Arthur Ashe, the founder of NYJTL, remains the only Black man to have won the US Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. Yet, his greatest legacy extends beyond the court. Ashe was dedicated to empowering Black athletes and viewed tennis as a gateway to education and opportunity—principles that shape NYJTL’s mission today. This February, students and families across all NYJTL programs honored that legacy by coming together to celebrate Black History Month.
ACES Afterschool Program
All NYJTL ACES sites honored Black History Month through performances, tributes, and classroom activities celebrating Black leaders in music, dance, art, and sports.
At PS37Q, students showcased their hard work with multiple performances. After a month of practice, various dance and singing groups took the stage in the school auditorium and performed in front of their family and friends. They honored Black artists with renditions of songs like Rise Up by Andra Day and Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson.
Beyond perfecting their routines, students also celebrated College Awareness Month by decorating their classrooms with a Howard University theme, celebrating the legacy of this esteemed Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Although HBCUs make up only 3% of U.S. colleges and universities, they produce nearly 20% of all Black graduates and 25% of Black STEM graduates. A standout NYJTL alum, Shawn Mitchell Yon is a current student at Howard University and a member of their men’s tennis team.
Eagle Academy hosted a Paint and Sip night for students and parents, bringing families together to create a mural. Each painting within the mural honored a significant figure or pivotal moment in Black history.
At ICAHN 2, students honored the impact of legendary choreographer and activist Alvin Ailey. They highlighted his contributions to the dance world through a performance by NYJTL’s dance team, the Icahnics, who brought Ailey’s iconic Revelations to life.
Alongside the dance performances, a choir group paid tribute to legendary artist, Bob Marley, by performing a medley of his most iconic songs, celebrating his lasting influence on music and culture.
Sixth-grader Yasmene Jonas shared her thoughts on the ICAHN 2 potluck that took place before the performances:
“I really like Black History Month because it celebrates the people that fought for our freedom. The potluck showed just that with the performances all representing different times Black people fought for our freedom and our rights. I really liked singing the Bob Marley songs because I like being on stage and showing off my voice and singing is really fun!” – Yasmene Jonas
Scholar Athlete Program
The Scholar Athlete Program started the year with a busy schedule, balancing SAT preparation classes while also honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal leader in the American civil rights movement. NYJTL President and CEO Udai Tambar highlighted the significance of MLK Day, stating, “It is an opportunity to honor the extraordinary legacy of Dr. King and to reflect on his teachings of equality, justice, and service to others.”
In January, NYJTL’s Scholar Athletes honored Dr. King’s legacy by taking part in service projects across the city. Partnering with local organizations, they found ways to give back to their communities, reflecting the commitment to service that Dr. King stood for.
- Clayton Williams Garden – Cleared out debris to help revitalize a local green space.
- Randall’s Island – Worked with the Urban Farm team to prepare seed packets while learning about sustainable agriculture.
- Kings Bay Y – Spent time with seniors, while celebrating February birthdays.
- Commonpoint Queens – Assembled first aid kits.
SAP students shared reflections on their experiences:
“One of the highlights of the day was volunteering with seniors at a local center, where we celebrated birthdays together. It was so rewarding to see their smiles and spend time connecting with them.” – Jaydel
“I helped the Urban Farm team create seed packets for the community. It felt great to contribute to something that helps others grow their own food.” – Miguel
“We assembled first aid kits, which will be donated to those in need—it felt great knowing our work would help others in a practical way.” – Joseph & Evan
Tennis Access
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the legacies of trailblazers on and off the court. At NYJTL, this commitment continues year-round. Beyond honoring Black leaders, we create opportunities by providing free access to tennis tournaments for youth across New York City.
The Presidents’ Week Tournament at Cary Leeds Center showcased a doubles-only format for players across multiple age divisions, including the 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18 and under divisions, giving players the opportunity to develop their teamwork skills. On the final day, the 8 & under participants competed in a singles tournament and took part in a skills evaluation, with the hope of sparking a love for the game at a young age.
The 2025 NYJTL ACES President’s Cup took place during Mid-Winter Break, bringing together 195 students from ACES elementary and middle schools to compete for their respective titles. Unlike traditional tennis tournaments, this event featured fitness and serving competitions, adding a unique challenge for the ACES students.
Conclusion
Witnessing Black athletes like Coco Gauff, the 2024 Olympic flag bearer, Madison Keys, and Frances Tiafoe competing at the highest levels of tennis is both inspiring and impactful. Their success goes beyond titles—it serves as a reminder to NYJTL students and beyond of what is possible. Representation matters. When young kids see people who look like them excelling in their field, it reinforces the belief that they can achieve greatness too.
In his commitment to making tennis more accessible, Frances Tiafoe recently created the Frances Tiafoe Fund in partnership with the USTA Foundation. NYJTL Scholar Athlete Program alum Chantajah Mills, a student-athlete at Texas State, was recently awarded a scholarship from the fund.
Arthur Ashe saw tennis as more than a sport—it was a vehicle for opportunity. Whether it’s celebrating a Black artist through dance, competing in a tournament that celebrates diversity, or honoring Martin Luther King Jr. through community service, the mission for NYJTL remains the same: to develop the character of youth through tennis and education for a lifetime of success, on and off the court.
Up Next…
On Thursday, March 13, at 1 PM, NYJTL will host the next virtual Holding Court speaker series. It will be a discussion with Melanie Hartzog, NYJTL board member and President & CEO of The New York Foundling, and NYJTL Board Member Zakiyyah Salim-Williams to celebrate Black History & Women’s History Months. Hartzog leads one of NYC’s longest-serving nonprofits, supporting over 30,000 individuals annually in child welfare, education, and health services.