SERC-NAHRO MLK Basketball Tournament

Celebrating 30 Years of Changing Lives

What a great honor it is to be celebrating 30 years of the SERC-NAHRO MLK Public Housing Basketball Tournament. We celebrate this milestone with great humility and appreciation to so many people that have assisted and participated over the years that have made this program a huge success.

In 1991, a vision was put into motion by Tom Wachs, Abraham Williams and Donald Belle. It was a simple idea of getting kids involved in a structured program to give them an alternative to drugs, gangs and many bad things happening in their neighborhoods. Little did we know that so much more was being taught and learned through the lessons of basketball.

In 1992, the HUD Regional Office sent a letter to all housing authorities in their 10-state region. They put it this way; “Sports can reach young people like no other activity. It is the one activity that most every child wants to and enjoys participating in. We believe that organized youth sports programs will equip our PHA's and their communities in developing positive anti-drug activities. Sports programs in the past have enabled young people to reach goals and accomplish things that may have never been possible to them. Not only does it increase one's competitive nature and sense of accomplishment, but it teaches valuable social lessons that those individuals will develop and nourish the rest of their lives.”

In 1992 the first youth sports workshop was held with speakers from various professional sports encourage over 80 housing authorities that attended. The featured speaker was John Stallworth, NFL Hall of Famer with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1993, the first tournament was held in Birmingham on the campus of UAB. From there, the program has expanded to 10 states with more than 20 host cities over the years.

What emerged from this program were the mentors and life lessons learned from participating in this event. Coaches and mentors became father figures, grades improved, college and education became important, manners were emphasized, public perceptions were valued and lives were changed! Many of the players went on to play sports in college and even at the professional level. Numerous players found jobs with housing authorities, and some are even giving back by coaching teams even today.

Often overlooked, the coaches and mentors deserve all the credit. They are the ones who spent countless hours with the players, not only coaching, but teaching what is important in life. And that is what makes this program special – the fact that we all had a hand in CHANGING LIVES!

Tom Wachs

Abraham Williams

Donald Belle

We are extremely excited to announce all of the great activities we plan for this upcoming tournament. 

You will not be disappointed!

FRIDAY NIGHT

7:00 PM                          Old School Game                                   Two 15-minute halves. All adults welcome.

9:00 PM                        Executive Lounge                              Executive Directors and selected attendee will have access to the executive                                                                                                                      lounge at a to be determined location. Short meet and greet, right before you                                                                                                                    retire to your hotel room.

10:00 AM-3:00 PM          Birmingham Civil Rights Muesum                There are 15- minute time slots set up at the Birmingham Civil                                                                                                                                            Rights Muesum for your team to tour this educational facility.

SUNDAY