By Edwin Freeman
Photos: Edwin Freeman
The Freeman Foundation for the Arts, in collaboration with Reality Chek/57 Old Timers Inc., Sonny Lewis Foundation, and Sky High Youth Services, is set to transform St. Andrews Playground in Kingston Park into a celebration of community spirit and basketball excellence this summer. This coalition of organizations will host the Sonny Lewis All-Star Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10. The two-day event promises to draw hundreds of families, players, and neighborhood residents to honor the memory of a man whose impact on Brooklyn’s youth continues to resonate more than three decades after his passing.
Sonny Lewis, who died June 28, 1993, was far more than a basketball enthusiast. The former math teacher and Edward R. Murrow High School evening gym instructor used the hardwood at St. Andrews as his classroom, transforming a neighborhood court into what those who knew him best describe as a “sports university.” His approach was simple yet profound: basketball served as a metaphoric teaching tool, and every young person who stepped onto those courts had the potential for greatness.
“Basketball was Sonny’s life,” his widow once reflected, “and encouraging young people to reach high was his mission.” That mission extended beyond athletic achievement. Lewis, a father of four, grandfather of 10, and great-grandfather of seven, understood that not every child would become a professional athlete. His genius lay in helping them see alternative paths within the game and beyond it.
“He worked with young people, and would always say that no matter what, they could make something of their lives,” recalled those close to him. “If they couldn’t be an athlete, they could do something else. They could still be part of the game. They could use these courts to learn how to coach, how to referee, how to be a future leader.”
The upcoming summer event, organized by this coalition of community organizations, promises to capture this spirit perfectly. From 8 AM to 8 PM each day, the playground will buzz with activity. Competitive games will unfold on the courts while families enjoy free food, entertainment, and giveaways. The atmosphere is expected to reflect what Brooklyn festivals do best: combining celebration with purpose, recognizing the remarkable individuals who shape our communities.
Samantha Lewis, Sonny’s daughter who has carried forward her father’s legacy through the annual memorial tournament, is instrumental in making the weekend possible. Her dedication ensures that her father’s vision of the courts as a place where “stars could be born, and lives changed or redirected” remains alive for new generations.
The timing of this celebration carries special significance. According to longtime friends and community advocates Roland Allbright, Fred Moore, and Ali Aziz, a five-year campaign to rename the park from Andrews/Kingston to Sonny Lewis Park is gaining momentum throughout the neighborhood. Their efforts have taken on new urgency as the park recently received major funding for repairs and renovations, with reconstruction completion targeted for next summer.
“Sonny died doing what he loved doing, coaching a basketball game,” Roland shared, pointing to the exact spot on the court where his friend passed away. “Now, we must acknowledge his gift, and give back!”
The potential renaming ceremony could coincide with future tournament seasons, creating a permanent tribute to a man who saw potential in every young person who crossed his path. Lewis understood that true mentorship extends beyond the boundaries of any single game or season. He created a legacy rooted in the belief that with proper guidance and encouragement, any young person could find their path to success.
As families prepare to gather this summer for the All-Star Weekend, the spirit of Sonny Lewis will undoubtedly fill the courts where he once taught life lessons through basketball. The coalition of The Freeman Foundation for the Arts, Reality Chek/57 Old Timers Inc., Sonny Lewis Foundation, and Sky High Youth Services is set to create more than just a tournament weekend; they’re crafting a celebration of community values and the enduring power of mentorship.
The St. Andrews Playground courts will once again become what Sonny Lewis envisioned them to be: a stage where stars are born, lives are changed, and the next generation learns that greatness comes in many forms. Whether through athletic achievement, community leadership, or simply the courage to dream big, his message endures: every young person has the potential to make something extraordinary of their lives.
For those who knew Sonny Lewis, (shown below) this summer weekend will serve as both celebration and recommitment to his vision. For those meeting his legacy for the first time, it will offer a powerful reminder of how one dedicated individual can transform a neighborhood, one young person at a time.
Get in touch with The Freeman Foundation for the Arts – thefreemanfoundationforthearts.org
