SERVING OUR OWN
Discover everything that The Hudnell Education and Recreation Center has to offer. We're dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals of color, with educational and recreational activities that promote growth and empowerment. Come be a part of our community today!
ABOUT US
"For those who teach in the hood... and the rest of yall too"
- Dr. Chris Emdin
The Hudnell Education and Recreation Center is committed to enhancing community members' lives through our activities and events. Since our inception, we intend to encourage youth and families in the urban setting; we go the extra mile to ensure our members are happy with our services.
Since the development of our first program, we have allowed young people to get together and have meaningful experiences. Our mission has always been to provide a cultural and educational experience for Black and Brown community members— and we've done everything we can to achieve this goal to this day.
At The HERC, all of our youth programs—Sounds of the Culture, HowtoHipHop, and Be Free—are thoughtfully designed to align with New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE), COMPASS/DYCD, and New York State learning standards. Whether through culturally rich music education, literacy development rooted in Hip-Hop, or social-emotional learning grounded in lived experience, our programs meet key competencies in the arts, ELA, and SEL. This ensures that our students are not only creatively engaged but also academically supported in ways that are relevant, rigorous, and reflective of who they are.
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
The Hudnell Education and Recreation Center is fortunate to have a team of experts who are dedicated to creating a positive impact in our community. Our staff members are passionate about our mission and specialize in different areas, ensuring that we provide comprehensive services to individuals of color. Meet our team and let us empower you.
happening now!
The Off Season is happening now! Our basketball training program (April 1- June 5, 2026) is designed to help student-athletes build skills, boost confidence, and develop strong basketball IQ in a structured, supportive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your game—register now! For more information, visit www.thehercinc.org or email info@thehercinc.org.
OUR SERVICES
"Providing a much needed service to a child that looks like you just feels........GOOD!"
- Mrs. Yogi
HowtoHipHop is a an engaging, educating, and empowering Hip-Hop literacy course created to bright the gap between Hip-Hop and education. Students will learn about the history of Hip-Hop, the elements, and direct relationship to school subjects.
This program believes in using Hip-Hop as a culturally relevant pedagogy especially in urban communities. HowtoHipHop seeks to transform how students makes sense of classroom subjects by merging the theoretical with the practical. This form of teaching is used to meet the different learning needs of young people and helps foster an effective learning environment. HowtoHipHop engages students by using Hip-Hop, educates them through the elements, and empowers them with knowledge of self. This program promotes academic achievement, student engagement, artistic expression, and cultural awareness.
Be Free is an engaging, educating, and empowering social emotional learning course created to support young people on their journey as they navigate their youth.
Be Free encourages young people as they develop their individuality and identity.
We aim to assist them in developing the tools needed to have high self-esteem, building meaningful relationships, and be free to walk in their truth.
Be Free is dedicated to providing youth with social emotional competencies needed to thrive.
The Off-Season is a 10-week basketball training and development program designed to help young athletes sharpen their skills, improve performance, and build confidence on and off the court. Through structured drills, conditioning, and personalized coaching, participants gain the tools to elevate their game, stay active during the off-season, and prepare for the upcoming season with focus and discipline.
Contact us for program costs!
help us make a difference
We believe that education and recreation are key components to the development and empowerment of individuals of color.
Your donation can help us fund programs and initiatives that promote these values in our community. Join us in our mission to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
