Last week, two-time NBA champion, Basketball Hall of Famer, and New York Knicks legend Walt “Clyde” Frazier visited the Children’s Aid Dunlevy Milbank Community Center on 118th Street in Harlem to read his 2024 book, “Winning and Grinning: Walt Clyde Frazier Knicks Legend and New York City Icon,” to youth. The book was written by Frazier, Ryan Sirgiovanni and Bridget Sirgiovanni, and illustrated by Elliot Gerard.
The event, a collaboration between Children’s Aid, the Garden of Dreams Foundation, MSG Networks, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers, was created to educate youth on the enduring impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the national holiday honoring his remarkable life.
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Frazier, who has worked at MSG Networks as a color commentator since 1987, read to children in one room. Meanwhile, a Junior Rangers hockey clinic took place on one side of the center’s gymnasium and a Junior Knicks basketball clinic was being held on the other side. Former Rangers player Tom Laidlaw and former Knicks standout John Wallace participated in the respective clinics. There was also classroom activities that celebrated King’s legacy. The over 100 youth that participated in the day’s activities were gifted with items such as a copy of Frazier’s book, Knicks t-shirts, Rangers beanies, and Garden of Dreams backpacks.
Elected officials in attendance included New York City Councilman Yusef Salaam, representing District 9; State Senator Cordell Cleare, representing District 30; and New York State Assemblyman Jordan Wright, representing District 70.
“Thrilled to have joined the Garden of Dreams MLK Day Community Event,” State Senator Cleare said via Instagram. “Seeing our Harlem youth, ages 5-16, engaged in activities like basketball, floor hockey, coloring, and writing about their dreams was truly inspiring. Let’s keep investing in our children — they are the future of our great Harlem community. Together, we can nurture their potential and pave the way for their success.”
For more information on community events at Dunlevy Milbank, visit https://www.childrensaidnyc.org/programs/location/dunlevy-milbank-community-center. For additional information about the Garden Of Dreams Foundation, visit https://www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org.