A Positive Influence at Amsterdam Houses
The motto of Positive Influence Basketball is “shooting for a brighter future for our youth”; in line with that mission, the small, non-profit organization has been encouraging the youth of Amsterdam Houses and throughout the city through its programming since 2004.
Andrew Blacks is the founder and leader of Positive Influence Basketball. After coming home from college and noticing a lack of opportunity and activities for kids in the neighborhood, he started a summer basketball league with 60 young people. This summer, Mr. Blacks’ league had 810 young participants, ages 8 through 24.
In addition to the summer league, Positive Influence provides winter and spring programs at local high schools and other locations, as well as back-to-school giveaways and other social events.
“The majority of the kids come from NYCHA developments; no matter what borough they’re coming from, they’re coming from NYCHA developments,” Mr. Blacks said.
Though Mr. Blacks doesn’t live at Amsterdam Houses, he calls the development and community his home. His family members have been residents of the development for many years and his brother serves as treasurer on the resident association board.
The league runs at the Samuel N Bennerson 2nd Playground, formerly called the Amsterdam Playground but renamed in 1990 for a local leader in the community who was a coach and ran programs for young people. Mr. Blacks was instrumental in getting the park its first renovation and upgrade in 2017. He worked with then-Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, who helped secure $2.7 million for the renovation, and assisted in the redesign of the park.
Mr. Blacks said his next step is to grow the organization beyond basketball: “There are a lot of kids who don’t play basketball. I want to also have a creative arts program where we could have fashion, dance, art, and more.”
His professional life informs Mr. Blacks’ vision for the organization. He works in the theater industry and used to travel around the world with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He wants to introduce young people to the wide range of opportunities in the industry, including in front of and behind the scenes.
Mr. Blacks said the gap from ages 13 to 18 is critical for young people, and it’s also the age where he sees a lack of programs and resources.
“These kids need support, people to talk to, and opportunities that make them feel special,” he said. “I support all the kids; I support the knuckleheads. Because when they do something bad, everyone’s on their back. But when they do good, no one is acknowledging them or making them feel special – there have to be people around like me that are dedicated to them. My whole heart is in this, everything I’m doing is trying to be positive and keep kids off the street.”
Feature photo caption:
Andrew Blacks (2nd from right) with Orlando Magic basketball player Cole Anthony (3rd from right), Council Member Gale Brewer, and others at a basketball clinic held over the summer at Bennerson playground.