Heart of Harlem

Overview

HEART OF HARLEM traces the life and times of Holcombe Rucker, who founded a summer basketball league while working for New York Citys Parks Department in order to give young people a positive alternative to the streets. "The Rucker" quickly became the premiere summer basketball league in the country, attracting Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, Julius Erving and other pro and college stars to Harlem's jam packed schoolyards to compete against playground legends like Earl "The Goat" Manigault, Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond" and Richard "Pee Wee" Kirkland. Today, over thirty years after his death, Mr. Rucker's legacy thrives as his former protégés -- and their protégés -- continue his important work of mentoring Harlem youth.