Harlem Miracles Story

Harlem Miracles was created in 1992 by CEO and Founder Mr. Steve Barnett while training in the Jackie Robinson Center in Harlem NYC – 5 days a week. The goal at that time was twofold – to give youth in the neighborhood an alternative to hanging out on the street and to help keep the gym open. Being a single parent allowed Mr. Barnett to see the need to become a positive role model. Mr. Barnett started bringing youth from the neighborhood to Jackie Robinson Center to train with him after school – learning the fundamentals of basketball and after the workouts, Mr. Barnett would sit with the group to go over their day. As time went on Mr. Barnett grew to understand the importance of filling in the gap for both student-athletes and non-student athletes. The reality is simply everyone isn’t going to make it in the NBA however all of the students can use their talents to pursue higher education and chart a different path. Mr. Barnett started hosting after workout discussion sessions for all the youth in the gym. Mr. Barnett would invite local basketball legends such as Adrian Walton (Fordham University), Julius Hodges (NC State who went on to play for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA) as well as, out of town players such as Che Evans (Baltimore Carmelo Anthony’s Team entitled Team Melo).