We're Fired Up!!

Congressman Rangel On Riverton

Riverton Press Conference

ELECTED OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE CALLING ON RIVERTON DEVELOPER TO PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, DESPITE WARNINGS OF LOAN DEFAULT

(NEW YORK, NEW YORK)- On Saturday, August 23, 2008, a group of concerned
elected officials and community leaders will be holding a press conference calling on the developer of the 1,230 unit Riverton Apartments to preserve affordable housing, in the wake of the disclosure that the loan used to purchase the Riverton in 2006 may be going into default. This PRESS CONFERENCE will be taking place at the corner of 135th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York City at 10:00 AM.

Invited speakers include: Congressman Charles B. Rangel, Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright, Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens as well as representatives from the Riverton Tenants Association and many members of the Riverton Community. "It is imperative that the developers who purchased this property act in a socially responsible manner and disclose how they will renegotiate their loan in a way that does not threaten the homesteads of Riverton residents. This property must not remain in flux and the owner must take steps in the future to ensure that it does not," said State Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright.

This PRESS CONFERENCE will be held on SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the corner of 135th Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan, New York City.

Da Bigg Doggs Of Harlem

Nearly 20 years ago, across from "22 west" on a"hun thirty-fifth street" Al Gee started a Hoops tournament, later to be called the BIGG DOGGS of Harlem. In the tradition of educator/ mentors like the late greats Pelham Fritz and Holcomb Rucker and the living legends Cal Ramsey and Jon Isaacs , Al has provided a summertime recreational outlet to scores of Harlem youth. He needs four more solid teams to fill out the card this year........Are there any undercover basketball coaches out there??
Anyway Als' gettin' his props lately in the form of a prominent spot on a beautiful mural on the side of the Rozier Hansborough (The Bathhouse) Center on 135th street. Check it out for yourself.

Set It Off!!

Hey folks,the 2008 Riverton Park reunion plans are well underway. Glenn"Deisel"Hunter has been in negotiation with Riverton management and they have graciously consented to allow us the use of the premises on Saturday July 12th for our annual get together. Food & refreshments will be provided for all of our guests.
Because of the considerable expenses associated with the staging of such an event,(let alone the difficulties of purchasing for an unknown number of participants) it is necessary that we recieve some seed money to cover the expected outlay. Accordingly ,we need to raise $1500 as soon as possible to assure the success of the event. The cost per family is $25, and arrangements have been made to facilitate this by the use of the paypal button to the right of this blog entry. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to:
Glenn Hunter
2300 fifth ave suite 2e
New York, New York
HELP US OUT Y'ALL! WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT UPFRONT CASH COMMITMENT,WE CANNOT ASSURE THAT THE PARTY WILL BE HELD. SPREAD THE WORD!

"Black Magic" A Pearl of a Picture

To those of us who were in the mix during the late sixties an early seventies Earl"The Pearl"Monroe was more than the iconic athlete whose statistical accomplishments were only exceeded by the grand style with which they were executed, Earl is and was one of us. With fellow Knicks Dick "Fall back Baby' Barnett, and Cal Ramsey in residence at the time, Earl was one of a litany of legends to have graced the Riverton Playground.
His story and that of the many incredible athletes who played for historically black colleges and universities in the pre-seventies era was the subject of the film "Black Magic" The film was produced by the hall of famer himself, and screened before a wildly enthusiastic audience last month at the Apollo.It will air in two parts on ESPN this coming Sunday and Monday. What follows is a well crafted narrative about the Pearl that I found on Youtube, it will have to hold ya' till Sunday!

"Hot Fun In The Summertime"

With the winter grinding on relentlessly and spring not due for at least another six weeks, it is comforting to reflect upon the summer months and the warmth that comes both literally and figuratively with the season. So,my friends, courtesy of Dr. Keith Hunter, who had the foresight to gather these video clips, we are pleased to bring you a blast of warmth from last summer. We hope you that you enjoy it.