Celebrating Black History Month:
Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future

While celebrating Black History Month, HJTEP reflects on the rich history of the organization and the vision that continues to drive the program forward.

Founded in 1972 by two Harlem residents and tennis enthusiasts, Claude Cargill and Bill Brown, HJTEP first opened its doors at the 369th Regiment Armory on 143rd Street, using the sport of tennis to teach self-discipline, character-building, and respect for others. Recognizing that few children in Harlem had access to the predominantly white sport, they were inspired by African American tennis icons Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson, both of whom played at the Armory. Cargill and Brown aimed to develop young leaders in their community by addressing the long-standing racial barrier that persisted within the sport’s pipeline.

By 1979, their vision expanded beyond tennis with the introduction of academic tutoring and counseling to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students in their pursuit of higher education and professional mobility. Today, HJTEP continues to evolve its programs in response to the needs of the community, building on a legacy that has served more than 25,000 young people.

Black History Spotlight:
Katrina Adams, Trailblazer in Tennis and Leadership

This Black History Month, HJTEP celebrates the incredible legacy and ongoing contributions of its Executive Director and President, Katrina Adams.

Ms. Adams’s journey in tennis began at the age of six in Chicago, leading her to become a two-time Illinois High School Association singles champion and an NCAA doubles champion at Northwestern University. Her success on the court propelled her to a professional career on the WTA Tour, where she claimed 20 career doubles titles before retiring in 1999.

Beyond her playing career, Ms. Adams has been a driving force in tennis leadership. As a USTA national coach (1999-2002), she helped shape the nation’s top players. In 2015, she made history as the first Black, first former professional player, and the youngest person ever to serve as USTA Chair and President. Serving as Vice President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) from 2015-2023, her contributions to the sport of tennis have also extended globally.

Since joining HJTEP in 2005, Ms. Adams has expanded the program’s enrollment to more than 1,000 participants annually with an increased operating budget of more than $2.4 million. Her vision and leadership continue to strengthen HJTEP’s impact, ensuring it remains a beacon of opportunity for young athletes in Harlem.

Stepping Up:
Alumnus Justin Holmes’s Dedication and Leadership

Following in Coach Maurice Willacy’s footsteps, Coach Justin Holmes has seamlessly stepped into the role of Interim Director of High-Performance (HP) on the courts. In doing so, the HJTEP alumnus has earned the admiration and respect of HJTEP’s students and staff. His dedication to the game and young athletes is evident in every practice, drill, and moment he spends mentoring the next generation. HJTEP is grateful for his leadership.

“Working with the kids, coaches, and staff at HJTEP has been such a wonderful experience so far. The kids are the best people I’ve worked for in my life and truly deserve everything from us every day. The coaches and staff are wholeheartedly committed to their work and each and every kid in the program. It’s a family here, and I am happy to be a part of something so special.”
— Justin Holmes

Tournament Highlights:
HJTEP Players Shine in Competition