BENTALOU BASKETBALL Our History
EST 1970
Introduction
- Welcome to the Bentalou Basketball Program
- Empowering young athletes since 1970
- Our mission: Develop skills, character, and community through basketball
- A proud tradition of excellence in West Baltimore
Background and History
- Established in 1970 with the opening of Bentalou Recreation Center
- Founded by Mr. Herman Johnson (‘Coach Herman’) of Baltimore City Parks and Recreation
- Created to serve the youth of the West Baltimore Community
- Early years: Competing with the best programs in the city
- 1976: Pioneered competitive basketball for children as young as 9 years old
- 1980s-90s: Recognized as one of the premiere recreation basketball programs in Baltimore and Maryland
- Present day: Remains an essential part of the West Baltimore Community despite the rise of AAU programs
Coach Herman’s Legacy
- 51 years of dedicated service (1970-2021)
- Continued as a volunteer after retirement from the Parks and Recreation Bureau
- Passed away in April 2021, leaving behind a lasting impact
- Street in front of the School and Recreation Center renamed ‘Herman Johnson Way’ in 2020
- Embodied the spirit of community service and youth development
50th Anniversary Celebration (2020)
- Marked 50 years of community impact and youth development
- Street renaming ceremony to honor Coach Herman
- Special segment recorded by cast members of NBA’s ‘Inside the NBA’ (TNT)
- National recognition of the program’s long-standing commitment to the community
- Celebration of past achievements and looking forward to future impact
A Personal Journey: Paul Franklin
- Started at Bentalou in 1974 as an 8-year-old player
- Participated in Bentalou’s House League, BNBL, and Project Survival basketball leagues
- Worked at the center as a youth worker (1981-1984)
- Served as a youth volunteer coach while in the U.S. Navy (1988-1991)
- In 2014, purchased naming rights to revive the Project Survival Basketball League
- Currently runs a 6-week summer basketball league serving up to 144 youth at no cost
Program Revival and Recent Achievements
- 2015: Program faced potential shutdown due to hard times
- Paul Franklin stepped in to revive the Project Survival Summer Basketball program
- Fundraising efforts led by Paul and his wife through ITSUITSYOU nonprofit
- 2021: Establishment of Bentalou Rec Council as a 501c3 nonprofit organization
- 2023: Received first Community Grant from Baltimore Youth Fund
- Grant funded 2023-24 Winter basketball program, allowing $100 league fee refunds
- Held awards banquet at Columbus Center, presenting trophies to all participants
Project Survival Basketball League
- Revived in 2014 by Paul Franklin
- 6-week summer basketball program
- Serves up to 144 youth each summer
- Completely free for participants and their families
- Continues Bentalou’s tradition of community service and youth development
Community Partnerships
- ITSUITSYOU: Nonprofit founded by Paul’s wife, supporting youth and returning citizens
- Baltimore Youth Fund: Provided crucial community grant in 2023
- Local donors: Supported fundraising campaigns for Project Survival
- Bentalou Rec Council: Newly established 501c3 overseeing program operations
- Columbus Center: Hosted 2023-24 season awards banquet
Financial Accessibility
- Project Survival Summer Basketball: Free 6-week program for up to 144 youth
- 2023-24 Winter Program: $100 league fees refunded to parents thanks to grant funding
- Ongoing efforts to minimize financial barriers for participation
- Demonstrates commitment to serving all youth in the community regardless of economic status
Program Milestones
- 1970: Program establishment
- 1976: Proof of concept for Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL)
- 1980s-90s: Rise to prominence in Baltimore and Maryland
- 2014: Revival of Project Survival Basketball League
- 2015: Program saved from potential shutdown
- 2020: 50th Anniversary celebration and national recognition
- 2021: Passing of Coach Herman, marking the end of an era
- 2021: Establishment of Bentalou Rec Council as 501c3
- 2023: First Community Grant from Baltimore Youth Fund
Program Overview
- Age groups: 9 years and up
- Competitive leagues and tournaments
- Skilled coaching staff continuing Coach Herman’s legacy
- Focus on both skill development and character building
- Strong community ties and support spanning over five decades
- Year-round programming: Summer Project Survival and Winter League
Program Impact
- Multi-generational involvement (e.g., Paul Franklin’s 50-year journey)
- Provides opportunities for youth to grow as players and individuals
- Offers pathways for continued involvement (player → worker → volunteer → leader)
- Adapts to community needs while maintaining core values
- Demonstrates the long-term positive effects of youth sports programs
- Contributes to community cohesion and youth development in West Baltimore
Future Outlook
- Continued growth and stability through Bentalou Rec Council leadership
- Pursuit of additional grant opportunities and community partnerships
- Expansion of programs and services based on community needs
- Maintaining the legacy of Coach Herman while adapting to modern challenges
- Commitment to providing accessible, high-quality basketball programs for West Baltimore youth
- Exploring ways to further integrate with community support services and education initiatives
Bentalou Basketball Program: A Legacy of Community Impact and Youth Development
The Bentalou Basketball Program: A Legacy of Community Impact and Youth Development
Introduction
The Bentalou Basketball Program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity in West Baltimore, embodying a rich tradition of excellence and community service since its inception in 1970. For over five decades, this program has been dedicated to empowering young athletes, developing their skills on the court, building character off the court, and fostering a strong sense of community. The story of Bentalou Basketball is one of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering commitment to the youth of West Baltimore.
Background and History
The Bentalou Basketball Program was established in 1970, coinciding with the opening of the Bentalou Recreation Center. The program’s founder, Mr. Herman Johnson, affectionately known as “Coach Herman,” was a staff member of Baltimore City Parks and Recreation. Coach Herman’s vision was to create a program that would serve the youth of the West Baltimore community, providing them with opportunities for growth, development, and positive engagement through basketball.
From its early years, the Bentalou Basketball program set itself apart by competing with the best programs in the city. In 1976, the program played a pivotal role in the development of youth basketball in Baltimore. It was selected to perform a proof of concept for the Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL) administrators, demonstrating that children as young as 9 years old had the ability to understand the concepts and physical attributes necessary to play basketball competitively. This pioneering effort paved the way for expanded youth basketball opportunities throughout the city.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Bentalou Basketball solidified its reputation as one of the premier recreation basketball programs in both Baltimore City and the state of Maryland. The program’s success during this period set a high standard for youth basketball in the region and established Bentalou as a cornerstone of the West Baltimore community.
Even as the landscape of youth sports changed with the rise of AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) programs in recent decades, Bentalou Basketball has maintained its essential role in the community it serves. The program’s enduring presence speaks to its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its core mission of youth development and community engagement.
Coach Herman’s Legacy
Central to the story of Bentalou Basketball is the remarkable legacy of Coach Herman Johnson. For 51 years, from 1970 to 2021, Coach Herman dedicated his life to the program and the youth it served. His commitment extended far beyond his official duties with Baltimore City Parks and Recreation. After his retirement from the Bureau, Coach Herman continued to volunteer at the center, exemplifying a lifelong dedication to community service and youth development.
Coach Herman’s impact on the program and the broader West Baltimore community was profound and far-reaching. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the youth shaped the lives of countless individuals over the course of five decades. The values he instilled in the program – discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and community service – continue to guide Bentalou Basketball to this day.
In recognition of Coach Herman’s extraordinary contributions, the street in front of the school and recreation center was renamed “Herman Johnson Way” in 2020, as part of the program’s 50th anniversary celebrations. This honor serves as a lasting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to uplifting the youth of West Baltimore through basketball.
Tragically, Coach Herman passed away in April 2021, marking the end of an era for Bentalou Basketball. However, his spirit and the principles he championed continue to live on through the program and the countless lives he touched.
50th Anniversary Celebration (2020)
The year 2020 marked a significant milestone for the Bentalou Basketball Program – its 50th anniversary. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a series of events that not only honored the program’s past but also looked forward to its future.
A highlight of the celebration was the street renaming ceremony that christened “Herman Johnson Way,” a fitting tribute to the program’s founder and longtime leader. This permanent marker ensures that Coach Herman’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The program’s impact and longevity caught the attention of national figures in the basketball world. In a testament to Bentalou’s far-reaching influence, cast members of NBA’s popular sports show, TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” recorded a special segment congratulating Coach Herman and the Bentalou Program on 50 years of community service. This national recognition brought well-deserved attention to the program’s half-century of dedication to youth development in West Baltimore.
The 50th anniversary celebration served as both a reflection on past achievements and a recommitment to the program’s future impact. It highlighted the enduring importance of community-based youth sports programs and reaffirmed Bentalou Basketball’s vital role in the fabric of West Baltimore.
A Personal Journey: Paul Franklin
The story of Paul Franklin exemplifies the multi-generational impact of the Bentalou Basketball Program and illustrates how it shapes lives and inspires continued involvement. Paul’s journey with Bentalou spans nearly five decades, encompassing various roles and contributions that have been instrumental in the program’s continued success and recent revival.
Paul’s involvement with Bentalou began in 1974 when he joined as an 8-year-old player. Over the years, he participated in various leagues organized by Bentalou, including the House League, Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL), and the Project Survival basketball leagues. These experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong connection to the program and the community it serves.
As a teenager, Paul’s involvement deepened when he worked at the center as a youth worker from 1981 through 1984. This early employment experience provided valuable skills and reinforced his connection to the program and its mission.
Even as Paul’s life took him away from Baltimore – he served in the United States Navy – his commitment to Bentalou remained strong. Between 1988 and 1991, while on leave from his naval duties, Paul returned to Bentalou to serve as a youth volunteer coach. This dedication to giving back to the program that had given him so much as a child exemplifies the cyclical nature of community involvement that Bentalou fosters.
In 2014, Paul took a significant step in ensuring the program’s legacy by purchasing the naming rights to the Project Survival Basketball League and bringing it back to Bentalou. This initiative revived a crucial component of the program – a 6-week summer basketball league that serves up to 144 youth each summer at no cost to the participants or their families.
Paul’s journey with Bentalou Basketball – from player to employee to volunteer to program revivalist – illustrates the profound and lasting impact the program can have on an individual’s life. Moreover, it demonstrates how that impact can multiply as individuals like Paul are inspired to give back and ensure the program’s benefits extend to future generations.
Program Revival and Recent Achievements
The Bentalou Basketball program faced significant challenges in 2015, coming perilously close to being shut down completely. This crisis point became a catalyst for renewal, largely thanks to the efforts of Paul Franklin and his wife.
Recognizing the vital importance of the program to the community, Paul stepped in to revive the Project Survival Summer Basketball program. This initiative was crucial in breathing new life into Bentalou Basketball and ensuring its continued presence in West Baltimore.
The revival efforts were supported by ITSUITSYOU, a nonprofit organization founded by Paul’s wife. ITSUITSYOU’s mission to help youth and returning citizens re-enter society aligned perfectly with the goals of the Bentalou Basketball program. Together, Paul and his wife spearheaded fundraising efforts, launching donation campaigns that galvanized community support for the program.
In 2021, a significant step was taken to ensure the program’s long-term stability and growth with the establishment of the Bentalou Rec Council. This fully recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization now oversees the operations of the Bentalou Basketball program, providing a solid organizational structure and opening up new avenues for funding and support.
The program achieved a major milestone in 2023 when it received its first Community Grant from the Baltimore Youth Fund. This grant had a direct and immediate impact on the community:
- It funded the 2023-24 Winter basketball program, ensuring its continuation and expansion.
- The grant allowed the program to refund the $100 league fee to parents who had paid for the 2023-24 season, making the program more accessible to all families.
- It enabled the organization of a celebratory banquet at the Columbus Center, where trophies and awards were presented to all participants in the league.
These recent achievements demonstrate the program’s resilience, its ability to adapt to challenges, and its ongoing commitment to serving the youth of West Baltimore. They also highlight the power of community support and the impact of dedicated individuals in reviving and sustaining valuable community programs.
Project Survival Basketball League
The Project Survival Basketball League represents a cornerstone of the Bentalou Basketball Program’s summer offerings. Revived by Paul Franklin in 2014, this league embodies the program’s commitment to accessible, high-quality basketball opportunities for local youth.
Key features of the Project Survival Basketball League include:
- Duration: The league runs for 6 weeks during the summer, providing structured athletic activities during a time when many youth programs are not in session.
- Capacity: Each summer, the league serves up to 144 youth, making it a significant presence in the community.
- Accessibility: Perhaps most importantly, the league is completely free for participants and their families. This commitment to financial accessibility ensures that all interested youth in the community can participate, regardless of their economic circumstances.
- Community Focus: By providing free, organized basketball activities, the league continues Bentalou’s long-standing tradition of community service and youth development.
The revival and continued success of the Project Survival Basketball League demonstrate the Bentalou Basketball Program’s ability to adapt and grow while staying true to its core mission. It provides a vital service to the community, offering not just basketball instruction but also a safe, structured environment for youth during the summer months.
Community Partnerships
The success and longevity of the Bentalou Basketball Program owe much to its strong community partnerships. These collaborations have been crucial in supporting the program’s operations, funding its initiatives, and expanding its reach within the community.
Key partnerships include:
- Mary Ann-Winterling Elementary School: This school plays a vital role in the program’s operations by providing the gymnasium used for Bentalou’s basketball leagues. The availability of this facility is crucial for the program’s ability to offer year-round activities. The partnership with Mary Ann-Winterling Elementary School exemplifies the symbiotic relationship between local schools and community programs, working together to support youth development.
- Katherine Johnson Global Academy: Along with Mary Ann-Winterling, the Katherine Johnson Global Academy is a significant source of participants for the Bentalou Basketball Program. A majority of the program’s elementary and middle school participants come from these two schools. This partnership not only provides a steady stream of young athletes but also helps to integrate the basketball program into the broader educational experience of local youth.
- ITSUITSYOU: This nonprofit organization, founded by Paul Franklin’s wife, has been instrumental in supporting the program’s revival and ongoing operations. Its mission to support youth and assist returning citizens in re-entering society aligns closely with the Bentalou Basketball Program’s goals of youth development and community engagement.
- Baltimore Youth Fund: In 2023, this organization provided a crucial community grant that funded the 2023-24 Winter basketball program. This support allowed for the refunding of league fees and the organization of an awards banquet, significantly enhancing the program’s accessibility and impact.
- Local Donors: The community has consistently stepped up to support the program through various fundraising campaigns, particularly for the Project Survival Basketball League. This grassroots support demonstrates the program’s deep roots in the community and the value that local residents place on its services.
- Bentalou Rec Council: Established in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Rec Council now oversees the program’s operations. This organizational structure provides stability and opens up new avenues for funding and support.
- Columbus Center: This venue hosted the 2023-24 season awards banquet, providing a special location for recognizing the achievements of the program’s young athletes.
These partnerships illustrate the collaborative nature of the Bentalou Basketball Program and its integration into the broader community fabric. The involvement of local schools like Mary Ann-Winterling Elementary and Katherine Johnson Global Academy is particularly significant, as it creates a direct link between the program and the educational institutions serving the same youth population.
By leveraging these partnerships, the Bentalou Basketball Program is able to:
- Secure necessary facilities for its operations
- Maintain a strong connection with the local student population
- Integrate its activities with the broader educational and developmental goals of the community
- Access diverse funding sources and support systems
- Provide a more comprehensive and impactful service to the youth of West Baltimore
The strength of these community partnerships has been essential in navigating challenges, expanding services, and ensuring the program’s continued positive impact on the youth of West Baltimore. As the program looks to the future, nurturing and expanding these partnerships will remain a key strategy for growth and sustainability.
Financial Accessibility
A cornerstone of the Bentalou Basketball Program’s mission is its commitment to financial accessibility. The program strives to ensure that all youth in the community have the opportunity to participate, regardless of their economic circumstances.
This commitment is evident in several aspects of the program:
- Project Survival Summer Basketball: This 6-week summer program is entirely free for up to 144 youth participants. By removing financial barriers, the program ensures that all interested youth can benefit from structured basketball activities during the summer months.
- 2023-24 Winter Program: Thanks to grant funding from the Baltimore Youth Fund, the program was able to refund the $100 league fees to parents who had already paid. This not only made the program more accessible but also provided financial relief to families in the community.
- Ongoing Efforts: The program continuously seeks ways to minimize financial barriers to participation. This includes pursuing grants, organizing fundraisers, and leveraging community partnerships to keep costs low for participants.
The focus on financial accessibility demonstrates the program’s deep understanding of the community it serves and its commitment to inclusive youth development. By ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation, the Bentalou Basketball Program maximizes its positive impact on the youth of West Baltimore.
Program Milestones
The Bentalou Basketball Program’s journey spans over five decades, marked by significant milestones that reflect its growth, challenges, and enduring impact:
- 1970: Establishment of the program coinciding with the opening of the Bentalou Recreation Center.
- 1976: Successful proof of concept for the Baltimore Neighborhood Basketball League (BNBL), demonstrating that children as young as 9 could play competitive basketball.
- 1980s-90s: Rise to prominence as one of the premier recreation basketball programs in Baltimore and Maryland.
- 2014: Revival of the Project Survival Basketball League by Paul Franklin.
- 2015: Program saved from potential shutdown through community efforts and leadership.
- 2020: 50th Anniversary celebration, including national recognition from NBA personalities and the renaming of the street to “Herman Johnson Way.”
- April 2021: Passing of Coach Herman Johnson, marking the end of an era and the transition of his legacy.
- 2021: Establishment of the Bentalou Rec Council as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to oversee program operations.
- 2023: Receipt of the first Community Grant from the Baltimore Youth Fund, enabling fee refunds and an awards banquet.
These milestones trace the program’s evolution from its founding through challenges and triumphs, illustrating its resilience, adaptability, and ongoing commitment to the community.
Program Overview
Today, the Bentalou Basketball Program continues to serve the youth of West Baltimore with a comprehensive and inclusive approach:
- Age Groups: The program caters to youth aged 9 and up, providing age-appropriate instruction and competition.
- Year-round Programming: Activities span the entire year, including the Summer Project Survival league and the Winter League.
- Competitive Opportunities: The program offers various leagues and tournaments, allowing participants to develop their skills in competitive settings.
- Skilled Coaching: The coaching staff, carrying on Coach Herman’s legacy, focuses on both basketball skills and character development.
- Community Focus: With over five decades of history, the program maintains strong community ties and support.
- Holistic Development: While basketball is the primary vehicle, the program emphasizes character building, teamwork, and personal growth alongside athletic development.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the Bentalou Basketball Program continues to be a vital resource for youth development in West Baltimore.
Program Impact
The impact of the Bentalou Basketball Program extends far beyond the basketball court:
- Multi-generational Involvement: Stories like Paul Franklin’s 50-year journey with the program illustrate its long-lasting impact on individuals and families.
- Personal Growth: The program provides opportunities for youth to develop not just as players, but as individuals, fostering qualities like discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
- Community Engagement: By offering pathways for continued involvement – from player to worker to volunteer to leader – the program strengthens community ties and promotes civic engagement.
- Adaptability: While maintaining its core values, the program has shown an ability to adapt to changing community needs over its five-decade history.
- Positive Youth Development: The program demonstrates the long-term positive effects of structured youth sports programs on individual and community well-being.
- Community Cohesion: By bringing together youth from across West Baltimore, the program contributes to community cohesion and provides a shared point of pride for the neighborhood.
The Bentalou Basketball Program’s impact is felt not just in the moment, but across generations, contributing to the overall health and vitality of the West Baltimore community.
Future Outlook
As the Bentalou Basketball Program looks to the future, it does so with a clear vision and a commitment to building on its rich legacy:
- Organizational Stability: Under the leadership of the Bentalou Rec Council, the program aims for continued growth and stability.
- Funding Diversification: The program will pursue additional grant opportunities and community partnerships to ensure financial sustainability and program expansion.
- Responsive Programming: There are plans to expand programs and services based on evolving community needs, ensuring the program remains relevant and impactful.
- Legacy Preservation: While adapting to modern challenges, the program remains committed to maintaining the legacy and values instilled by Coach Herman.
- Accessibility: The program will continue its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality basketball programs for West Baltimore youth, minimizing financial barriers to participation.
- Community Integration: Future plans include exploring ways to further integrate with community support services and education initiatives, expanding the program’s impact beyond basketball.
As it moves forward, the Bentalou Basketball Program remains dedicated to its core mission of youth development and community service. By building on its rich five-decade legacy, the program aims to:
- Strengthen Existing Partnerships: Continue to nurture and expand relationships with key community partners such as Mary Ann-Winterling Elementary School and Katherine Johnson Global Academy. These partnerships are crucial for maintaining a strong connection with the local youth population and integrating basketball with broader educational goals.
- Expand Program Offerings: Develop new initiatives that address evolving community needs, potentially including academic support programs, leadership workshops, and health and wellness education to complement the basketball training.
- Enhance Financial Sustainability: Pursue diverse funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, and community fundraising efforts, to ensure the program’s long-term viability and continued ability to offer free or low-cost participation.
- Preserve and Honor Legacy: Continue to honor the memory and principles of Coach Herman Johnson, using his dedication and vision as a guiding light for future program development.
- Foster Leadership Development: Create pathways for program alumni to return as mentors, coaches, and administrators, reinforcing the program’s multi-generational impact and ensuring a sustainable leadership pipeline.
- Leverage Technology: Explore ways to incorporate modern technology and data analytics to enhance training methods, track participant progress, and demonstrate program impact to stakeholders and potential funders.
- Promote Community Health: Expand the program’s role in promoting overall community health and wellness, recognizing basketball as a tool for encouraging active lifestyles and positive health choices among youth.
- Advocate for Youth: Use the program’s platform and community standing to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit youth in West Baltimore, extending its impact beyond the basketball court.
- Enhance Accessibility: Continue to prioritize financial accessibility while also exploring ways to make the program more inclusive for youth with diverse abilities and backgrounds.
- Collaborate for Broader Impact: Seek partnerships with other youth-serving organizations in Baltimore to create a more comprehensive support network for local youth, potentially including job training, college preparation, and life skills development.
By building on these foundations, the Bentalou Basketball Program aims to not only continue its vital work in youth development and community engagement but also to evolve and expand its impact. The program’s commitment to adapting to community needs while staying true to its core values ensures that it will remain a cornerstone of West Baltimore for generations to come.
As it faces the challenges and opportunities of the future, the Bentalou Basketball Program stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and community spirit. It serves as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in creating lasting, positive change in urban communities. The legacy of Coach Herman Johnson, the dedication of leaders like Paul Franklin, and the ongoing support of the West Baltimore community provide a strong foundation for the program’s continued success and growth.
In essence, the future of the Bentalou Basketball Program is not just about basketball; it’s about continuing to build a stronger, more vibrant West Baltimore, one young person at a time. As it has for over five decades, the program will continue to use the power of sport to shape lives, strengthen community bonds, and create opportunities for youth to thrive both on and off the court.
