family fun. The tournament held on Saturday, February 24 was another collaboration between Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. and the Newburgh Zion Lions.

During the month of February, Black History Month celebrates and remembers the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the United States and its history. Black History Month began on February 1 and concluded on Friday, March 1.

Coach Harold Rayford served as a referee for the games and was a little tired from his duties. Through the Newburgh Zion Lions program, Rayford has served youth and teens from the City of Newburgh, providing the game of basketball as an activity to keep them off the streets and in positive environments. He was grateful to all who came out to play and watch.

“I am so grateful that we were able to put on an event for the youth. I’d rather be in a gym all day with the kids,” he said. “It’s about Black History Month today, where we got all the kids in the community to come together under one roof. No fighting, no arguing, just having pure fun.”

Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. founded in October 1962 at Morgan State College, today known as Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, promotes and nurtures unity, addresses social issues and promotes academic awareness amongst all. The organization has members in various undergraduate and graduate chapters throughout the United States.

Groove Phi Groove member Terence Perkins was elated following the tournament and spoke about the relationship that Groove Phi Groove have established with Rayford and his program.“It’s like hitting platinum. He, Harold is a person with experience in ball, the sport itself, and then bringing together groups of young teens or young adults, and meshing them in such a fashion, that the only outcome is positivity and it reflects in everything he does and we’re so so elated to be part of his dream,” said Perkins.

Players were drafted by their respective teams beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

The first game began at 10 a.m. Each of the teams competed to make it to the championship game later in the afternoon.

Trophies were awarded to the most valuable player, the first place team and the second place team.

Coaches Ali Muhammad and Taisha Sharpe were also grateful for the opportunity to come out, coach and spend time with the youth reflecting on the positive impact the tournament had on them.

“This month is important. Black History is American history and when we think about the City of Newburgh, I often think about the Zion Lions who I’ve known about for over 20 plus years and working with Coach Rayford and playing at St. Mary’s gym, which is the mecca of basketball in Newburgh, is amazing,” said Muhammad. “We need more positive outlets for the kids, for the families. There’s a lot of great organizations and folks doing these things in the community so they need support and amplification. We also need more resources. Newburgh Zion Lions need more resources so that way they can provide more opportunities and positive outlets for these kids.”

“They’re [the kids] out here doing something positive and it’s an amazing feeling to be able to see them, watch them grow, from the little ones all the way up to come and be able to do something positive in the community,” said Sharpe. “I just would like to take the time to reflect on all the sacrifices that our ancestors had for us to be able to even enjoy a moment like this for a period of time. It wasn’t easy, it was hard and now that you see and be able to see all people from all walks of life, be able to bond together over the game of basketball, I believe that is a beautiful thing and they’d be very proud of the progression that we’ve made.”

In the championship game, Sharpe’s team took home first place. Player Josyah Robinson was presented with the most valuable player award following the conclusion of the tournament by Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc. Hudson Valley Chapter President Terence Henderson.