By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All: Well, it's May 18, 2019 - 3 days away from the Mayoral Primary in Philadelphia, and I have to do a slight rewind to 4 years ago, in 2015, when Philadelphia shot itself in the foot by not electing Anthony Hardy Williams mayor. It seemed that there was some sort of cognitive dissonance that occurred en masse, which caused those with basic intelligence to shift their support to former City Council Representative Jim Kenney - for no apparent reason. In fact, one of my close associates asked me to share his dismay and disdain for the outcome of the primary election of 2015, which, ironically, happened to have been on Malcolm X's Birthday. I'm sharing it with you below:
---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Zach Husser, Sr.(Deceased 11/05/2018) Date: Thu, May 21, 2015 at 3:16 AM Subject: Re: [ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS Blog]
Philadelphia Mayoral Primary Election: The Best Man Didn't win, the Best Tactics Did
Dear Philadelphians,
During the primary election for Mayor of the City of Brotherly Love,
many Black Voters voted for Jim Kenney over Anthony Hardy Williams. My
question is why? What do you believe Mr. Kenney is going to do for the
Black Community in Philly that Mr. Williams couldn't do better?
Take a look athttp://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/us/jim-kenney-wins-philadelphias-democratic-primary-for-mayor.html?_r=0
and you'll see the person many in the Black Community voted for.
Sisters, why didn't you Vote for Mr. Williams? All of Philly is going to
have to deal with the outcome of your voting. You gave Kenney 55% of
the vote in Philly and that doesn't make sense to me. Will some one in
Philly give me some facts and answers to my questions??
In the Interest of Voting in Our Own Self-Interest,
Brother Zach Husser, National Communications Advisor
Fathers in Education Campaign, Incorporated www.fathersineducation.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Gloria Dulan-Wilson
To: issuesandsports
Sent: Wed, May 20, 2015 4:21 pm
Subject: [ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS Blog]
Philadelphia Mayoral Primary Election: The Best Man Didn't win, the Best Tactics Did
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Hello All:
In the spirit of good sportswomanship, I must first of all congratulate
James Kenney for emerging victorious from the 6-candidate primary that
took place yesterday, May 19 in Philadelphia.
Anthony Hardy Williams
Of course you know, if you read my blog, that I was in favor of Anthony
Hardy Williams. However, he didn't win - he did come in a decent
second behind Kenney who garnered 55% of the votes at the last tally I
was present for.
All in all a well run race - skillfully engineered, with all forces,
sources and energies garnered and gathered to ensure that all corners of
Philly's constituencies were on board.
Kudos to the Northwest Alliance for having done a superb job. It's
just too bad that all that energy, unfication, solidarity could not have
been mustered for either of the three African American candidates who
were running - Douglass Oliver, Milton Street, or Tony Williams - or
someone else of their choosing. I for one definitely believe in Black
unity - especially when it's around our own Black people.
However, someone said that Williams campaign failed to muster a
campaign that dealt with the racial currency of the mayoral election,
or to respond to the attacks against his record. His was definitely not
a vicious campaign - it was one that was designed to engage the people
and appeal to those areas of interest that most affected them:
education, jobs, family development; decent affordable homes - stuff
that Philadelphians need and are supposed to care about - but you also
have to be slugging it out toe to toe - to be seen.
Someone said that Williams had not "kissed the papal ring and gotten
the blessing of the head honcho in charge," which is why he did not get
the backing of the Philly Dems. Kind of sad, isn't it, that Philly may
have to endure 4 years of an ersatz mayor because of infighting and
power struggles within it's predominant party. In the meantime the
voters are apparently big fans of Kool-Aid - because they had to do the
actual voting. One has to wonder what flavor they represented as they
emerged?
As Tony Williams' mother stated after the 90% of the tally had been
announced, "No one minds losing - if Tony had lost to a man of equal
stature, intelligence, ability or accomplishments - it would have been
understood and accepted. But to Kenney - who has done little to nothing
in 23 years, it's an insult."
The only thing I can say is Philadelphia's voters are going to wake up and say, "Oh My God! What have we done!!!!"
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria
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Jobs by Indeed
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Posted By Gloria Dulan-Wilson to
Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog at 5/20/2015 04:21:00 PM
I'm sharing the two pieces with you 4 years later because you should have had plenty of time to think about where we are now. And do we want to continue heading in that same direction?
We have a primary election that takes place on May 21, 2019 - and I am not one to ASSUME (Ass-u-me) that everybody has now seen the light. So my question to Philadelphians after 4 years is, ARE YOU WOKE YET? I truly hope you are, because there's too much riding on this upcoming primary to leave things to chance. We know that there are some serious issues on the national front that set our country on its ear.
We also know that we have to hunker down and make sure that we all get out and vote - in all our districts - no matter who you vote for. Voting is not just a right, it's an absolute responsibility - one that many of your forbearers fought and died for. One that you cannot and must not take for granted or neglect. No one can do your voting for you. You have to show up - each and every one of you. Especially in an age when you have those trying to take it away from you, block it, thwart it, or discard it.
That said - you also have to also be a responsible and informed voter. You can't just throw it up against the wall and see who sticks. Nor can you allow the media to select your leaders. You still have to do your due diligence. Your homework. If you don't know who your candidates are, in addition to the mayor; or what the issues are, then I strongly suggest you refer to the link that tells who all the candidates are and where your polling places are located.
Like I said, Philly don't get fooled again!! This time make the correct choice for Mayor - but don't ignore City Council, Court of Common Pleas, Sheriff and issues of concern.
If you don't, you've no one to blame but yourselves.
I can't tell you how devastated I was to learn of the transition of my dearest Brother/Friend, ZACH HUSSER, Sr. to the realm of Ancestor/Angel.
Zach Husser at Press Conference and Reception at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Zach was one of my first true friends and neighbor when I moved to New York, and we lived in the twin buildings of 640 and 641 Riverside Drive. When I first met Zach, I was a single mother, with a very young, precocious daughter. I had sublet the apartment from a friend of mine - Olumide, former manager of the LAST POETS - who at the time had relocated to Staten Island
It was the 70s, and Zach gave the best parties on the planet - which is probably how we met - because I loved to party. I had a small 2 bedroom apartment, and Zach had this massive apartment with killer views of the Hudson. Our building was full of intellectuals, party goers, and entrepreneurs. We practically ran that part of Riverside Drive.
We lost track of each other for 10 years after Lou and I relocated to LaLa Land, but reunited in 1986, after running into each other at a Kappa Omicron Party in Harlem. And the friendship started back up as though we had just seen each other the day before. And it's been that way ever since.
Zach had morphed into this combination gentleman, activist, community leader, Wall Street Maven, sports afficianado. I was working in counseling at the SEEK Program at Brooklyn College.
Zach was always active, always up on what was going on - ask him anything - about a subject that most others wouldn't have any remote idea about, ad he could expound on it for hours - down to dates, times, places and names.
People loved Zach, and Zach loved the back. I don't think there was ever aperson who didn't benefit from his wit, wisdom, enthusiasm, and inspiration. He was a brother whose word was bond. You didn't have to worry about him doing what he said he would do. What you had to do was wonder how he did it all, and do is so well?
He brought the party with him - he could enter a room and light it up. He loved planning parties as much as he loved attending them. I went to my very first tailgate party because of him - had never heard of it before - but there I was with a bunch of Ques, sitting out in the parking lot of Giants Stadium, at the Urban League Classics, barbecuing, listening to music, and having a blast.
The only thing - or I should say person - Zach loved more than partying and solving problems was Joanie, his lovely wife. If he was the light of our lives, she was the light of his life - and without her, his light would not have shined as brightly for the rest of us. He loved her sewing and designs, and often sent me snapshots of her latest work - probably because she and I both loved to sew and design - but also because she had taken hers to the next level and started her own company (no doubt because he encouraged her do to so). As proud as he was of his wife, he was totally over the moon about his offspring and his grands.
His other loves were Delaware State University and Columbia University. But his biggest love and source of pride was that of being a proud member of OMEGA PSI PHI FATERNITY - he was the Omega's Omega. He never failed to highlight and feature his brothers, and could always tell you which famous person was an Omega or a Delta. If he came across a Soror of Delta Sigma Theta, he would always try to put us together so that we could communicate.
Zach not only knew what was happening with Kappa Omicron, but the other chapters as well. When I contacted a couple of his frat brothers about whether there were any youth organizations in Greensboro, NC for my two handsome grandsons, everybody told me to contact Zach - he knew them all. Kevin Woodhouse said, the only person who would probably know names, phone numbers and other information would be Zach - he's the one who keeps up with those kinds of things. I wonder who's going to take up the torch now that he's made his transition.
Another part of Zach's charm was his always friendly smile, the warmth with which he would greet you, and his excellent memory. But, if you crossed him, or one of his friends, watch out!!! Husser didn't play that and he didn't back down. You either got your act together or he would put you on blast.
I know this is a long post - but Zach and I had a long friendship. I will also admit that I'm writing this from a very selfish standpoint. When the message about his homegoing ceremony flashed across my cell phone, I was stunned for a moment. I couldn't believe my eyes. I figured GOD had made a mistake, and he really needed to give us our Zach back.
I guess I was in awe of Zach because we both were Aries, but he had managed to maintain a balanced temperament - which inspired me to do better, and filter my statements as opposed to going for the jugular when someone annoyed me. He was the brother who could see the issues from both sides and still come out with a balanced verdict that didn't seem to antagonize either side. Zach was our Solomon.
He was my guru. He was my mentor, friend, brother, confidant - he could drag stuff out of me - worse yet - read my mind when I was letting Aries pride keep me from admitting that I even had a problem. We often co-conspired to develop programs and concepts for community groups and people. BLACK PEOPLE, that is - because if there was anything that Zach loved was Black people and being Black. Even when our brothers and sisters sometimes acted like they were dumb as a box of rocks, he would make the allowances and soldier on. It also might have been because as an Aries, we/he hates to be wrong - which made him highly competitive and highly successful. He had a vision, and would go for it.
Date: Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 5:06 AM Subject: The Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Solidarity Movement Meeting at St. Mary's Church at 521 West 126th Street
Dear Family,
I know I hit YOU with a lot of information and emails! I do
this because the Black Family has so many problems and issues that We
must resolve and I can not sit back and not pass the knowledge
Information on to ALL OF YOU who are a part of SOLVING the ills that
plague The Black Family! I know many of YOU say damn, Brother Zach sends
a lot of stuff and you're correct. Please help me solve and resolve all of these issues one at a time and my emails will drop considerably!!!
When we decide to work on solving the
problems, We must know exactly what we're talking about and we must have
all the facts to teach others! We must come fully prepared to challenge
all Supremacist who mean OUR Family NO Good!! Going to meetings,
listening to correct radio, reading books, learning and teaching others,
and most of all, working with Groups of like thinking is what this
Victory Thing is all about. We need each other more than at any time in
OUR existence. Get YOUR CREW together and go by the Church and see how
all of YOU can help in the Fight To Save Brother Mumia Abu-Jamal's
LIFE!! This is life and death we're talking about and it's a cancer that
is destroying the Black Family. All YOU Doctors OUT there, I need you
and you don't even know you're a Doctor!! Come to the meeting and
starting operating for CHANGE!!
In the interest of Resolving ills that plague OUR Community,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
Note: I'm making a special request to the Iconic Sportsmen/Women
to come out and Show Solidarity with Freedom Fighters. A lot of YOU
have been missing in action. Men, you know who you are, Come on out
because We want and need YOU!
He was one of the few people I could let my hair down with, and not have to worry about having it thrown in my face, or hearing about it later on. He loved my writing, and would connect me with individuals who needed my genre of work - which is how I got to edit and revise Dick Barnett's novel, Athlete Negro. He was that way with all his friends. If there was an opportunity that he thought one of his friends or associates was suited for, he would recommend them, and make sure they made the connection with the correct people, and follow up to make sure things were progressing properly. Zach introduced me to Bobby Hunter - and got me involved in the 50th Anniversary of the Rucker games - such a privilege. Zach Husser, Sr. wrote:"Dear Family of Friends, "Book Signing" taking place on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Walt "Clyde" Frazier's Restaurant. The book signing as well as meet and greet Dr. Dick Barnett, a former New York Knick Championship Player, is taking place from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Clyde's Restaurant is locatedat 485 10th Avenue on the corner of 37th street. We look forward to having your family and friends there to purchase the book, meet some great people, and do your networking.The book, "The Athlete Negro," is a compelling story that all of Us have to read. Spread the word to your family of friends.In the Interest of Supporting One Another,Brother Zach Husser, National Communications AdvisorFathers in Education Campaign, Incorporated www.fathersineducation.org
Zach always had my back. When he and Zach and Playthell Benjamin were at Elombe Brath's
Homegoing service, the Ushers at Abyssinian Baptist Church were giving me a difficult time getting seated, Zach got up, went to the back where I was standing, and escorted me down to a seat in front of him. He and Playthell Benjamin sat behind me and we kept up a running conversation during the entire ceremony. Nothing like having an insanity brother or two.
He was Mr. Resource - he knew everybody that was anybody - and that was from the so called highest to the so called lowest.
July 9, 2015 My Dear Family of Friends Network,
I'm very happy to deliver the below information to all of You. Sister
Ntozake Shange was one of the young ladies that was a classmate of mine
during my years as a student at Columbia University. We've been friends
since our College days when we bonded with the other Black Students on
Campus.
Take a look at the Barnard College recognition of Ms. Shange in the
below online magazine. What I would like all of you to do is use the
names in this email because 98% of all of the recipients are Women
taking care of business! All of you need to know one another. One of the
ladies in this note is my wife Joan, the Sewing & Design Diva that
can bring any of your clothing dreams to reality. Check her out on www.JWHstyle.com for more details.
Let's Stay in Touch,
Brother Zach Husser
When my husband, Lou Wilson, the Love of My Life, made his transition, Zach was one of the first of my friends to call me with condolences. When I relocated to Philadelphia to be nearer to my children, Zach was the one who put me in contact with his contacts in Philadelphia to make sure that I made a smooth transition - he knew as many people here as he did in New York.
I'm 100% sure that GOD spoke to us through Zach!!
Zach was one of the few people who not only read my emails and blog, but actually commented on them and encouraged others to do so as well. I've received over 1400 emails from him between 2009 thru 2018 - and that's just on my new computer. I've gone through 5 computers over the past 25 years, and I would bet that Zach and I have emailed each other ten times that amount. We have worked on mutual projects over the years from hosting community events, award programs, news interviews - many of which he actually set up for me. I really appreciate and treasure his faith and confidence in me, and his always contacting me about opportunities and including me in projects.
He was always in the forefront of trying to save Black people - wake them up. Have us be our own salvation - not relying on others to do what we should be doing for ourselves: Black
People MUST do Research if we want to get ourselves out of the
Conditions and ills that plaque our Black Family. I'm in one hundred
percent agreement with that statement.
Secondly, Our Black Family has to include
Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, and Critical Thinking in all of the Schools
that Our Children attend. If the schools don't teach those subjects it's
our responsibility to make sure OUR Children are saturated with these
topics. This was another statement that hit me straight in the face and
if we check the Schools Our Children attend, none of the mentioned
subjects are taught there! Our young people need Philosophy, Logic,
Critical thinking, and Ethics so They have a foundation for learning and
living that will stay with them forever! We have some business to take
care of!
Thirdly, the written documents indicated that too much "Censorship" is
being done via the media when it comes to having speakers that don't
agree with the party line. I'm in absolute agreement with that statement
because I don't see folk like Betty Dopson, Dr. James McIntosh,
Playthell George Benjamin, Joseph R. Mack, Ministers from the Nation of
Islam, and Black thinkers like Dr. Gerald Horne on any programs in New
York City. This is the truth and it's Censorship in the worst way. The
only folk that get hurt in Censorship is Our Black Family because We
don't get the Knowledge WE need to make critical decisions. The folk I
mentioned in the above sentence aren't invited to speak from their well
researched perspective by any Media, whether Black Owned or White in New
York City! We have to do something about this Censorship and we have to
do it Now! What are YOU going to do??
In the interest of educational excellence,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr
Fun Stuff: I remember a party Zach and Joanie invited me to - it was actually Joanie's birthday - the party was held n a part of Brooklyn that I was not familiar with - and would not have gone to had it not been for him. It turned out it was also a fights party featuring Floyd Mayweather - forget who his opponent was, though it really didn't matter, because Mayweather won anyway. WE had an absolute blast - It was a 70s party featuring music from the 70s. We partied till the wee hours of the morning. Zach and Joanie were newly weds - or near newly weds; and he was totally and completely in love.
We lived at opposite ends of the spectrum - he was an early riser, I was a nght owl - so if we needed to talk about issues, we would have to agree to talk at 10:00AM - I generally didn't get up until 11:00AM - and we would go forth to solve the problems of the world. Zach went to bed at 8:00PM - I could never figure out how he made that transition from being a night owl to going to sleep with the chickens. LOL
Still, he insisted that it kept him healthier and full of energy to go to bed at 8:00PM and get up at 5:00PM - he was always concerned about health and the fact that far too many of us were ignorant of how to maintain our health unto old age:
Sent: Sun, Dec 11, 2011 5:23 am
Subject: Re: The Development of a Closer Friendship With A Brother That Has A Great Deal Of Respect For Your Opinions And YOU..
My Dear Brothers,
One of the critical things I want to do in collaboration with both
of YOU is show and teach Our Black Men about the importance of great
health for all of Us. We can do this by becoming the in shape &
healthy templates we want others to follow. I need to get into great
physical and mental condition so I can do the writing, teaching,
learning, and other things that benefit "My Black People."
As I watched you Brother Alton at the Cotton Club yesterday, I
realized the two of Us are fighting big bellies. I'm getting involved
with The Heal Thyself Center in Brooklyn and become a student of Sister
Queen Afua. Go to www.QueenAfua.com
for more details. We all need to take better care of each other and
ourselves. I'm sending this note out of love for Black People, but for
Black Men in particular. If you believe I'm coming in Love, get in touch
with Sister Queen Afua and let's agree to do her program as a team.
When Our Black Men and Our Wives see the transformation of our physical
body and the energy we get from working with Sister Queen Afua, all
others will jump on Board. This is a win win situation and my gift to
you two Giants doing the work to save Black Legacy!
In the interest of Excellent Health,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
We were always one step ahead of the issues: 1/05/2010 Percy Sutton When I received the news that Percy Sutton had made his transition, I
was in the process of working with a friend, Zach Husser, to do an
updated one-on-one personality profile interview with him. This was
just prior to Thanksgiving. Joe Barnes, owner of Mobay’s Restaurant,
and Bobbi Humphrey, who are both close to the family, and informed me
that Percy had recently been admitted to a nursing home. A month later
he was gone. Mr. Sutton was and is one of my personal heroes.
He belongs in the realm of what I call Fine Black Men: Articulate,
intelligent, talented, honest, creative, visionary, powerful, positive,
generous, and fine. He was all that and so much more. Truly a man to
be emulated and admired. I do hope that there will be a Sutton Archives
curated with a collection of his speeches, writings, and what I called
“the Sutton Touch”, so his wonderful example is not lost on our up
coming generations.
1/23/18 I just recently learned of the passing
of my brother/friend Little Willie Kgositsile, the South African Poet
Laureate and a lifetime friend, and was in the process of making a
spiritual farewell to him, that I got the news from my brother/friend
Zach Husser telling me that Leslie Wyche had made his transition to the
realm of Ancestor/Angel as well.
5/27/15 I just received this from my friend Zach Husser, Sr. who wrote:
Family of Friends,
Please read the below email message. It's pretty saiwh '''''rem.
My response, upon reading the article, was: Hi Zach - I love this - and to tell
you the truth, I fell in love with the Q's when I first saw them step at
Hampton Institute - I'd never seen anything like that before in my life
- amazing!! And that was in the 60's! None of the Sororities at
Hampton "stepped" - the other frats had their own repertoire, but the
Ques were off the chain. As far as I'm concerned, stepping started with
you guys - and most closely resembled the South African Boot Dances - I
often wondered whether there was someone in the Frat who had either
gone to South Africa, had South African origins, or had been exposed to
it. Watching those brothers at Hampton was both mesmerizing and
exciting! https://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/2015/05/this-is-why-we-step-dst-crystal.html
I won't go metaphysical and say that he's in a better place - It's much too soon for me to take that stance. And I know it's ridiculous to ask God to bring him back. But I will say that his spirit is with us all, and if we can each of us break off whatever favorite piece of Zach lingers in our memories, and incorporate him into our lives, breathe in some of his unlimited energy, radiate his love of people, we'd all be blessed and a lot happier.
My love and condolences to Joanie, the family, friends, brothers of Omega Psi Phi, and all the brothers and sisters who knew and loved him.
Rest in eternal Peace and Power Brother Zach
Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Your Sister/Friend Glo
One thing about it, when they come together to celebrate you in New York City, they leave nothing to half meastures. And this was certainly the case at the 50th Anniversary of the famed Rucker Games of Harlem.
The Celebration of Rucker Pro Legends Fiftieth Anniversary was awesome. New Yorkers, and former New Yorkers, came together from all over the globe to celebrate the efforts of one lone Black man, who, in the 1940's, after returning from World War II, saw a need for Black youth to have something of meaning to be involved in, and made it happen. It eventually became known as the Rucker Tournament, or the Rucker Games, or just "the Rucker." But, whether you lived in Harlem, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester - or DC, or Philly, you knew about the Rucker games.
Holcombe and Mary Rucker
The Rucker Leagues was founded, Black in the day, in the 40's by a young Black man who saw a need to help the youth in his community stay out of the streets, and began putting together basketball teams and tournaments as a means of giving them something positive to do. Than was over 70 years ago. The Rucker Tournament, and Each One Teach One evolved from his dedicated efforts. There are very few photos of Holcombe Rucker. The one below is of him and his lovely wife, Mary - taken in the early 40's. Harlem youth and adults owe him a lifetime of gratitude for his efforts.
Whether you played basketball, or just sat on the sidelines and cheered, you felt the energy and benefited from the camaraderie of being in the vicinity when the games were being played at 148th Street and Eighth Ave (also known as Frederick Douglass Boulevard).
{Now, I want you to just imagine for a moment, what it was like during this reunion, me - being a mere 5'4" tall, around guys who were 6'4" and up - some as tall as 7'1" - it was like being around a bunch of giant walking trees - the most you see are waistlines - you can actually get neck strain trying to interview these guys, let alone take pictures of them. There's a lot to take in - that's for sure - especially when they're standing, towering over you. Well, that was me for the entire week. A couple of times I felt the need to wave a flag and say "yoohoo, I'm down here - can I ask you a question?"}
But seriously, it was a pleasure and a joy to see these brothers come together and relive a major portion of their youth - talk about the legends among them, some of whom are no longer with us; some who have suffered illnesses; and some who just could not be able to return because of prior commitments, but who were as sentimental and supportive as the ones who did return.
Bob McCullough is to be commended for bringing this whole thing together. As a youth, he was part of the Rucker League. He left to play professional basketball, and then returned shortly after Rucker's untimely death at age 39 from cancer, to keep the whole thing going. He has done a fantastic job. His work must have been inspiring and contagious, because his son and a partner put together one of the most fantastic documents on the Rucker League ever - suitable for PBS, definitely award worthy, riveting, informative, inspiring, and heartwarming. You can't see that and have a dry eye; or a feel of awe, respect and gratitude for Holcombe Rucker and what he did to change so many lives of so many youth.
L-R Bob McCullough, Sr., Dr. Dick Barnett, Bobby Hunter
Highlights of the week long celebration included
Dr. Dick Barnett, formerly of the New York Knicks giving a talk and signing his book, Athlete Negro: The Awakening at the Neiman Art Gallery; he spoke of the fact that when they retired his jersey, Neiman had done a portrait of him. Barnett used to travel up to Harlem for pick up games at Rucker part, or to watch the other locals play. His philosophy, now that he is champion emeritus of the famed NY Knicks - Jersey #12 - is that it is wonderful to find that so many of the Rucker team are still active; it would be great going forward to come up with means of ensuring their financial viability once their career on the basketball courts have come to an end. This is the premise of his book, which uses a combination of allegory and constructive instructions, and a lot of humor and intrigue, to get the point across.
Dr. Richard "Dick" Barnett at the Press Conference/Reception at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Though he was absent for the festivities, Walt Clyde Frazier lent the site of Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine for the kick off gathering of the Rucker League - and what a gathering that was!!
Bobby Hunter who played in the Rucker Pro Tournaments getting ready to celebrate Harlem Globetrotters 90th Anniversary in 2016
Bob McCullough, who served as host, tried to keep the decorum to one of
professionalism, but they were so overjoyed at being together, most of the
announcements went over everyone's heads.
Bob "Mack" McCullough who kept the Rucker Tournament alive (with mic) at Press Conference at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Zach Husser at Press Conference and Reception at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine
Cal Ramsay, Walter Scerbiak, Pee Wee Kirkland, Bill Willoughby, Bobby
Hunter, Sleepy Floyd, Bill Purcels, Joe Hammond, Bernard Harding,
Elnardo Webster, Santos Negron, Bob McCullough, Jr., Fred Crawford, Jr.,
Bob McCullough, Sr., Fred Crawford, Sr., Hawthorne Wingo, Kenny
Charles, Steve Burt, Artie Green, Rod Ivey, Jennifer Ivey, Carl
Campbell, Hosea Givan, Reggie Gardner,George Ball, Carl Petties, Emmett
Bryant, Bonnie Bryant, Sam Stith, Ivan Donovan, Tony Romain,Tony
Greer, Dr. Dick Barnett, Zach Husser, Darryl T. Downing, Dean Memminger, Jr. - among so many others. Those who were not physically there, but definitely not forgotten included Sonny Hill, Julius "Dr. Jay" Irving, Nate "Tiny" Archibald; and the late Dean "The Dream" Memminger, Sr.
Reception at the Harlem Hospital Pavilion
The following evening a reception was held at Harlem Hospital's auditorium, with Signature Rucker and Each One Teach One Tees being sold, along with Dick Barnett signing books, musical entertainment and great refreshments.
Darryl T. Downing Former Rucker Pro Tournament player
It was made even more memorable by the Documentary written, produced and directed by Robert McCullough, Jr. - it was a documentary worthy of an Emmy, Golden Globe and all other awards that can be attributed to the quality and volume of work he put into it. It was clearly a labor of love - and it definitely showed in the production values, intercuts between the various interviewees, the scenes - there is no way to adequately convey the magnitude of his work except to say if you haven't seen it, or if you, like myself, have seen it and want to see it again, get in touch with this brother and purchase a copy: Rucker 50th Anniversary Documentary, contact Mr. Bob McCullough, Jr. at Mccullough40@yahoo.com
Image from documentary on Rucker Tournament
I can't say enough about how fantastic this documentary was; it should be aired on BET, PBS, and shown in the schools throughout the US. In fact, I definitely think, if this is an example of Bob McCullough, Jr.'s work, this brother has a great future in film, TV, and media - hopefully he will continue to tell our story - we need so many more like him to catch the adults and our misguided youth up on our history and the contributions of those who have gone before us, as well as our contemporaries. On Saturday, August 15, a gala luncheon was held in their honor at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., State Office Building, at 125th and Malcolm X Boulevard (125th Street and 7th Ave for outsiders). Hosted by Bob McCullough, Sr., the catered event was attended by five generations of Rucker Tournament players, their spouses, children, grand children, and even great grand children! All had come together to share in the festivities and honor bestowed upon those key pro players who had become legends in their lifetimes, thus carrying forth and far exceeding the dreams Holcombe Rucker had for them. Rucker's grandson, now the principle of the school named in his grandfather's honor, was awarded a Gold Watch and a plaque - with one also being dedicated and designated for Holcombe Rucker's widow, Mary, now aged 83. Each pro ball awardee received a gold watch as well.
PEEWEE KIRKLAND WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER
Peewee Kirkland, one of the recipients of the gold watch, brought his lovely wife of 27 years, and daughter, Princess, up to the podium. He declared that he would marry his wife all over again; and dedicated his Gold Watch to his daughter.
The Great Cal Ramsey, who received a Gold Watch for playing in the Rucker League
Former NY Knick, Cal Ramsey, after receiving his Gold Watch at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, spoke briefly:
Cal Ramsey stated, upon receiving his Gold Watch, "I'm so old now that y'all forgot that my team from the Harlem Y won the championship and I won the MVP. The team from Mt. Morris Park - me and Sach Sanders - won the championship and I won the MVP. My team in the Pro Tournament - I didn't win MVP or I don't remember it - but I do recall we had a great team: Walter ______, Freddy Crawford, Sach Sanders, Al Barton, Myself and Wilt Chamberlin. The Brooklyn team was our nemesis - they had Jackie Jackson, Connie Hawkins, The Tzar, Walt Bellamy, Bruce Brandeis. Let me tell you how durable Wilt Chamberlin was - besides being a great player, and holding all the records; did you know that he liked New York and Harlem so much that when he played with the 76'ers, he lived in Park West Village, he got up and drove every morning to practice in Philadelphia from Park West Village for a whole year, because he wanted to be in New York. He played with my team because we were both All Americans, so I got him to play in the Rucker Tournament. Then he bought a restaurant called Big Wilt's Small Paradise - y'all remember that, right? So I got Wilt to have jerseys made up; he wanted to play for us, play in Harlem and play in New York. And he did just that, and he just absolutely loved it! I want to thank these guys here - the legends - great basketball players, all! I watched all of them play - I guess I am that old (LOL) You guys did a great job, man."
Dean Memminger, who spoke in behalf of his late father, shared how he was always about the youth, education and scholarship. He related how proud he was to have played in the Rucker Tournaments.
Many of the recipients spoke of having moved as children to Harlem with their families, and having never played basketball in their lives, but were recruited by Bob McCullough, who was keeping the spirit and energy of the Rucker Tournament alive.
Sunday, August 16, Mayor Bill DiBlasio dedicated Rucker Park in Harlem at 148th and Frederick
Douglass Boulevard (8th Ave for outsiders), culminating a week-long celebration of the 50 plus years of the Rucker Tournament.
As Wingo Hawkins stated, everybody has a favorite story about playing in the Rucker Tournament; everybody has fond memories of their youthful days on the basketball court, where the parents always knew where they were and what they were doing. Rucker himself made it possible for 700 youth to get scholarships before he died of cancer at the age of 39.
Bob McCullough Sr., picked up the mantel and has continued the legend and the legacy - even starting a women's league, which likewise set sterling records, on and off the courts. Parents you have youngsters coming up would do well to get them involved in the Tournaments, as well as becoming supporters themselves. It has more than proven its value and will continue to do so for the next fifty year.
Congratulations to all the members of the Rucker League - this is truly a gift that keeps on giving, benefiting not only the players, but the communities, the families, and People of African Heritage across the Globe.
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