**While in his dressing room, Ty Raheem takes a moment to appreciate how far he’s come since working security at the Target Center.** Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

By Azhae’la Hanson, Reporter

Ty Raheem worked many odd jobs to stay occupied upon retiring from playing professional basketball overseas. He picked up shifts as a security guard for a time at the Target Center and ushered in the many who flocked to see those in the limelight shine.

This winter, Raheem returned to the Target Center to be ushered into his own dressing room – as a ref for the Harlem Globetrotters.

Raheem began his officiating career to fill the time between pro basketball seasons. Once his playing days were over, he worked many jobs, balancing being a security guard at the Target Center, officiating basketball, and working as the dean of students at a Northside charter school.

He attributes his work ethic to his uncle, who currently works in the NBA and always had more than one job when Raheem was growing up.

“I watched my uncle hustle and work multiple jobs for 20 years and then for him to finally get an opportunity for the NBA to hire him was clear-cut motivation,” Raheem said. “I knew if I worked hard no matter what my timetable is I could be blessed with an opportunity.”

As he spent time mentoring youth, he noticed that, like himself, there were a lot of retiring athletes not knowing their next steps. In February 2022, he started his own officiating company, Brother Bros Officiating, to provide opportunities for Northside youth who went to college and played ball to have an opportunity to still be involved in the game when they came home.

“I wanted to create the opportunity because I am really big on giving people a chance,” Raheem said.

After all, it was because someone gave him a chance, that he was able to grace the courts alongside the legendary barnstorming basketball team. Raheem was hand picked to finish the Harlem Globetrotters United States tour after former referee Kevin Baker was promoted to head stage manager.

“Kevin Baker saw the work I do in the community, and how hard I’ve always worked,” Raheem said. “He gave me my flowers for my business and the positivity I'm doing for the community, and he decided to take a chance on me.”

Baker met Raheem during his time refereeing in a professional men's league, where Raheem played. He remembered Raheem being the only one that didn’t talk smack to the ref.

“I know about 400 officials and he was the first brother to come to my mind,” Baker said. “He’s got great character, I love to see him in action.”

Leslie Ray-Redmond, a security officer, was working the court when she saw Raheem and couldn’t believe her eyes. They used to work shifts together when he was a part of the staff.

**Raheem gathers in Leslie Ray-Redmond, a Target Center security officer who had no idea her friends would be on the floor with the Globetrotters.** Photo by Azhae’la Hanson

“I didn't know he was going to be working the game,” Ray-Redmond said. “I was just excited to be down here because I'm a Globie fan, but then I saw Raheem and I was shocked. I'm so excited to see him.”

She could be seen shouting “that’s my best friend” moments later as Raheem entered the court.

Raheem was greeted by more than 50 people to celebrate his homecoming performance at the Target Center with the Harlem Globetrotters. When the troupe started their iconic Lion King bit that chooses a baby to hold up to the crowd of fans, Raheem's daughter won the honor.

“I'm so proud of you” is what Raheem hears when he's surrounded by family and friends. He’s excited to finish out the tour, come home to his family and continue to train and inspire the next generation of referees in the community.

Northside dean of students is the Harlem Globetrotters newest ref