#USA #New York City #Basketball #Riverside Hawks #Power of the Game

Riverside Hawks Present 'The Power of the Game'

On October 29th, the Riverside Hawks will hold a significant event titled 'The Power of the Game', during the 2025 Gala, located at The Grill and The Pool in New York City's Seagram Building. This high-impact panel discussion will explore how basketball transcends the realm of sports, illustrating its potential to build character, forge new opportunities, and inspire young people.

What Makes This Event Special?

The panel will feature six esteemed leaders from various sectors including sports, media, finance, and community engagement. The discussion will be moderated by Erika Irish Brown, who is the Head of Talent Management and Engagement at Citi, alongside her role as a Riverside Hawks Board Member. The speakers will reveal how basketball acts as a remarkable platform for growth and social impact, both on and off the court.

Who Will Speak?

The lineup of speakers includes:

• - Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings: Founders of Earn Your Leisure, they are dedicated to enhancing financial literacy and empowerment within the Black community.
• - Jose Minaya: A former college athlete turned financial leader, currently serving as the Global Head of BNY Investments and Wealth, he will share insights on merging sports with financial success.
• - Crystal McCrary McGuire: An award-winning writer and filmmaker, she is also the co-founder of the 'Game-Up' youth sports tech platform, illustrating the intersection of sports and technology.
• - Coach Keydren Clark: A former two-time NCAA Division I scoring champion and current NCAA assistant coach at St. Peter's University, Coach Clark is devoted to developing young talent in basketball.

This stellar array of panelists will share their personal journeys, offering insights on broader youth sports trends, achieving success in careers, and fostering wealth across generations. Their discussions will underscore the significance of community leaders, athletes, and business professionals who devote their resources and mentorship to guide younger generations towards success.

The Greater Impact of Basketball

Erika Irish Brown remarked, "Basketball has the power to shape lives and communities far beyond the court. The game serves as a vehicle for positive change, instilling essential values such as discipline and leadership, while also paving educational pathways that empower individuals from various backgrounds to succeed."

The Riverside Hawks organization prioritizes academics alongside athleticism. In the past year alone, they served over 600 student-athletes, predominantly from Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx. Their remarkable statistics include over $16 million awarded in college scholarships and grants over the last five years and a 100% high school graduation rate among their athletes, all of whom have continued on to colleges, universities, or prep schools post-graduation.

This commitment to academic achievement complemented by athletic excellence signals a strong community dedication from the Riverside Hawks' board, coaches, Riverside Church leadership, and local supporters, aiming to provide these young athletes with opportunities that extend beyond the basketball court into all facets of life.

To support the Harboring Hands initiatives and to gain more information regarding the Gala, individuals can visit www.riversidehawks.org.