Put me on series highlights local community members who are doing great work connecting folks and providing resources to those around them. Through each spotlight, we aim to inspire readers to find ways they can better themselves and those around them.
Q: Introduce yourself? Where are you from? What is most important to you? Hobbies? Anything you want people to know?
My name is Roudy St Fleur also known as Movez. I’m from Crown Heights Brooklyn, New York.
What’s most important to me is being able to wake everyday and being appreciative of everything in my life and find ways of displaying my creativity and connecting with people.
As far as hobbies, I often like to watch YouTube videos on basketball, business and positive workshops about life. I often try to catch up with friends and bike riding. I used to like reading and want to get back into it. Lastly, I often just like to reflect on all facets of life, the possibilities of becoming more than what we are taught and see where things make sense for me and others.
Q: What is Love Hoops NY? What inspired you to create it and inspires you to sustain it?
Love Hoops is a creative platform for anyone to experience basketball, art, music and more.
We are proud to serve and provide opportunities for kids and adults in the inner city and are looking to reach beyond our boundaries physically and virtually.
We started out 2021 with the Love Hoops Community Showcase for Middle School and High School Athletes.
What inspired creating Love Hoops, during a time where the climate of the world is not secure in its decisions about gatherings and populated events.
Brands suspended their sponsorships with the premier basketball leagues in New York because the spectators wouldn’t be in attendance. Love Hoops recognized the lack of support, attention to the players needs and knew it was more about the kids playing more than the brands motives. We kept the players motivated and safe from negative distractions that plagued our communities. I would like to thank the local mom and pop shops, sole pack, alumni, team live action, Paladino Casting, Borough President ( Eric Adams) MKNMVZ NY, game over nyc and the East Flatbush and Crown Heights community and many more for their support.
As of now our current operating activities skills development training three times a week and coed basketball pickup games twice a week.
We also partnered with the Brooklyn Children's Museum ( One Crown Heights ) hosting a six week skill development clinic for Black and Jewish boys which consist of basketball drills and free play. Joining the two cultures through sport.
What inspires me to sustain Love Hoops, is that we are bringing back the essence of supporting the community through sport and creative arts. Love Hoops is a hub for diverse and cultural groups to come together and express themselves freely, showcase their talents and creativity. Which in the long run harnesses positive energy and harmony amongst us all.
Q: Working with youth - What kind of things are they more passionate about? What matters to them?
Well the kids are passionate about being seen and heard but not how you think. What matters to them is you must be real and come from a good space and you have their existence in your best interest. The kids are more connected and visionaries but there isn’t a system or collective programs in school or in the home to provide that free range of expression.
Q: What do you do to better yourself each day?
What I do to better myself…well each day I set out to put out positive energy and give thanks to everything I have and experience. I asked to meet someone new each day and be able to walk freely amongst others. I believe when I journey through life that way I will walk in my purpose and all will inline itself.
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Photos taken by Gabrielle Woodland
