Throughout African-American history Harlem has become synonymous to the American culture. Over several generations some of the world’s leading activists, athletes, and historians were all a by-product of the Harlem movement. During the 1940’s Harlem became the cultural hub of America. The large representation of African-Americans became very imperative to Harlem’s culture because it fostered a strong sense of community. During Harlem’s culture-crazed phenomenon the emergence of basketball had a profound impact on America’s divine sports culture. For African-Americans sports played an imperative role in their lives because it carved a unique pathway that provided endless opportunities. During Black History Month we will commemorate influential African-American figures. This first figure that we’ll talk about was the prodigal son of Harlem, known for his big heart and selfless acts toward the community. I will like to introduce you to Holcombe Rucker.

Born in 1926, Holcombe Rucker grew up in Harlem’s 141st Street neighbourhood. After dropping out of Benjamin Franklin HS, Rucker joined the army and serve during World War II. Around the mid 40’s, Holcombe returned back home to Harlem, where he started his mission to uplift his community. This mission started inside the legendary St. Philips Community Centre; here Holcombe developed several basketball teams that competed across New York’s five boroughs. Holcombe became responsible for flourishing top-tier players and getting them collegiate scholarships, under his guidance over 400 kids ended up receiving scholarships to colleges. Holcombe wanted to create a platform that would keep the youth off the streets and get them to tap into their higher purpose.

NYC legends Ernie Morris, Robert McCullough, and Connie Hawkins also flourished as basketball stars under Rucker’s wing. Holcombe Rucker had a strong educational component within his philosophy that he shared with several of the youths he fostered. He strongly emphasized the importance of acquiring an education and pursing a higher learning. During his journey Rucker instilled the fundamental tools for the youth to utilize in their respective journeys. His famous motto “Each One, Teach One” has catapulted into a non-profit organization committed to make a profound impact within Harlem’s community. What once was a mere idea, went on to become one of the greatest contributions made towards Harlem’s affluent culture.

“Rucker was my surrogate father. He changed my life. I went to college and was drafted in the NBA because I was a product of his guidence”

— Bob McCullogh

In 1950 Holcombe Rucker started the world famous “Rucker Pro Basketball Tournament” that featured top teams throughout the Northeast region. (New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia). Harlem’s Rucker league was home to NYC legends Pee Wee Kirkland, Connie Hawkins, Tyrone “Alimoe” Evans, and Bob McCullough. The early years of the tournament was run out of the St. Nicholas Playgrounds on 128th Street and 7th Avenue. The Rucker Tournament created a unique buzz in the streetball scene because nobody had witnessed a league of that magnitude. The Rucker Tournament help reinvigorate New York City’s basketball culture by connecting the community as well. Through basketball African-Americans in Harlem felt a strong sense of security that unified the people.

The Rucker Tournament began to grow in popularity and attracted NBA stars such as Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, Earl Monroe, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Willis Reed. Unfortunately, in 1965 Holcombe Rucker passed away from lung career at the age of 38. The lost of Holcombe Rucker left a hole within the Harlem community, but with the help of Bob McCullough and Fred Crawford, they continued to keep Rucker’s legacy alive. In honorary of his communal efforts and historic contributions, the city renamed playground 156 as “Holcombe Rucker Playground”, located at 155th Street and Fredrick Douglas Blvd. So in 1965 we witnessed the beginning of a new era, 155th Street became the new home for the storied tournament. By 1970 Rucker’s Basketball Tournament catapulted into a global phenomenon.

This new-age basketball tournament injected a source of entertainment for African-Americans and also provided a place of socialization. Several young African-Americans would congregate at the Rucker. Rucker Park helped submerge the African-American culture during the midst of tragedy; Harlem also becomes a magical place for people of different ethnic decent. If you came to Rucker Park you were a fan of the unique African-American culture. Throughout the test of time Rucker’s tournament became very imperative to African-American culture because of what is represented: Community, Integrity, and Culture.

“Rucker is a place of special moments, a place of a lot of history. Rest in peace to Holcombe Rucker. The park was a place of refuge, a place of connection, it was a place where the community connected through the sport of basketball. ”

— Kyrie Irving

Under the tutelage of Holcombe Rucker, hundreds of African-American youths went on the college, graduated and become productive citizens. It was his platform that allowed a whole community to flourish. Harlem greatly influenced the America’s sport culture by providing a platform that allowed noble citizen to make a difference. Even until this day, Rucker Park is still labelled as one of the world’s famous basketball venue and the tournament has garnished the attention of several high profile celebrities. NYC will forever be the True Mecca Of Basketball.

Currently, Rucker Park has gained national notoriety for the development of the Entertainers Basketball Classic. Harlem native Greg Marius created the EBC in hopes to rejuvenate the NYC basketball culture. The tournament features a unique display of high-level basketball. Some of Hip-Hop’s biggest artists enter their teams that will compete for ultimate bragging rights. Fat Joe and Jay-z staged the greatest basketball game never to be played. In August 2003, Terror Squad and S. Carter was set to face off in Rucker’s EBC. Teams included Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Mike Bibby, and Jamal Crawford. Wow that game would of been epic!!

One of the greatest moments in Rucker history was when Warriors Kevin Durant erupted for 66 points. The energy in the park that day was unmatched; Kevin Durant caught fire during the 4th quarter hitting 4 straight threes. In a matter of minutes the game highlights went viral. On global scale, Rucker Park has been recognized as a world’s famous venue and with the high level of sustainability, one day we will see Rucker Park enshrined at the Basketball Hall Of Fame. “The True Mecca Of Basketball” will always reside in New York City.

“The trash talk is on a whole other level, so when you’re a pro you can’t just play well, You got to dominate. Out there you got to find an edge somehow. ”

— Kevin Durant

Thanks: ESPN,Bleacher Report, Complex

Figure: Holcombe Rucker (March 2 1926- March 20 1965)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBsLxqH-0bQ

Rapper Meek Mill and Jay-Z have partnered up to launch a criminal justice reform organization called “REFORM” alliance; The organization aims to contribute towards the advancement of America’s criminal justice reform system. They will abolish out-dated laws that marginalize African-Americans, as well as encourage citizens to change their perspectives on America’s justice system. REFORM is looking to reduce the large prison population by freeing one million people over the next five years. At the head of council is activist and former White House Councilmen Van Jones, who will serve as the CEO. The REFORM Alliance also includes Philadelphia 76ers owner Michael Rubin, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Brooklyn Nets co-owner Clara Wu Tsai, Daniel Loeb, Michael Novogratz, and Robert Smith. Prior to launching their organization the founding partners committed to $50 million pledge for their efforts. It’s time to educate people about the various injustices that exist in America’s justice system.

“We our going to put our love against the hate that built the system... and we’re going to win ”

— Van Jones (Reform Alliance CEO)

Now let’s tap into the statistics of America’s criminal justice system. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, 6.6 million individuals are in the U.S. criminal justice system and 4.5 million of those people are on probation or parole. America spends a lucrative amount of money annually on correction; 80 billion dollars to be exact. Currently, America’s incarceration rate is more than 5 times higher than the rest of the world. A contributing factor is that individuals are sentenced to lengthy terms of post incarceration and probation, then trapped in an on-going cycle that targets people in African-American communities. In America It’s no secret that women are being incarcerated at higher rate that males and a shocking 80% of women who go to prison are mothers. We are witnessing the demise of great African-American families because of a broken criminal justice system. It’s about time we stand together to put an end to this problematic situation. REFORM will be responsible for implementing a systemic reform in place so millions of individuals can’t be labelled as a statistic.

“Everyone knows someone in this country, whether it’s a family member or a close friend or now even me, who has experienced incarceration, post-incarceration or even per-trial detention. ”

— Topeka.S

Unfortunately, Meek Mill fell a victim to the injustices of America’s criminal justice system. In 2017 Meek Mill’s case received national notoriety as it raised issues against sentencing and probation. Meek Mill was sentenced to 2-4 years in jail for a technical probation violation. Meek Mill’s probation has stemmed from a 11-year case that occurred back in 2007. In 2008 Meek Mill was sentenced to 11-23 months in prison with 8 years of probation. Since then, Meek Mil has been arrested on several occasions for minor technical violation. The sentence seems to be pretty unjust under most circumstance, but Judge Brinkley has been biased toward Meek Mill. Judge Brinkley has imposed unjust sentences against Meek Mill depriving him from the right to work and spend time with his family. Several rumours circulated around the courtrooms stating that Judge Brinkley made inappropriate requests to Meek in private, which included a shout-out on a song. Unfortunately, Judge Brinkley denied those allegations. Ultimately, this case was a representative example on how America’s criminal justice system entraps African-Americans every day. Meek Mill’s first-hand experience with the criminal justice system has catapulted him to a power symbol within the Reform movement. His voice has become very influential as he looks to represent a large representation of individuals who’ve been victims of the criminal justice system.

“I don’t want you to judge me off the way I look, or the way I may talk, or the way I carry myself. I want you to judge me off my actions!”

— Meek Mill

Jay-Z has become an avid spokesman for the prison reform system, his platform has inspired our generation to contribute towards various social issues in America. His ability to influence a large audience of people is immaculate and with him at the forefront of the Reform Alliance we are hopeful in seeing dramatic changes in the criminal justice system. Jay-Z has pushed the conversation forward about biased policing and mass incarceration that have teared down communities, families, and lives. Jay-Z and Meek Mill have committed to decrease the rate of incarceration among African-Americans. The two have developed a admirable bond predicated off loyalty, support, and reliability. Jay-Z was the sole contributor during the #FREEMEEK movement and stressed the importance of fighting for his freedom. Jay-Z has worked alongside Meek Mill during stages of his career and is a fan of his craft. Jay-Z is currently working on a six-part documentary series featuring Meek Mill, which will release August 2019. From the streets of Marcy Projects to GRAMMY award-winner, now Jay-z is running a different race that will empower the people within our communities and across the globe.

“For me I’m from Marcy Projects, I’m from Brooklyn and this has been apart of my life. These are communities that we’ve grown up in... So I grew up with these issues. ”

— Jay-Z

Reform Alliance

Website: https://reformalliance.com/

Special Thanks: @tidal, @reform, @rocnation, @NBC

CEO: Van Jones

CO-Chairman: Michael Rubin, Meek Mill

Founding Partners: Jay-Z, Robert Kraft, Clara Wu Tsai, Daniel Loeb, Michael Novogratz, Robert Smith

We Sell Mindset, Not Products

Black History 19' | Long Live Holcombe Rucker / February 8, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi

REFORM Alliance | Justice For All #FightDifferent / January 28, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi