Basketball tournament returns to Bed-Stuy despite initial safety concerns

A Bed-Stuy tradition will continue this year thanks to community support and some help from News 12.

News 12 Staff

Jun 22, 2019, 6:51 PM

Updated 1,771 days ago

Share:

A Bed-Stuy tradition will continue this year thanks to community support and some help from News 12.
Dozens of participants will be on Lafayette Avenue this weekend for a basketball tournament that has been going on for years.
The Bed-Stuy Basketball Tournament is happening a week later than usual this year due to a delay in getting a permit.
Police sources tell News 12 there were some concerns about gang activity in the area, which initially made the 79th Precinct reluctant to issue a permit.
An NYPD spokesperson told News 12, "The commanding officer of the 79th Precinct is in active communication with event organizers. The NYPD and the community have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of the participants and community members."
The permit was eventually issued Friday after a petition circulated the neighborhood and News 12 made some calls.
Those who take part in the basketball league say it actually helps make the community safer.
"I believe that the tournament does reduce crime in the area because we have different blocks that come to the tournament and this is like neutral ground," said Elijah Reddick. "It's like a peace, it's like church on Sunday."
In addition to the game, food and giveaways will be available to neighbors in the area.
The competition kicks off Sunday afternoon.


More from News 12
1:46
Hero doctor earns Heart Saver Award for saving soccer referee

Hero doctor earns Heart Saver Award for saving soccer referee

1:46
Scattered rain overnight on Long Island; sunny skies Sunday afternoon

Scattered rain overnight on Long Island; sunny skies Sunday afternoon

1:37
Manorville search related to Gilgo Beach case continues for fifth day

Manorville search related to Gilgo Beach case continues for fifth day

1:54
Arbor Day Festival at Planting Fields Arboretum marks 38th year

Arbor Day Festival at Planting Fields Arboretum marks 38th year

0:33
Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

2:02
'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

Mathew Barzal scores in 2nd OT as Islanders beat Hurricanes 3-2 to avoid series sweep

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:56
DEC: Delay in test results on soil, drums found at Bethpage park caused by technical issues at Grumman lab

DEC: Delay in test results on soil, drums found at Bethpage park caused by technical issues at Grumman lab

0:26
Officials: Bag of cocaine found during search of Melville restaurant

Officials: Bag of cocaine found during search of Melville restaurant

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:50
Selden man accused of abandoning dogs in state park

Selden man accused of abandoning dogs in state park

1:33
Disabled Army vet in Kings Park get new backyard with help from volunteers

Disabled Army vet in Kings Park get new backyard with help from volunteers

1:20
Police return to Manorville to continue search in connection to Gilgo Beach case

Police return to Manorville to continue search in connection to Gilgo Beach case

1:56
EXCLUSIVE: Police, K-9 search in North Sea at location of cold case murder

EXCLUSIVE: Police, K-9 search in North Sea at location of cold case murder

0:22
Suffolk County given $5M from federal gov't for construction of new bridge to Fire Island

Suffolk County given $5M from federal gov't for construction of new bridge to Fire Island

0:29
Halal food truck coming to Nassau Community College amid dining issues

Halal food truck coming to Nassau Community College amid dining issues

0:18
Police: East Northport man killed in motorcycle cash in East Farmingdale

Police: East Northport man killed in motorcycle cash in East Farmingdale

1:00
The East End: McCall Wines in Cutchogue

The East End: McCall Wines in Cutchogue

1:45
Long Island's largest car show returns to Tobay Beach this weekend

Long Island's largest car show returns to Tobay Beach this weekend