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About AABHOF

The people and the work behind preserving the legacy.

AABHOF is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to honoring the African American basketball legends of the Twin Cities, and making sure their stories are remembered, taught, and passed on.

Our Story

Founded in 2023 to fill a gap that should never have existed.

The Greater Twin Cities African American Basketball Hall of Fame was established on March 12, 2023 by Jayar Young, built on a simple conviction: the African American players, coaches, and contributors who shaped basketball in Minnesota deserve a permanent, public record of their impact.

For decades, the contributions of African American players from the Twin Cities, on high school courts, in college programs, in the professional ranks, and in communities across the metro, have been under-documented and routinely overlooked. AABHOF exists to change that, through an annual induction ceremony, a scholarship for the next generation, and a growing archive of stories, photos, and video.

Founder

Jayar Young

President & CEO

Founder of AABHOF. Built the organization to make sure Twin Cities African American basketball history gets the public record it deserves.

JY

“The game remembers every name.”

What We Do

Three Pillars, One Mission.

Everything we do falls under one of these three commitments: recognition, investment, and preservation.

01 — Recognize

The Annual Induction Ceremony

Each year we induct a new class of African American basketball legends from the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota at our Hall of Famers event, celebrating their contributions to the game and the community.

02 — Invest

The Keith Davis Scholarship

Our scholarship program supports the next generation of student-athletes, helping them pursue higher education and reach their full potential, on the court and beyond.

03 — Preserve

A Living Archive

Through our growing library of stories, video, and photography, we preserve the history of Twin Cities African American basketball and share it with the community and a global audience.

Leadership

Officers & Directors

The team that keeps the work moving day to day.

JY

Officer

Jayar Young

President & CEO

View bio →

SR

Officer

Shon Rogers

Vice President

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DB

Officer

Demetairs Bell

Secretary

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ES

Officer

Eric Smalley

Treasurer & Contributions Director

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AL

Director

Adam Lindsay

Social Media & Administrative Director

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RJ

Director

Rufus Johnson

Research & Data Director

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FP

Director

Faith Johnson Patterson

Communications & Operations Director

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SF

Director

Steve Floyd

Community Outreach Director

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LB

Board

Leo Ballard

Board Member

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RJ

Board

Ray Jones

Board Member

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Contributing Members

The Wider Circle.

Advisors, supporters, and longtime friends of the organization who give their time, voice, and expertise to advance the mission.

AN

Al Nuness

Contributing Member

AR

Alex Rowelle

Contributing Member

LL

Lisa Lissamore

Contributing Member

FW

Frank White

Contributing Member

DS

Don Shelby

Contributing Member

TB

Teena Barth

Contributing Member

EW

Elizabeth Webster

Contributing Member

BK

Brandon Knack

Contributing Member

Help Us Preserve a History That Matters.

Nominate a legend, share a photo, or support the Keith Davis Scholarship. Every contribution keeps this archive alive.

Greater Twin Cities African American Basketball Hall of Fame

Protecting the history of the African American basketball players in the Greater Twin Cities.

Explore

About Us

What We Do

Inductees

Library

Get Involved

Nominate

Donate

Tickets

Merchandise

Contact

6908 16th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55423

612-702-9778

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© 2026 Greater Twin Cities African American Basketball Hall of Fame

Preserving the legacy · Minneapolis, MN