The Riverside Hawks have been a staple in the Harlem community since our founding in 1961. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for youth to use sports as a vehicle to improve academic outcomes and in turn, improve career prospects. During these times, the work of the Riverside Hawks is so greatly needed. Almost 70% of program families come from households in Washington Heights, Harlem and the Bronx. Close to 80% of families are categorized as low to moderate-income.
With the above in mind, we will be celebrating our 60th Anniversary on December 7, 2021, at The Plaza, Terrace Room. The Reception is at 6:30 pm followed by dinner and program at 7:30 pm. It will go virtual if need be. All COVID protocols will be strictly adhered to.
Tonya Lewis Lee & Spike Lee are Honorary Co-Chairs and our honorees are Maurice Coleman (Market Executive for Commercial Real Estate Banking, Bank of America) and Scott Mills (President, BET Networks). Maurice DuBois (Co-Anchor of CBS News) will be our host for the evening. We also have Crystal McCrary, presenting the Coach of the year Award to, Coach Hector Almodovar and we will be inducting our very own, Coach Dermon Player, into the RIverside Hawks Hall of Fame and Metta World Peace will be honored as our Alumni Honoree.
The Riverside Hawks provide comprehensive basketball instruction and academic supports for over 350 children beginning in kindergarten through high school. Our elite-level boys and girls basketball teams play in nationally recognized showcase tournaments and rank among the top teams in the nation. The strength of our basketball program is legendary. Over our rich 60 year history, our alum has included Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome, Eric Paschal, Chris Mullin, Tiny Archibald, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson, Ed Pinckney, Metta World Peace, Elton Brand, and Malik Sealy. We are extremely proud of the athletic achievements of our students. However, our core mission always remains to help students attain better academic outcomes and opportunities. In addition to the academic guidance we provide, we have granted over $120,000 in high school scholarships over the last two years. Our students have excelled off the court as well.
As of last year:
We sincerely hope that you will support the Riverside Hawks as we continue the important work of empowering the youth in our community. Your assistance will help make this 60th Anniversary an event to remember.
