Program History
The Black Coaches Classic grew out of a concern for the underrepresentation of Black leaders in coaching and in the administrative ranks of scholastic and collegiate athletics. Bob Hohler wrote in the Boston Globe on August 22, 2020, that, "The lack of Black leaders in New England college sports is what institutional and systemic racism looks like".
The Black Coaches Classic seeks to provide resources and support for coaches, game officials and administrators. Programming happens in three phases, youth engagement, coaches recognition, and community enrichment. We produce a basketball coaches clinic, complete workshop style for community enrichment, . We recognize decorated coaches at our basketball invitational. We continue to engage youth in the summer and other out-of-school programs side by side with partner programs.
About the Legends Hall of Fame
The Legends Hall of Fame is a virtual billboard celebrating the effort of local, veteran coaches and administrators who have made significant contribution to community and also has achievements as leaders in athletics. Nominees for the Legends Hall of Fame must meet the following criteria: 1) Must have been a high school or collegiate coach in New England; 2) Must be retired; 3) Must have demonstrated a high level of character, teamwork, integrity, ability, sportsmanship, perseverance and a willingness to mentor those behind you.
In 2020, we inducted Alfreda Harris and Charlie Titus into the Legends hall of Fame at the 1st Black Coaches Classic on January 26, 2020 (#RipKobe).
Charlie Titus is the retired Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Recreation, Special Projects & Programs at Umass Boston. He has been the face of the University of Massachusetts Boston athletics program for over three decades. Having served as UMass Boston’s first Director of Athletics, Titus helped launch the UMass Boston athletics program, which over the years has attained tremendous success, including multiple national, regional, and conference championships. He was inducted into the Little East Hall of Fame, the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, the Bay State Games Hall of Fame and the Umass Boston Athletics Hall of Fame.
Alfreda Harris is a lifetime resident of Roxbury; she is the founder and former Administrative Coordinator of the Shelburne Recreation Center and the former women's basketball coach at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Roxbury Community College, and Emerson College. Harris was also the longest-serving member of the Boston School Committee. Harris was awarded the Mannie Jackson award for her values of the game: hard work, striving to improve the community, and making a commitment to others. She was also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
In 2022, we inducted Dennis Wilson and Harry Wilson (posthumously). Dennis and Harry Wilson are co-founders of the Roxbury Raiders Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program.
The Raider Program has been used as a vehicle to reach and positively influence the lives of youth in the Boston community for over 45 years. They are also responsible for the Roxbury Basketball Association (RBA), which came to be known as one of the more popular pro-am destinations for professional basketball players of its time. Dennis Wilson worked in the Boston Public School system for thirty years, teaching history, serving as dean of discipline, and coaching basketball. He was named Massachusetts Division 1 Coach of the Year three times and has hosted and co-produced his own cable television sports show.
Dennis is one of the few Massachusetts high school coaches to amass 400 wins in his career. Madison Park Vocational Tech honored him in 2020 by naming its main gymnasium floor in his honor. In retirement, Dennis has found success in film development, producing the documentary, "Push: Madison Versus Madison'' in 2011, the story of a dysfunctional but talented high school hoops team trying to hold itself together” and "This ain't normal" in 2018, a documentary humanizing the story of gang involved youth, entangled in inner city violence and the StreetSafe social workers that supported them.
In 2024, we inducted Dr. Albert Holland, a veteran educator of the Boston Public Schools, Roscoe Baker, organizer of the original Boston Shootout; and Bill Raynor, former Division 1 Head Coach and Collegiate Athletic Director.
Bill Raynor was the head Men's Basketball Coach at Framingham State. He spent 12 seasons as the Director of Athletics and Head Coach at MassBay Community College. While at MassBay, Raynor led the Buccaneers to the NJCAA New England Region XXI Championship in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2017 and was named the National District XIII Coach of the Year (NJCAA) after each of those titles. Raynor’s collegiate coaching experience also includes a stint at Holy Cross between 1994-1999 where he served as both the head coach and as an assistant coach. Raynor was also an assistant coach at Brown University and Harvard University. Raynor has received several awards during his coaching career, including being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and being inducted into the Brown University Hall of Fame in 2009. Raynor received the Spirit of MassBay Award in 2011 and was the commencement speaker at MassBay's graduation in 2015.
Roscoe Baker is an organizer of the original Boston Shootout, and Director & Board Member of the Roxbury Boys & Girls Club. In 1971, NBA referee Ken Hudson, Rudy Cabral, and Roxbury Clubhouse board members Roscoe Baker and “Jeep” Jones organized the Boston Shootout to showcase the city’s best to the rest of the hoops world. The Boston first squad featured some of basketball’s best-kept secrets, including King Gaskins of Catholic Memorial, Carlton Smith of English High, Lexington High’s Ronnie Lee (Russell’s brother), “Smooth” Bobby Carrington of Archbishop Williams, Billy Collins of Don Bosco, and Wil Morrison of Tech High.
Dr. Albert Holland is a veteran educator who worked for Boston Public Schools (BPS) for over 30 years. He started working for BPS in 1977 and held various high-level positions, including: principal, headmaster, executive director, and assistant to the chief of staff. Holland also worked as a consultant for BPS in 1975. While working as an administrator at South Boston High School, he worked on problems in desegregation, violence, and fighting back against assaults. Holland was the lead singer of a letter from 15 retired BPS educators. The letter, sent to Skipper on August 24, said that Black and brown central office leaders are targeted if they speak up against racist practices and try to promote equity. Holland was tapped by Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang to help deal with allegations of racism at Boston Latin School. Albert Holland was a former principal of Burke High School from 1982 to 1993. Burke alumni are actively petitioning to name the school in his honor.
In 2025, we inducted Alfred "Ski" McClain, founder of Battle New England and the Medina Dixon All-Stars, Mike A. Rubin, former coach and Principal of East Boston High School and Assistant Director of the MSSADA; and Thomas L. Johnson (posh), fcommunity leader and coach for whom the Johnson Recreationa Center in Mission Hill is named for.
Alfred "SKI" McClain Jr., a 1984 graduate of the University of New Hampshire (UNH), is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to basketball and his dedication to mentoring youth. During his tenure with the UNH Wildcats men's basketball team from 1980 to 1984, McClain distinguished himself as a formidable player. He earned the North Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Year award in the 1980-81 season and was named to the All-NAC First Team in the 1983-84 season. By the end of his collegiate career, he had amassed 1,861 points, making him the second all-time leading scorer in UNH men's basketball history. In recognition of his exceptional performance, McClain was selected by the Houston Rockets in the fifth round of the 1984 NBA Draft.
Beyond his athletic achievements, McClain has dedicated over three decades to mentoring at-risk youth. He is involved with the Jr. Celtics program, which promotes skill development and leadership through basketball. He was Jr. Celtics Coach of the Year in 2017, selected for his outstanding integrity, character, & leadership. As the founder of the Medina Dixon All-Star Tournament and Battle New England, he has been instrumental in organizing community-based sports and recreation programs that emphasize sportsmanship, physical fitness, and cultural enrichment. In August 2024, under his leadership, 'Battle New England' sent five basketball teams to New York City to participate in the renowned Dyckman Tournament, showcasing Boston's talent on a prominent stage. McClain's enduring commitment to both basketball and community service underscores his significant impact on and off the court.
Michael Anthony Rubin, a distinguished educator and coach, has made significant contributions to East Boston High School (EBHS) and the broader Massachusetts athletic community. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Rubin faced adversity early in life, becoming an orphan at the age of 11. He was sent to a boarding school in Connecticut, where he was one of only 10 African American children in a school of 500. He later attended Tufts University, graduating with a degree in Education, and subsequently earned a master's degree in Educational Administration from UMASS
In 1978, Rubin began his career in education as a special education teacher at Barnes Middle School and served as the junior varsity basketball coach at EBHS. By 1980, at the age of 24, he became the head basketball coach at EBHS, taking over a program that had not seen a winning season since 1949. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, securing 12 Boston City North Championships, 10 Boston City Championships, and four Massachusetts Division Two state basketball titles over his 24-year coaching tenure. He was named Boston Globe "Coach of the Year" in 1985 and 1992.
Transitioning into administration, Rubin served as assistant headmaster from 1990 to 2003 before becoming headmaster of EBHS, a position he held until his retirement in 2013. During his tenure, he implemented programs aimed at supporting at-risk students and was recognized for his dedication to education with the 25th Annual Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Award in 2010. Beyond his roles at EBHS, Rubin has been actively involved with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). He serves as an assistant director, contributing to the development and oversight of interscholastic athletics across the state. In recognition of his outstanding coaching career, Rubin was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014. Throughout his career, Rubin has been committed to mentoring and supporting students, both on and off the court. His leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on countle.
Thomas L. Johnson, Jr. dedicated his life to service, mentorship, and community building. After an honorable military career—serving on active duty from 1947 to 1967 and in the reserves until 1978—he transitioned to a new role with Boston’s Parks & Recreation Department, working at the Cabot Street Bath House and Whittier Street Health Center. Following the closure of the Cabot Street Bath House, Mr. Johnson—affectionately known as "Mr. J"—became the director of the Mission Hill Recreation Center. Under his leadership, the center became a safe haven where youth developed athletic skills, critical thinking, and a sense of community. He mentored young people through various sports, board games, and life lessons.
Among his proudest accomplishments was founding the "13 and Under Basketball League," ensuring younger children had structured sports opportunities. To sustain it, he raised funds for uniforms, equipment, and trophies. His generosity extended beyond sports—every Christmas, he secured donations, dressed as Santa, and delivered toys to bring joy to neighborhood children.
Mr. Johnson’s contributions were recognized by Mayor Raymond L. Flynn in 1991 with a Certificate of Recognition. In 1996, Mayor Thomas M. Menino honored his legacy by renaming the Mission Hill Recreation Center as the "Thomas L. Johnson Community Center." After an extended closure, it was reopened on October 8, 2024, by Mayor Michelle Wu, reaffirming his lasting impact. After retiring, Mr. Johnson returned to Frankfort, Kentucky, where he continued mentoring youth as a foster grandparent for students at Kentucky State University. Known for his singing, love of card games, and deep faith, he remained connected to Boston, frequently visiting to celebrate his beloved sports teams and community. Thomas L. Johnson, Jr. passed away in November 2003, leaving a profound legacy of service, mentorship, and love. His influence continues through the generations of youth he inspired.
The Legends Hall of Fame is a virtual billboard celebrating the effort of local, veteran coaches and administrators who have made significant contribution to community and also has achievements as leaders in athletics. Nominees for the Legends Hall of Fame must meet the following criteria: 1) Must have been a high school or collegiate coach in New England; 2) Must be retired; 3) Must have demonstrated a high level of character, teamwork, integrity, ability, sportsmanship, perseverance and a willingness to mentor those behind you.
In 2020, we inducted Alfreda Harris and Charlie Titus into the Legends hall of Fame at the 1st Black Coaches Classic on January 26, 2020 (#RipKobe).
Charlie Titus is the retired Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Recreation, Special Projects & Programs at Umass Boston. He has been the face of the University of Massachusetts Boston athletics program for over three decades. Having served as UMass Boston’s first Director of Athletics, Titus helped launch the UMass Boston athletics program, which over the years has attained tremendous success, including multiple national, regional, and conference championships. He was inducted into the Little East Hall of Fame, the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, the Bay State Games Hall of Fame and the Umass Boston Athletics Hall of Fame.
Alfreda Harris is a lifetime resident of Roxbury; she is the founder and former Administrative Coordinator of the Shelburne Recreation Center and the former women's basketball coach at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Roxbury Community College, and Emerson College. Harris was also the longest-serving member of the Boston School Committee. Harris was awarded the Mannie Jackson award for her values of the game: hard work, striving to improve the community, and making a commitment to others. She was also inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
In 2022, we inducted Dennis Wilson and Harry Wilson (posthumously). Dennis and Harry Wilson are co-founders of the Roxbury Raiders Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading program.
The Raider Program has been used as a vehicle to reach and positively influence the lives of youth in the Boston community for over 45 years. They are also responsible for the Roxbury Basketball Association (RBA), which came to be known as one of the more popular pro-am destinations for professional basketball players of its time. Dennis Wilson worked in the Boston Public School system for thirty years, teaching history, serving as dean of discipline, and coaching basketball. He was named Massachusetts Division 1 Coach of the Year three times and has hosted and co-produced his own cable television sports show.
Dennis is one of the few Massachusetts high school coaches to amass 400 wins in his career. Madison Park Vocational Tech honored him in 2020 by naming its main gymnasium floor in his honor. In retirement, Dennis has found success in film development, producing the documentary, "Push: Madison Versus Madison'' in 2011, the story of a dysfunctional but talented high school hoops team trying to hold itself together” and "This ain't normal" in 2018, a documentary humanizing the story of gang involved youth, entangled in inner city violence and the StreetSafe social workers that supported them.
In 2024, we inducted Dr. Albert Holland, a veteran educator of the Boston Public Schools, Roscoe Baker, organizer of the original Boston Shootout; and Bill Raynor, former Division 1 Head Coach and Collegiate Athletic Director.
Bill Raynor was the head Men's Basketball Coach at Framingham State. He spent 12 seasons as the Director of Athletics and Head Coach at MassBay Community College. While at MassBay, Raynor led the Buccaneers to the NJCAA New England Region XXI Championship in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2017 and was named the National District XIII Coach of the Year (NJCAA) after each of those titles. Raynor’s collegiate coaching experience also includes a stint at Holy Cross between 1994-1999 where he served as both the head coach and as an assistant coach. Raynor was also an assistant coach at Brown University and Harvard University. Raynor has received several awards during his coaching career, including being inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 and being inducted into the Brown University Hall of Fame in 2009. Raynor received the Spirit of MassBay Award in 2011 and was the commencement speaker at MassBay's graduation in 2015.
Roscoe Baker is an organizer of the original Boston Shootout, and Director & Board Member of the Roxbury Boys & Girls Club. In 1971, NBA referee Ken Hudson, Rudy Cabral, and Roxbury Clubhouse board members Roscoe Baker and “Jeep” Jones organized the Boston Shootout to showcase the city’s best to the rest of the hoops world. The Boston first squad featured some of basketball’s best-kept secrets, including King Gaskins of Catholic Memorial, Carlton Smith of English High, Lexington High’s Ronnie Lee (Russell’s brother), “Smooth” Bobby Carrington of Archbishop Williams, Billy Collins of Don Bosco, and Wil Morrison of Tech High.
Dr. Albert Holland is a veteran educator who worked for Boston Public Schools (BPS) for over 30 years. He started working for BPS in 1977 and held various high-level positions, including: principal, headmaster, executive director, and assistant to the chief of staff. Holland also worked as a consultant for BPS in 1975. While working as an administrator at South Boston High School, he worked on problems in desegregation, violence, and fighting back against assaults. Holland was the lead singer of a letter from 15 retired BPS educators. The letter, sent to Skipper on August 24, said that Black and brown central office leaders are targeted if they speak up against racist practices and try to promote equity. Holland was tapped by Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang to help deal with allegations of racism at Boston Latin School. Albert Holland was a former principal of Burke High School from 1982 to 1993. Burke alumni are actively petitioning to name the school in his honor.
In 2025, we inducted Alfred "Ski" McClain, founder of Battle New England and the Medina Dixon All-Stars, Mike A. Rubin, former coach and Principal of East Boston High School and Assistant Director of the MSSADA; and Thomas L. Johnson (posh), fcommunity leader and coach for whom the Johnson Recreationa Center in Mission Hill is named for.
Alfred "SKI" McClain Jr., a 1984 graduate of the University of New Hampshire (UNH), is celebrated for his outstanding contributions to basketball and his dedication to mentoring youth. During his tenure with the UNH Wildcats men's basketball team from 1980 to 1984, McClain distinguished himself as a formidable player. He earned the North Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Year award in the 1980-81 season and was named to the All-NAC First Team in the 1983-84 season. By the end of his collegiate career, he had amassed 1,861 points, making him the second all-time leading scorer in UNH men's basketball history. In recognition of his exceptional performance, McClain was selected by the Houston Rockets in the fifth round of the 1984 NBA Draft.
Beyond his athletic achievements, McClain has dedicated over three decades to mentoring at-risk youth. He is involved with the Jr. Celtics program, which promotes skill development and leadership through basketball. He was Jr. Celtics Coach of the Year in 2017, selected for his outstanding integrity, character, & leadership. As the founder of the Medina Dixon All-Star Tournament and Battle New England, he has been instrumental in organizing community-based sports and recreation programs that emphasize sportsmanship, physical fitness, and cultural enrichment. In August 2024, under his leadership, 'Battle New England' sent five basketball teams to New York City to participate in the renowned Dyckman Tournament, showcasing Boston's talent on a prominent stage. McClain's enduring commitment to both basketball and community service underscores his significant impact on and off the court.
Michael Anthony Rubin, a distinguished educator and coach, has made significant contributions to East Boston High School (EBHS) and the broader Massachusetts athletic community. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Rubin faced adversity early in life, becoming an orphan at the age of 11. He was sent to a boarding school in Connecticut, where he was one of only 10 African American children in a school of 500. He later attended Tufts University, graduating with a degree in Education, and subsequently earned a master's degree in Educational Administration from UMASS
In 1978, Rubin began his career in education as a special education teacher at Barnes Middle School and served as the junior varsity basketball coach at EBHS. By 1980, at the age of 24, he became the head basketball coach at EBHS, taking over a program that had not seen a winning season since 1949. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, securing 12 Boston City North Championships, 10 Boston City Championships, and four Massachusetts Division Two state basketball titles over his 24-year coaching tenure. He was named Boston Globe "Coach of the Year" in 1985 and 1992.
Transitioning into administration, Rubin served as assistant headmaster from 1990 to 2003 before becoming headmaster of EBHS, a position he held until his retirement in 2013. During his tenure, he implemented programs aimed at supporting at-risk students and was recognized for his dedication to education with the 25th Annual Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Award in 2010. Beyond his roles at EBHS, Rubin has been actively involved with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). He serves as an assistant director, contributing to the development and oversight of interscholastic athletics across the state. In recognition of his outstanding coaching career, Rubin was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014. Throughout his career, Rubin has been committed to mentoring and supporting students, both on and off the court. His leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on countle.
Thomas L. Johnson, Jr. dedicated his life to service, mentorship, and community building. After an honorable military career—serving on active duty from 1947 to 1967 and in the reserves until 1978—he transitioned to a new role with Boston’s Parks & Recreation Department, working at the Cabot Street Bath House and Whittier Street Health Center. Following the closure of the Cabot Street Bath House, Mr. Johnson—affectionately known as "Mr. J"—became the director of the Mission Hill Recreation Center. Under his leadership, the center became a safe haven where youth developed athletic skills, critical thinking, and a sense of community. He mentored young people through various sports, board games, and life lessons.
Among his proudest accomplishments was founding the "13 and Under Basketball League," ensuring younger children had structured sports opportunities. To sustain it, he raised funds for uniforms, equipment, and trophies. His generosity extended beyond sports—every Christmas, he secured donations, dressed as Santa, and delivered toys to bring joy to neighborhood children.
Mr. Johnson’s contributions were recognized by Mayor Raymond L. Flynn in 1991 with a Certificate of Recognition. In 1996, Mayor Thomas M. Menino honored his legacy by renaming the Mission Hill Recreation Center as the "Thomas L. Johnson Community Center." After an extended closure, it was reopened on October 8, 2024, by Mayor Michelle Wu, reaffirming his lasting impact. After retiring, Mr. Johnson returned to Frankfort, Kentucky, where he continued mentoring youth as a foster grandparent for students at Kentucky State University. Known for his singing, love of card games, and deep faith, he remained connected to Boston, frequently visiting to celebrate his beloved sports teams and community. Thomas L. Johnson, Jr. passed away in November 2003, leaving a profound legacy of service, mentorship, and love. His influence continues through the generations of youth he inspired.
Community Resources
Established in 2003 as a grass-roots organization devoted to the community, Roulhac Enterprises continues to engage the community in ways that meet individuals where they are. We began outreach by providing resources and information to the community. We shared resources, including job listings and athletic recreation and wellness opportunities. Today, information and resources related to the previously listed, in addition to social justice concerns, job readiness tools and information, education and training, and mental health services, are housed on our social media platforms.
