​Acclaimed photographer Jonathan Mannion worked with the Harold Hunter Foundation on a series of prints that pay tribute to legendary skateboarder and actor Harold Hunter, who would have turned 50 yesterday. Wheat-pasted across Downtown Manhattan are previously unseen photos that Mannion took of Harold during their skate sessions together in 1997. On each, a QR code grants access to an upcoming summer activation, as well as insight into Harold’s story and how he used skateboarding as positive force in the community.

Outside his celebrated history with Zoo York, Hunter was cherished for his exuberant and welcoming personality that transcended the world of skateboarding, leading to a number of modeling and acting roles during the ’90s, including campaigns with Tommy Hilfiger and Larry Clark’s seminal film, Kids (1995). “Harold’s skateboard was just a vehicle,” said actor Rosario Dawson, who grew up in the same neighborhood as the skater, in a past interview.“ He became famous for his personality and his spirit. If anybody came to New York, he would take them in and show them the city.” Hunter was tragically found dead in the Manhattan housing project he grew up in on February 17, 2006, from a heart attack. He was 31.

“It is for all of these insights gained that day about Harold’s spirit that I have chosen to hold him as high as possible on what would have been his 50th Birthday, in order to begin to share deeper layers of his humanity,” said Mannion in a release regarding the partnership. “Crying tears from infectious laughter, calmer introspective moments, pure connection with community as he interacted with anyone who he encountered… they don’t make them like Harold anymore,” Mannion added.

Learn more about the Harold Hunter Foundation‘s initiatives to help at-risk youth through skateboarding, as well as upcoming activations slated for the summer months ahead.

Registration is now open for HHF's 2024 programs! 

To celebrate, we are hosting a free Open Skate and Programs Registration session at Vans Skate Space 198 on Tuesday March 26th from 4:30-6:30pm. 

RSVP via Eventbrite to meet the team, enjoy an indoor skate session, learn more about our Community Engagement and Future Pathways programs!

“Every time I see my athletes land the tricks they’ve been working on, their reactions make me feel so accomplished."
— Coach Jeremiah

HHF Coach Jeremiah Pardo was profiled by Up2US Sports this month in their "Coaches Corner".
Read all about Coach Jeremiah and the impact he's having on young skateboarders in NYC!

HHF has partnered with Chill Foundation to host Fall 2023 weekly skate clinics for youth aged 11-19 years old at Betsy Head Skatepark in Brownsville, Brooklyn.

Clinics will take place on Wednesdays 10/4, 10/11, 10/18 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Betsy Head Skatepark located on Dumont Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212.

Registration is open through Sunday October 1st! In order to participate, sign up via this link: CHILL x HHF FALL CLINICS - YOUTH REGISTRATION FORM

Any HHF participant over 19 who wants to participate can sign up as a volunteer using this link: VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM 

Questions? Contact hannahl@chill.org

Come join us September 28th for our Fall fundraiser!

We'll kick off with a skateboarding demo at Vans Skate Space 198 in Brooklyn (special gifts for VIPs), followed by a night of dancing down the street from Vans at Honey's Brooklyn.

Looking forward to seeing everybody who supports us!

Purchase tickets here: https://shotgun.live/events/ramp-up

We ask for your support of our work, and (for parents/guardians) ask  you to trust in our programs with your youth. But, while we often have these discussions internally, we might not share with you enough why we do this. Hence this blog post!

In the bustling world of sports and recreation, skateboarding stands out as more than just a physical activity; it's a subculture, an art form, and a platform for empowerment. While skateboarding has traditionally been associated with counterculture and rebellion, it has now evolved into a tool for positive change, especially for marginalized populations. This blog post delves into the significance of supporting skateboarding organizations that cater to marginalized youth, emphasizing how such initiatives can alter the trajectory of young lives for the better.

1. A Platform for Expression and Inclusion: Skateboarding transcends language barriers, cultural differences, and economic disparities. It provides a means of creative expression and a way to connect with peers who share similar interests. For marginalized youth who might feel alienated or excluded from mainstream activities, skateboarding offers a welcoming and non-judgmental space. These organizations foster a sense of belonging, allowing young people to showcase their individuality while being part of a supportive community.

2. Building Confidence and Resilience: Skateboarding is not just about mastering tricks; it's about conquering fears and pushing personal boundaries. Youth often face challenges that can erode their self-confidence and belief in their abilities. By engaging in skateboarding, they learn to persevere through failures, celebrate successes, and build a sense of resilience. As they refine their skills and conquer obstacles on the skateboard, they gain the confidence to tackle life's challenges off the board as well.

3. Teaching Valuable Life Lessons: Skateboarding isn't confined to the skatepark; it's a microcosm of life itself. When youth engage in skateboarding, they learn critical life lessons such as discipline, patience, and the importance of practice. Falling down and getting back up becomes a metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity. These lessons extend beyond the skatepark and equip young individuals with skills that are applicable to their academic, personal, and professional lives.

4. Providing Positive Role Models: Skateboarding organizations often feature mentors and coaches who serve as positive role models. These mentors share a genuine passion for skateboarding and act as guides, offering advice on both skateboarding techniques and life choices. For marginalized youth who may lack positive role models in their immediate environments, these relationships can be transformative, showing them the possibilities of a brighter future.

5. Fostering a Sense of Ownership: When youth are involved in skateboarding organizations, they take ownership of their experiences. Whether it's helping to organize events, contributing to community initiatives, or even designing skatepark features, they learn the value of active participation and community building. This sense of ownership instills a feeling of responsibility and investment in their own growth and the betterment of their communities.

6. Creating Pathways and Opportunities: Skateboarding can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Through competitions, sponsorship deals, and exposure to the broader skateboarding industry, marginalized youth can discover pathways they never thought possible. These organizations often facilitate workshops, educational programs, and vocational training that leverage the passion for skateboarding to equip young individuals with practical skills for the future.

Supporting HHF goes beyond merely promoting a sport. It's about recognizing the transformative power of skateboarding in altering the trajectory of young lives. By fostering a sense of inclusion, building confidence, teaching life lessons, providing role models, instilling ownership, and creating opportunities, these organizations contribute to the positive development of marginalized youth. Through skateboarding, these young individuals find a space where they can be themselves, learn important life skills, and pave the way for a brighter future. As a society, investing in these initiatives isn't just about promoting a sport—it's about investing in the potential of our youth and helping them rewrite their stories.

Happy to have more conversation if you'd like,

Barbara
​Interim Executive Director

Registration is FREE for all current HHF participants aged 19 and under! Check your email and/or LeagueApps for the registration link and additional information. For past HHF program participants, it’s only $25 to sign up! If you’re interested in signing up or have any questions, email hello@haroldhunter.org to learn more.
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We’re heading off to camp in less than one month so sign up ASAP to secure your spot!

Thank you again to Camp Nice and Camp Reimagined for working with us on this amazing opportunity! Together, we'll help young skateboarders  learn valuable skills, build confidence, and forge lifelong friendships surrounded by nature. 

Follow our Instagram for more updates. We look forward to seeing you at camp!

The event is open to all ages! Those under 21 will be provided a wristband.

From 2-5pm, there'll be an open skate with a half pipe, then at 6pm, the performances will begin. At 7:30pm, the half pipe will be open again for the last half hour. For more info, check out Aether NYC's original instagram post.

You can purchase tickets here. We're also giving away a few free tickets for HHF program participants and youth - DM us on IG if interested!

​​Thanks so much to Aether NYC, Head Snacks, Juneshine, and 110 Studios for letting us be a part of this awesome event! We'll see you there!