Welcome! At BBSYEC, we take immense pride in our extensive list of alumni who have been shaped by our exceptional sports and academic programs. Through our dedication to instilling core values, we have helped our students become pillars in their homes and communities. Here, we are thrilled to introduce a few of the outstanding individuals that BBYSEC has nurtured into remarkable rockstars.
Mr. Javon Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Empowering Youth Towards Excellence (EYTE), a non-profit organization located in the heart of Brownsville at Nehemiah Park. For the past 25 years, Mr. Johnson has dedicated himself to assisting youth with their educational journeys, starting from Kindergarten. Under his leadership, EYTE has partnered with several schools to introduce the College and Career Awareness program, resulting in over 100 youth graduating from college. Known for its impactful theme, “Community Center Without Walls,” EYTE embodies the philosophy that wherever young people are, that is where the community center exists. Through his unwavering commitment and innovative programs, Mr. Johnson has significantly contributed to the educational advancement and empowerment of youth in his community.
Marc Eugene is a dedicated JV basketball coach at SouthShore High School in Brooklyn, where he has passionately coached for 13 years. Committed to giving back to his community, Marc leverages his love for basketball to positively impact the lives of young athletes. Under his guidance, students not only develop their skills on the court but also learn the importance of work ethic and teamwork, essential traits for success both in sports and life. Marc's enduring dedication to fostering growth and discipline in youth athletes has made him a respected figure in the local sports community.
Omar Cook is an integral part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' coaching staff, serving as an assistant coach and player development specialist. With a focus on refining the skills of the team's guards, Omar also extends his expertise to the development of the big men, ensuring a comprehensive growth strategy for all players. His commitment to excellence and a keen eye for talent have made him a valuable asset to the coaching team. Omar's journey to the NBA coaching ranks is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game, combining his extensive experience as a player with his strategic insights as a coach. His ability to connect with players and foster their growth both on and off the court exemplifies his role in shaping the future of the Cavaliers.
Jaquay Walls, a native of New York, made his mark in college basketball at Compton College and the University of Colorado. During his two seasons with Colorado, Walls recorded impressive statistics and was named first-team all-conference in his senior season. His talent was recognized in the 2000 NBA Draft, where he was selected in the second round by the Indiana Pacers. Walls' professional playing career included stints in France and Turkey before he transitioned into coaching.
With approximately 17 years of coaching experience at the high school, AAU, and collegiate levels, Walls has significantly impacted the basketball community. As the Associate Head Coach at Coahoma Community College, a Division 1 junior college in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Walls has led the program to notable success. Under his leadership, the team has consistently achieved double-digit wins and reached the conference tournament's final four. Remarkably, all 16 of his student-athletes graduated and moved on to four-year institutions, achieving a 100% graduation rate.
Anthony Williams was born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, NY. He is currently the Principal of the NFA Pathways In Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) within the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. Previously, he was a tenured Assistant Principal at Middletown High School and Coordinator of the My Brother's Keeper Program. Before his tenure in Middletown, Anthony served as the Director of Campus Life at Clinton Community College and Resident Director at SUNY Plattsburgh, where he also worked as a school counselor for the founding P-TECH in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. A former SUNYAC scholar-athlete, Anthony has coached both girls' and boys' JV basketball and girls' track and field. He holds a History degree and a Master's in School Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2012, he earned a Master's in School Leadership. Along with his wife, Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams, he co-founded ...because it matters 24/7! LLC and Sadie's Books & Beverages, the first Black-owned bookstore in Orange County, NY. Dedicated to promoting solidarity, service, literacy, and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, Anthony believes success is measured by how many you bring along with you and strives to make his life's mission of service a communal effort.
Lohoma Shipman has been a dedicated resident of Bushwick Houses for over 40 years and has served as the Resident Association President for the past 13 years. Her leadership is marked by continuous advocacy for resources, programs, and services to benefit the residents. Lohoma's efforts have involved partnerships with elected officials and community-based organizations, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and those in the surrounding community.
One of her notable achievements is the establishment of the Bushwick Leading Ladies group, which provides young women with a safe space to receive training and develop leadership skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lohoma demonstrated her commitment to the community by organizing and operating a food pantry, and she continues to distribute fresh produce to this day.
Lohoma also developed a partnership with the Brooklyn Ballers, leading to the creation of the Bushwick Renaissance basketball tournament. This annual summer event not only offers youth the chance to participate in the tournament but also provides them with school supplies and ongoing mentorship.
Her dedication to all age groups is evident through the various activities she organizes for seniors, including trips to the movies, monthly bingo, and other outings. Lohoma's passion for helping others is clear in her relentless efforts to improve the lives of Bushwick Houses residents. Her work is a testament to her commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving community.
Coach Roy is a dedicated and passionate leader in the world of high school athletics. Starting his coaching career with the renowned Fire and Ice team, Coach Roy quickly established himself as a mentor committed to excellence and development. After six years of fostering talent and guiding young athletes at Fire and Ice, he transitioned to Jefferson High School, where he continues to make a significant impact. Known for his strategic acumen and motivational approach, Coach Roy has been instrumental in elevating the performance and spirit of his teams. His journey from Fire and Ice to Jefferson High School underscores his unwavering dedication to nurturing athletic talent and building strong, cohesive teams. Coach Roy’s influence extends beyond the field, as he instills values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in all his athletes, shaping them into successful individuals both on and off the field.
Rashid Littlejohn is the Founder and Executive Director of The Green Campaign, renowned for its flagship program, Guns For Grants (G4G). The Green Campaign is dedicated to providing educational opportunities that steer at-risk youth away from gun violence and into environments that foster personal and professional growth. By enriching their quality of life, the program maximizes these young individuals' chances of success.
Under Rashid's leadership, the G4G program has formed a restorative justice partnership with St. Francis College, offering full scholarships to young people aged 16-24 who turn in illegal firearms or ghost guns. Additionally, the program collaborates with the District Attorney's offices across boroughs to recommend court-appointed participants for re-entry programs targeting non-violent illegal weapons possession cases.
To support academic advancement, the initiative provides cohort sessions, wraparound services, and connections to GED classes or tutors, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for their educational journeys.
Rich Henry is the esteemed varsity and JV boys basketball coach at Lehman Campus High School in the Bronx, NY. With a deep-rooted passion for youth development and sports, Rich founded and directs Melrose Elite Basketball, a grassroots organization competing in AAU basketball and dedicated to the growth and development of young athletes. A proud graduate of Long Island University, Rich has devoted over 20 years to education within the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE). His commitment to creating opportunities for inner-city youth and fostering pathways to higher education through sports and citizenship is unwavering. Rich’s impact on his community and the lives of his students is profound, exemplifying his dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders both on and off the court.
Cornelius Muller, hailing from the vibrant Bushwick section of New York City, carved his path through the world of basketball from a young age. As a standout player at Xaverian High School, he earned accolades including the prestigious title of New York Newsday Brooklyn Player of the Year and a spot on the New York Daily News All City Team. Following his high school triumphs, Cornelius secured a full basketball scholarship to Western Carolina University before transferring to Elon University, where he continued to shine. Named team MVP and recognized as a top prospect by the NBA, Cornelius ultimately earned a BA in Human Services from Elon.
A personal tragedy sparked a profound shift in Cornelius's life, leading him into the arts. He studied the Sanford Meisner method acting and debuted with the short film "Brother's Keeper." Founding Cornelius Muller Productions, LLC, he focuses on producing inspirational family films. His debut feature, "Find A Way," was distributed by Warner Word, and his subsequent films, "Sacred Hearts" and "Making Him Famous," are available on major streaming platforms. Beyond cinema, Cornelius dedicates his life to mentorship, sharing his basketball expertise and directing profits from his productions to charitable causes like Water for Life, Feed the Hungry, and the Harry Cohen Memorial Scholarship.
Ray Abellard is the Co-founder and Director of A&M Sports Academy, a distinguished institution dedicated to nurturing self-confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships through sports. Under his leadership, A&M Sports Academy has become a launchpad for young athletes, offering a variety of training programs that emphasize lifelong leadership development and athlete representation. Ray's commitment to teaching core values such as grit, determination, confidence, loyalty, and respect ensures that the academy's impact extends far beyond the court. Through his vision and dedication, Ray Abellard shapes tomorrow’s leaders, preparing them to excel in sports and in life.
Steven Ciago is a dedicated coach, mentor, and leader who has made a significant impact on the youth in the Bushwick community. With a passion for sports and education, Steven has committed his career to nurturing the potential in young people, guiding them to achieve their best both on and off the field. As a coach, he emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, instilling these core values in every athlete he mentors. Beyond the realm of sports, Steven's role as a mentor extends into the broader community, where he provides support and guidance to help shape the future leaders of Bushwick. His unwavering dedication and compassionate leadership have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the youth he serves. Steven Ciago is not just a coach; he is a cornerstone of the community, fostering a sense of hope and ambition in the next generation.
Jon Severe, a distinguished alumnus of Christ the King High School in Queens, NY, has left an indelible mark on the basketball community. Graduating with honors in 2013, Jon was named a Parade All-American and earned the prestigious title of New York’s Mr. Basketball, the state’s highest accolade. His exceptional skills also garnered him the NY Daily News and NY Post Player of the Year awards. Jon continued his basketball journey at Fordham University and later at Iona, where he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport. Today, Jon channels his passion for basketball into mentoring youth and serving as a basketball trainer, inspiring the next generation to achieve greatness both on and off the court. His commitment to fostering young talent and instilling values of perseverance and excellence makes him a true role model in the community.
With our tax-exempt status confirmed under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, your contributions are tax-deductible. Your support directly impacts the lives of young individuals in our community. Our tax-exempt number is 65-120-9020. Thank you for your interest & generosity in helping us make a difference.
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