Six West Baltimore Icons Recognized for Decades of Service Creating Safe Space for Youth
(BALTIMORE – December 27, 2025) – The Black Wall Street NEW YEAR Summit will honor six Cloverdale Basketball legends whose volunteer service spans decades of creating and maintaining a safe space for West Baltimore youth.
Dr. Warren C. Hayman (Chair), Earl “Rocky” Garner (President), Walter Leslie (Vice President), William “Mr. Bill” Harris (Treasurer), John Chase (Secretary), and Dale Fauntleroy, Sgt. at Arms, will be recognized at the January 3rd, 2026 summit at Downtown Cultural Arts Center.
At 93 years old, Dr. Hayman – a Coppin State University Hall of Famer – ran the organization’s 2025 Labor Day Cookout. At 93. That’s the level of commitment these men bring.
Earl “Rocky” Garner’s story captures the full circle of Cloverdale’s impact. Born and raised in West Baltimore (21217), Rocky played exclusively on Cloverdale’s courts until age 13. That foundation carried him to Northwestern High School (1970-72), Catonsville Community College where he earned JUCO All American honors (1973-74), and East Carolina University with All Southern Conference recognition (1975-76).
But here’s what matters most: Rocky came back. Forty years as a high school teacher (grades 6-12) from 1979 to 2019. Member of Cloverdale AC/BBA since 1983. President since 1996. At 71, he’s still serving the same courts that made him, working with youth and community just like the elders did for him.
The Cloverdale courts carry history. Earl “The Pearl” Monroe played there. But more than famous names, these courts represent something the elders understand intimately: access. Even with Druid Hill Park across the street, Black communities couldn’t always gain access to recreational opportunities afforded other communities. So they built their own.
The volunteer hours are infinite. The love these men have for West Baltimore is unmatchable. The tradition they’ve sustained – generations of young people with a safe place to play, to compete, to belong – that’s legacy work.
“It is our sincere privilege to recognize these men for the tradition they support,” said Doni Glover, founder of BMORENews.com and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards. “Much respect.”
The summit takes place January 3rd, 2026 at 10:00 AM. FREE registration remains open with 100+ attendees already confirmed. RSVP to blackwallstreetsummit2026.eventbrite.com.
