CLYDE FRAZIER JR.: Making Their
Dreams Real
For
hundreds of young New Yorkers, Clyde Frazier Jr. was a
friend with a basketball.
Mr. Frazier, 41, worked as a state tax investigator in
the World Trade Center but was better known as the
founder of the SlamJam Women's Basketball League. The
league brought together top players from city public and
Roman Catholic schools and sent countless girls off to
college with basketball scholarships.
Mr. Frazier, who enjoyed films, plays and working out,
also found time abut 10 years ago to start the Friends of
Frederick E. Samuel Foundation (named for a former city
councilman). The nonprofit group in Harlem provides
basketball and counseling to young people. Clyde Frazier
Sr. said his son, who was married but childless, could
talk to anybody about anything.
"He was passionate and committed to young people,"
said Shawn Dove, a friend and colleague. "For 10 years
every Saturday and Sunday he traveled from Queens to open
up the gym at 9 a.m. at the Countee Cullen Community
Center in Harlem."
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