Julian’s Light brings basketball to Baldwin

Julian’s Light, a growing nonprofit organization based in the Bronx, recently held a month-long basketball tournament at Coes Neck Park in northern Baldwin. The group, which Recreation Coordinator Fred Lopez said aims to “keep youth off the street and focused on positive and productive activities,” was founded in 2008 in honor of Julian Feliciano, a 13-year-old bystander who was killed during a street brawl in 2003.

Lisa Rosado, Julian’s aunt, started the group, initially using her home as a base of operations. She organized programs and activities for local teenagers in order to help them maximize their potential in a positive way.

The Baldwin basketball tournament, which Lopez said has drawn large crowds, began Aug. 5 and concluded Sept. 1. Ten participating teams each paid a $200 entry fee, and the money will be used to help a group of high school students attend a weekend of college tours and workshops upstate.

In addition to basketball tournaments, Julian’s Light helps acquaint at-risk youths with dance, art, self-defense and a variety of sports. It also funds trips to museums, art shows, poetry cafes, plays and other cultural events.

“In a nutshell, we help our youth become more well-rounded individuals by exposing them to things they may not otherwise have access to,” Lopez said.

The group accepts monetary donations as well as volunteers and mentors. Find out more at julianslight.org.