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Al Arabiya
3 days ago
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Sweat, sneakers, and summer nights: Photos of the Goodman league's enduring legacy in southeast dc
The pounding and squeak of Nikes on the drive downcourt sets the soundtrack, and the stadium lights kick in as the sun sets. Bodies tussle for the rebound on a missed three-pointer, and men shout for the assist on a sweaty summer night. This is the Goodman League in the heart of Southeast Washington's Barry Farm neighborhood. Cigarette smoke from the audience floats across the court, mixing with the smell of fried fish for sale just off courtside. This is the place to be seen in the neighborhood; the bleachers are packed, and others sit in picnic chairs all around the court. The crowd's attire ranges from trendy fashion, rhinestone sunglasses, and high heels to backwards baseball caps, tank tops, and baggy shorts. They gather to watch basketball played by men from divergent walks of life – some a little on the chubby side, some seemingly without an ounce of body fat, but all completely soaked in sweat. The land here, which was originally owned by slave owner James Barry until early 1868, has changed over the last 16 years. The notorious Barry Farm housing complex exists now only as piles of rubble overgrown with weeds and grass and surrounded by a cyclone fence. A new condo complex offers views of where rows of nondescript brick apartments used to stand. What remains of the old neighborhood are the basketball courts of the Goodman League, revamped in 1996 by Miles Rawls. This is where the old Barry Farm Community Summer Basketball League operated from its founding in 1977 to 1995. Now under Rawls' oversight, it remains a family-friendly community hub and neighborhood magnet. The referees, like the players, are a motley crew – jolly and occasionally out of breath as they try to keep pace with young men who hail from vastly different levels of the game. Players come here from across the so-called DMV – the local term for the intertwined communities of D.C., northern Virginia, and southern Maryland. From local streetball legends to rising high school and college prospects, these courts have even showcased the occasional future NBA legend like D.C.-area native Kevin Durant. At the end of the day, it's the kids, the comradery, the getting everybody together from different parts of the city, different parts of the DMV, Rawls said. It's what I call a safe haven. In one of the poorest and most crime-ridden parts of the nation's capital, Rawls also knows that offering a bit of alternative recreation can have a deep sociological impact. He has no illusions about what some of his regular players would be doing if they weren't here for three or four hours a day, six days a week… that's what pretty much drives me, he said. More than two decades after he first started, Rawls looks at the court and ongoing daily pickup games as his life's work and legacy. It uplifts me man, to be honest with you. It brings tears to my eyes; 29 years later, I'm still relevant, still on top. That's a long time to do anything in the hood, in one of the worst neighborhoods and wards in D.C., he said. I wouldn't trade it for nothing.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sweat, sneakers, and summer nights: The Goodman League's enduring legacy in Southeast DC
WASHINGTON (AP) — The pounding and squeak of Nikes on the drive downcourt sets the soundtrack and the stadium lights kick in as the sun sets. Bodies tussle for the rebound on a missed three-pointer and men shout for the assist on a sweaty summer night. This is the Goodman League, in the heart of Southeast Washington's Barry Farm neighborhood. Cigarette smoke from the audience floats across the court, mixing with the smell of fried fish for sale just off courtside. This is the place to be seen in the neighborhood; the bleachers are packed and others sit in picnic chairs all around the court. The crowd's attire ranges from trendy fashion, rhinestone sunglasses and high heels to backwards baseball caps, tank tops and baggy shorts. They gather to watch basketball played by men from divergent walks of life — some a little on the chubby side, some seemingly without an ounce of body fat, but all completely soaked in sweat. The land here, which was originally owned by slave owner James Barry until early 1868, has changed over the last 16 years. The notorious Barry Farm housing complex exists now only as piles of rubble, overgrown with weeds and grass and surrounded by a cyclone fence. A new condo complex offers views of where rows of nondescript brick apartments used to stand. What remains of the old neighborhood are the basketball courts of the Goodman League, revamped in 1996 by Miles Rawls. This is where the old Barry Farm Community Summer Basketball League operated from its founding in 1977 to 1995. Now under Rawls' oversight, it remains a family-friendly community hub and neighborhood magnet. The referees, like the players, are a motley crew — jolly and occasionally out of breath as they try to keep pace with young men who hail from vastly different levels of the game. Players come here from across the so-called DMV — the local term for the intertwined communities of D.C., northern Virginia and southern Maryland. From local streetball legends to rising high school and college prospects, these courts have even showcased the occasional future NBA legend, like D.C.-area native Kevin Durant. 'At the end of the day it's the kids, the comradery, the getting everybody together from different parts of the city, different parts of the DMV,' Rawls said. 'It's what I call a safe haven.' In one of the poorest and most crime-ridden parts of the nation's capital, Rawls' also knows that offering a bit of alternative recreation can have a deep sociological impact. He has no illusions about what some of his regular players 'would be doing if they weren't here for three or four hours a day six days a week ... that's what pretty much drives me,' he said. More than two decades after he first started, Rawls looks at the court and ongoing daily pickup games as his life's work and legacy. 'It uplifts me man, to be honest with you. It brings tears to my eyes, 29 years later I'm still relevant, still on top. That's a long time to do anything, in the hood, in one of the worst neighborhoods and wards in D.C.,' he said. 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Sweat, sneakers, and summer nights: The Goodman League's enduring legacy in Southeast DC
The pounding and squeak of Nikes on the drive downcourt sets the soundtrack and the stadium lights kick in as the sun sets. Bodies tussle for the rebound on a missed three-pointer and men shout for the assist on a sweaty summer night. This is the Goodman League, in the heart of Southeast Washington's Barry Farm neighborhood. Cigarette smoke from the audience floats across the court, mixing with the smell of fried fish for sale just off courtside. This is the place to be seen in the neighborhood; the bleachers are packed and others sit in picnic chairs all around the court. The crowd's attire ranges from trendy fashion, rhinestone sunglasses and high heels to backwards baseball caps, tank tops and baggy shorts. They gather to watch basketball played by men from divergent walks of life — some a little on the chubby side, some seemingly without an ounce of body fat, but all completely soaked in sweat. The land here, which was originally owned by slave owner James Barry until early 1868, has changed over the last 16 years. The notorious Barry Farm housing complex exists now only as piles of rubble, overgrown with weeds and grass and surrounded by a cyclone fence. A new condo complex offers views of where rows of nondescript brick apartments used to stand. What remains of the old neighborhood are the basketball courts of the Goodman League, revamped in 1996 by Miles Rawls. This is where the old Barry Farm Community Summer Basketball League operated from its founding in 1977 to 1995. Now under Rawls' oversight, it remains a family-friendly community hub and neighborhood magnet. The referees, like the players, are a motley crew — jolly and occasionally out of breath as they try to keep pace with young men who hail from vastly different levels of the game. Players come here from across the so-called DMV — the local term for the intertwined communities of D.C., northern Virginia and southern Maryland. From local streetball legends to rising high school and college prospects, these courts have even showcased the occasional future NBA legend, like D.C.-area native Kevin Durant. 'At the end of the day it's the kids, the comradery, the getting everybody together from different parts of the city, different parts of the DMV,' Rawls said. 'It's what I call a safe haven.' In one of the poorest and most crime-ridden parts of the nation's capital, Rawls' also knows that offering a bit of alternative recreation can have a deep sociological impact. He has no illusions about what some of his regular players 'would be doing if they weren't here for three or four hours a day six days a week ... that's what pretty much drives me,' he said. More than two decades after he first started, Rawls looks at the court and ongoing daily pickup games as his life's work and legacy. 'It uplifts me man, to be honest with you. It brings tears to my eyes, 29 years later I'm still relevant, still on top. That's a long time to do anything, in the hood, in one of the worst neighborhoods and wards in D.C.,' he said. 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing.'
Associated Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Sweat, sneakers, and summer nights: The Goodman League's enduring legacy in Southeast DC
WASHINGTON (AP) — The pounding and squeak of Nikes on the drive downcourt sets the soundtrack and the stadium lights kick in as the sun sets. Bodies tussle for the rebound on a missed three-pointer and men shout for the assist on a sweaty summer night. This is the Goodman League, in the heart of Southeast Washington's Barry Farm neighborhood. Cigarette smoke from the audience floats across the court, mixing with the smell of fried fish for sale just off courtside. This is the place to be seen in the neighborhood; the bleachers are packed and others sit in picnic chairs all around the court. The crowd's attire ranges from trendy fashion, rhinestone sunglasses and high heels to backwards baseball caps, tank tops and baggy shorts. They gather to watch basketball played by men from divergent walks of life — some a little on the chubby side, some seemingly without an ounce of body fat, but all completely soaked in sweat. The land here, which was originally owned by slave owner James Barry until early 1868, has changed over the last 16 years. The notorious Barry Farm housing complex exists now only as piles of rubble, overgrown with weeds and grass and surrounded by a cyclone fence. A new condo complex offers views of where rows of nondescript brick apartments used to stand. What remains of the old neighborhood are the basketball courts of the Goodman League, revamped in 1996 by Miles Rawls. This is where the old Barry Farm Community Summer Basketball League operated from its founding in 1977 to 1995. Now under Rawls' oversight, it remains a family-friendly community hub and neighborhood magnet. The referees, like the players, are a motley crew — jolly and occasionally out of breath as they try to keep pace with young men who hail from vastly different levels of the game. Players come here from across the so-called DMV — the local term for the intertwined communities of D.C., northern Virginia and southern Maryland. From local streetball legends to rising high school and college prospects, these courts have even showcased the occasional future NBA legend, like D.C.-area native Kevin Durant. 'At the end of the day it's the kids, the comradery, the getting everybody together from different parts of the city, different parts of the DMV,' Rawls said. 'It's what I call a safe haven.' In one of the poorest and most crime-ridden parts of the nation's capital, Rawls' also knows that offering a bit of alternative recreation can have a deep sociological impact. He has no illusions about what some of his regular players 'would be doing if they weren't here for three or four hours a day six days a week ... that's what pretty much drives me,' he said. More than two decades after he first started, Rawls looks at the court and ongoing daily pickup games as his life's work and legacy. 'It uplifts me man, to be honest with you. It brings tears to my eyes, 29 years later I'm still relevant, still on top. That's a long time to do anything, in the hood, in one of the worst neighborhoods and wards in D.C.,' he said. 'I wouldn't trade it for nothing.'
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SmartStop Closes Canadian Maple Bond Offering for CAD $500 Million
LADERA RANCH, Calif., June 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. ("SmartStop") (NYSE: SMA), an internally managed real estate investment trust and a premier owner and operator of self-storage facilities in the United States and Canada, announced today that it has closed its previously announced CAD$500 million aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Unsecured Notes, due June 16, 2028 (the "Notes"). The Notes were issued by SmartStop's operating partnership, SmartStop OP, L.P. The Notes bear interest at a rate of approximately 3.91% per annum, payable in cash in equal semiannual installments commencing on December 16, 2025. After accounting for an interest rate hedge, the effective interest rate on the Notes is approximately 3.85%. The Notes are rated BBB mid with a Stable Outlook by Morningstar DBRS. This Maple Bond marks SmartStop's entry into the senior unsecured Canadian bond market, a testament to SmartStop's long-standing and growing presence in the Canadian market with more than 15 years of experience in the GTA ("Greater Toronto Area"). This transaction, which was 4.5x oversubscribed, represents the first ever Maple Bond issued by a self-storage company and achieved the lowest spread on a three-year fixed-rate term in the Canadian real estate sector in the last decade. Proceeds from the offering will be used to repay its 2027 NBC Loan, a CAD-denominated loan with a balance of approximately USD $51.2 million and a net effective rate of 6.42% as of March 31, 2025, acquire properties under contract, reduce the balance on the Company's revolving credit facility, as well as for general corporate purposes. "It's an honor to enter this new Canadian debt capital market, being the first issuance from a self-storage company ever in the Maple Bond market," said H. Michael Schwartz, Chairman and CEO of SmartStop. "This offering reflects our long-standing commitment to the Canadian market. It enhances our financial flexibility as we continue to execute strategic growth opportunities across North America." "The launch of this Maple Bond is a significant milestone for SmartStop," said James Barry, CFO of SmartStop. "Executing this transaction speaks to SmartStop's ability to be opportunistic in its capital stack at favorable interest rates while expanding our reach across different capital sources." The Notes were offered on an agency basis by a syndicate of agents that included BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and National Bank Financial Inc. who served as Bookrunners, and Scotia Capital Inc. and RBC Dominion Securities Inc. who served as co-managers. McMillan LLP served as SmartStop's Canadian Counsel, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP served as Issuer's United States Counsel, Venable LLP served as SmartStop's Maryland counsel, and Davies Ward Phillips and Vineberg, LLP served as Dealer's Counsel. The Notes have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (SmartStop): SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. ("SmartStop") (NYSE: SMA) is a self-managed REIT with a fully integrated operations team of more than 600 self-storage professionals focused on growing the SmartStop® Self Storage brand. SmartStop, through its indirect subsidiary SmartStop REIT Advisors, LLC, also sponsors other self-storage programs. As of June 16, 2025, SmartStop has an owned or managed portfolio of 222 operating properties in 23 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, comprising approximately 158,900 units and 17.9 million rentable square feet. SmartStop and its affiliates own or manage 42 operating self-storage properties in Canada, which total approximately 35,700 units and 3.6 million rentable square feet. Additional information regarding SmartStop is available at View source version on Contacts David Corak Senior VP of Corporate Finance and StrategySmartStop Self Storage REIT, Sign in to access your portfolio
