Harlem’s Riverside Hawks, Earn Your Leisure Celebrate Education And Community At 65th Annual Sports Gala

The Riverside Hawks celebrated education, empowerment, and community at their 65th Annual Sports Gala: “The Power of the Game,” held at The Grill and The Pool in New York’s iconic Seagram Building.

The evening, hosted by Michelle Miller, award-winning journalist and national correspondent at CBS News, honored the program’s legacy of developing young student-athletes both on and off the court.

A dynamic panel discussion—moderated by Erika Irish Brown, Head of Talent Management & Engagement at Citi and Riverside Hawks Board Member—featured Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure,  and Jose Minaya, Global Head of BNY Investments and Wealth.

Other speakers included Crystal McCrary McGuire, award-winning writer, filmmaker, and co-founder of Game-Up, and Coach Keydren Clark, two-time NCAA Division I scoring champion and assistant coach at St. Peter’s University.

Coach Zach Kuba, Head Coach of Riverside Hawks Select, was celebrated as Coach of the Year, while honorees included Erika Irish Brown, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Jose Minaya—all recognized for their leadership, mentorship, and enduring commitment to the Hawks’ mission of excellence through education and sport.

VIBE gathered photos of the key moments from the Riverside Hawks’ 65th Annual Sports Gala.