Waking Up with Jayson Williams
By Henry Street Settlement
What gets Henry Street middle school students up really early in the morning? The chance to learn basketball skills from Jayson Williams, former NBA all-star.
The story began in 1978 when Williams, then 11 years old, and his mother sought refuge in a Settlement homeless shelter. Now, the 6’ 10’’ basketball legend is returning to the Settlement to give today’s youth opportunities he wishes he had as a child. “I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Henry Street,” he said.
Every Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. (!) he runs a basketball clinic for about 15 teens who attend middle schools on the Lower East Side, where Henry Street has after-school programs.
But Williams does more than teach the kids to dribble. Each morning ends with a catered breakfast, and a mentoring session, where they speak about concerns. He helps teach the students accountability, discipline and the significance of smart decision making. To qualify for the program, students must arrive on time, and provide proof that they complete their homework.
Beyond the sessions in the gymnasium at Henry Street’s youth center, Williams has made plans to treat the students to dinner at a Manhattan steakhouse, take them to a polo match, provide etiquette lessons, take them paddle-boarding in the Hudson River and more. And on a recent Tuesday morning, he gave each student a pair of new sneakers and a polo shirt, before walking them to their nearby middle school at 8 a.m.
The students are so excited about the program that some travel from the Bronx and Coney Island to attend the early morning basketball clinic. “It’s great to get to know him – an NBA star!” said one student. “He’s also taught me it’s important to be respectful and do better in school. Plus it’s great to be walked to school by an NBA star!”
Williams – who moved to the LaGuardia Houses after leaving the shelter — reconnected with Henry Street through long-time family friend Debbie Cox, administrative coordinator at the Workforce Development Center.
“This initiative has truly been transformative in a short amount of time,” said Matthew Phifer, Director of Education Services at Henry Street. “Jayson’s willingness to help out, virtually carte blanche, and openness to staff suggestions regardless of cost and time requirements has been nothing short of amazing.
“Current research indicates that the brain is firing on all cylinders immediately following recreational activity. This provides the perfect recipe for students starting their morning off right and ready to engage their school day, and we couldn’t be more optimistic about the potential that this program holds,” he said.
More about this program in the news:
“For the past month, about 15 middle schoolers have been squaring off with some tough competition at a Henry Street gym — former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams and ex-Knicks player Charles Oakley.” DNAinfo.com | Read more »
“The 10-week program, Williams explained, is all about ‘starting the day off right.'” The Lo-Down | Read more »
