The end of the day means the beginning of play at the Lillian Wald Houses on the Lower East Side.
Glenn Williams Jr. is a native of the public housing complex. He’s also one of the brains behind these "night ball" sessions. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Williams creates this positive space for young men to play basketball.
"Excited to see the kids come out,” he said. "Just knowing that they're someone safe at the end of the day is amazing."
It started about a month ago, when the basketball court was refurbished. Williams Jr.’s interest in basketball started with his father. Glenn “Kimble” Williams Sr. played for St. John's University. He played in the NBA and he played overseas. He became a mentor and a role model for young people in the neighborhood when he retired. And he was a source of inspiration to his son.
"I know he's looking down at us right now and seeing all the kids in the park playing ball and playing ball the right way,” Williams Jr. said reflecting on his dad legacy. “I know he's excited."
With his father's memory in mind, Williams gets donated clothing into the hands of people who need it most. He works as a crisis counselor. And Williams also runs a free weekend basketball boot camp. Jose Rosario is one of his regulars.
"He pushes the entire community," Rosario said. "Most of the people that come, that you're going to see later on, they wouldn't be here without him."
Williams is also starting a nonprofit organization called "Father's Sole.” The goal is to distribute clothes and sneakers and to offer mentoring through basketball.
"This is deep,” Williams said. “This is home, you know?"
For serving his neighborhood on and off the court, Glenn Williams Jr. is our New Yorker of the Week.
New Yorker of the Week: Glenn Williams Jr.
PUBLISHED 6:00 AM EDT Jul. 26, 2021