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!

This Saturday, July 22nd, Aether NYC and Head Snacks are collaborating to bring you an epic afternoon of skating & partying! The event will run from 2-8pm at 110 Studios in Brooklyn, where there'll be food, a mini-ramp, live music, vendors, and a bar!

​With drinks by Juneshine, 10% of all bar sales will be going directly to HHF. Come out, have a good time, and support us while you're at it! It's a day you won't want to miss out on.

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!

Special thanks to Ashley Hernandez for taking photos and capturing the event! 

Jae’s hosted five events in the month of June alone–all while supporting several other community events such as Environmental Hood Restoration’s “"Feed The Streets" Skate Jam on June 17th. 

Jae’s hard work shows the passion they have to make a difference in the lives of Women & LGBTQIA+ skaters. In terms of the future, Jae wants to continue to “be better” as a whole. “Adapting to the needs of the community is just as important as my own goals” Jae says. Personability to the people they serve is their most important priority, and it's something they keep in mind as their influence grow.  Their momentum isn’t slowing down, and we at HHF can’t wait to see what work they put out in the future.​

Come join us for our event this month as well! Check out this flyer for more information or visit HHF's instagram!

We are excited to announce our Under the ‘K’ Skate Jam event going on this Saturday (7/15)! In collaboration with North Brooklyn Parks Alliance and Blitz Jam, HHF is hosting a clean up before and after the event to help keep the park clean. There’ll also be a Cash for Trick and product giveaways so be sure not to miss out! The event will be held at Under the ‘K’ Bridge from 4-7pm. ​

Thank you once again to North Brooklyn Parks Alliance and Blitz Jam for working with us on this event! Let's show some love to Under The 'K' and help keep our skate spaces clean.

For more check our instagram @haroldhunterfoundation!

Meanwhile, Alex Corporan is hosting a large variety of events along with NYC skateboarding's favorite bartender Matt Kruz.  

At 1pm, food and drinks will be served at the 169 bar provided by Frank 151.

Then, they’ll head over to the middle of the Williamsburg Bridge for éS Skateboarding’s Game of Skate at 2pm.

At 3:30pm, a Best Trick for prizes event will kick off! It’ll go down at the Continental Army Plaza with Arizona and Natural Koncepts.

The party still doesn’t stop: at 4:30pm we head over to BKWEARHOUSE where Skatenight Games for prizes begins! Food and drink will be provided by Grillo’s Pickles, Williamsburg Pizza, and Liquid Death.

Then finally, at 6pm, performances by Prostitution and Rebelmatic will close the night. You can catch them at Cheese Rock at 221 North 4 st. & Metropolitan.

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​Check out @stever_nyc and @peanut186 on Instagram for more details and live updates.
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Have an awesome GSD and we’ll see you outside!

Video filmed and edited by Parlour Productions.