Written by Nathifa King| Edited by Kayla Swindell
On the morning of July 27, 2024, Dewry DuRoi Bradford and his team of volunteers and workers converged on the outdoor basketball courts of Brooklyn Bridge Park for the set-up phase of the HealthJox Festival. This year would be different.
This year, there was a surge of girl power in the nation! HealthJox wanted to take part in the energy moving throughout the country. Working in tandem with their partners: BK Network, Ladies Who Hoop, WNBA’s – New York Liberty and The Girl Scouts of Greater New York, HealthJox Festival produced arguably the largest ladies tournament in the history of NYC called the “Favorite Ladies Tournament” – showcasing a full squad of female referees, female coaches, female MC’s female basketball teams from all five NYC’s boroughs, female DJ -DJ 9AM and female-based organizations. In attendance, they honored some of the most impactful community leaders and influencers with “The Village” plaque by Healthjox Foundation, Inc. Amongst the honorees were Michelle “Queen of Harlem” Smalls; Tonya Lewis Taylor; Shneaqua “Coco” Purvis; Cleo “Cleotrapa” West; Diani Dior. In addition, the office of Mayor Adams and NYC’s City Hall honored HealthJox Festival with a special award commemorating their impactful work in the Community of Brooklyn.
Founder and Executive Director Dewry Duroi Bradford, in collaboration with BK-Network, once again orchestrated a day packed with health and sporting activities, all framed by a “Game of Thrones” theme. This year’s festival shone a spotlight on women’s basketball, bringing it to the forefront of the event. Zak Solomon Miller hosted the basketball tournament, with representatives from New York’s Lady Liberty joining in to support the competition, alongside well-known coaches from the industry. Attendees also enjoyed pickleball and airodart, hosted by Coach Ted Gustus. Kids had a blast with life-size board games, face painting, and fun attractions, with The Girl Scouts lending their support for youth engagement. A variety of vendors were also present, offering valuable resources, including free tablets for underserved attendees.
The Music Artists walk-thru by Diani Dior and a lineup of other talented female and male artists who engaged with the crowd and the youth such as: Diany Dior, Cleotrapa, Kash Juliano, BillBoard Baby, JaredSB, Jace Jay, Chuckiee, Silva Reign, KoKo Fly, DJ 9AM kept the event energized with soulful and hip-hop beats, while Diani Dior’s hit song “--------” became the anthem for the championship winners, who played with exceptional skill and precision. The 56th Assembly District Leader – Kenesha Traynham-Cooper, BK-Network, and Mayor Adams’ Brooklyn Borough Director and Youth Coordinator – Hercules E. Reid, along with HealthJox Foundation Executives & affiliates handed out awards and certificates to Community Leaders.
Looking back to 2023, the theme was a celebration on New York City’s basketball icons such as: Harlem’s own, Bob McCullough - former NBA player, co-founder of Rucker Pro Tournament and founder of Each One Teach One whose mission is rooted in fostering holistic growth in the countless participants it has served. They have been instrumental in the development of a multitude of youngsters’ skills on the court, with many who have gone on garnering athletic scholarships from colleges as well as playing professionally. Harlem’s own, Phillip Rucker - Son of Holcombe Rucker – founder of Fundamental Community Solutions which creates major opportunities for Youth in New York City for them to reach their potential. Brooklyn’s own; Coach Ted Gustus - Former PSAL Basketball Commissioner for Brooklyn who founded the One Breath Foundation in Brooklyn to teach Youth the importance of “breath” and healthy activities through podcasts, tournaments, and basketball training programs. In that same year, HealthJox honored impactful community leaders such as Brooklyn’s own: Missionary Bishop Lester Bradford: Founder of Exousia Cathedral, with over 30 years of missionary work locally and abroad, he launched a program called “Brownsville Shines” that annually provides food, clothing, technology, and toys to Brownsville residents throughout the year. Finally, Stacey Marius & Cheryl Marius: Directors of Entertainers Basketball Classic and surviving sisters of founder Greg Marius continues the legacy of a powerful staple in Harlem for the Youth of New York City.
As fate would have it, the New York Liberty won their first WNBA Championship beating the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. For HealthJox owner, Dewry DuRoi, this validated the importance of his decision to create Favorite Ladies basketball tournament within 2024. According to him, “When you are walking in your purpose and you are tuned-in to the Spirit of God, every decision that you make will be on par with the energy of the era. Congratulations to them for their powerful win and sponsoring in-part the HealthJox Festival 2024 – Brooklyn festivities.”
SPONSORS:
On behalf of HealthJox LLC, HealthJox Foundation, Inc. and the Youth of NYC, I would like to thank our monetary sponsors: Mayor Eric Adams; Department of Youth & Community Development; Mayor’s Office of Sports (DYCD), Wellness and Recreation; Brooklyn Equity Foundation; WNBA’s New York Liberty.
STATEGIC PARTNERS & SERVICE PROVIDERS:
We would also like to thank the following for making HealthJox Festival a great experience for NYC Youth and Families: BK-Network; AirOdart; The Girl Scouts of Greater New York; LisaG; Jerry Joseph; Ballin 4 Peace; Ladies Who Hoop; Both Sides of the Violence; Child Development Support Corporation; Working Families Party; Health and Wellness Services; American Cancer Society; Summit Academy; Philippa Schuyler – Middle School; Top Marketing Group; Community Capacity Development; American Cancer Society; A Unique Life; Elite Queens Davis Athletic Development; Solidarity Movers; KBee Events – 360 Experience; Kings Build Kings.
All attendees will have limitless water and beverages to drink, thanks to Cirkul; Liberty Coca Cola Beverages; Body Armour; Monster Energy; and good ol’ fashion water fountains.
PRECAUTIONS:
*** Special shout-out to Nashawn Nathaniel Nelson, aka “Illionaire Bellz” of FDNY Paramedic for pre-packed 1st-aid kits and Mount Sinai’s Nathifa King on deck to keep out Youth serviced.
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