Our History
The history of R.I.S.E. is not the story of one person alone. It is the story of a vision established by Gary B. Clifton in 1982, strengthened through the leadership of Dr. Bernard Gassaway, sustained through the financial and administrative commitment of Roger King, carried into the community through the mentorship and fundraising of Lance Lilly, and supported by the business and community leadership of Corey Jones.
Together, these contributions represent different but equally important parts of the R.I.S.E. mission:
Together, these contributions represent different but equally important parts of the R.I.S.E. mission:
- Gary B. Clifton — Founder and visionary
- Dr. Bernard Gassaway — Chairman and builder of the organizational and educational foundation
- Roger King — Financial and administrative cornerstone
- Lance Lilly — Board leadership, fundraising, and longtime youth mentor
- Corey Jones — Business advisor, Board Member, and community advocate
Their collective service reflects the belief that lasting community organizations are built through vision, leadership, stewardship, relationships, business knowledge, mentorship, and a willingness to serve on the ground.
Building the Foundation
Over the years, Dr. Bernard Gassaway, Chairman, played a major role in helping establish and strengthen the foundation of R.I.S.E. His leadership and commitment helped expand the organization's vision beyond recreation and athletics, placing greater emphasis on the educational development of young people.
Dr. Gassaway was instrumental in helping introduce and support important educational components, including Real Men Read and Real Women Read. These initiatives reflected the organization's belief that literacy, education, positive role models, and intellectual development are essential elements of youth empowerment.
The addition of these educational programs reinforced the core philosophy of R.I.S.E.: developing the whole person—not simply the athlete.
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Founded in 1982 by Gary B. Clifton, R.I.S.E. (Recreational Inner-City Sports and Education, Inc.) was created from a belief that sports, recreation, and education could become powerful vehicles for transforming the lives of young people and strengthening communities.Gary B. Clifton envisioned an organization that would provide young people with meaningful opportunities to participate in sports and recreation while also encouraging education, personal development, discipline, leadership, and positive community involvement.
From its grassroots beginnings, R.I.S.E. has been built around the understanding that a young persons potential should never be determined by the challenges of their neighborhood or circumstances. Through sports, education, mentorship, and community engagement, R.I.S.E. has worked to create pathways for young people to discover their abilities and develop the confidence to succeed.
Financial and Administrative Leadership
Roger King has been a cornerstone of R.I.S.E., providing important leadership pon both the financial and administrative sides of the organization. His dedication has helped provide the organizational structure, financial stewardship, and administrative support necessary for R.I.S.E. to continue pursuing its mission. His contribution represents an important part of the behind-the-scenes work that allows a grassroots organization to remain strong, organized, and focused on serving its community.
Financial and Administrative Leadership
Roger King has been a cornerstone of R.I.S.E., providing important leadership pon both the financial and administrative sides of the organization. His dedication has helped provide the organizational structure, financial stewardship, and administrative support necessary for R.I.S.E. to continue pursuing its mission. His contribution represents an important part of the behind-the-scenes work that allows a grassroots organization to remain strong, organized, and focused on serving its community.
Four Decades of Service and MentorshipLance Lilly, Board Director, has been an important part of the R.I.S.E. family for more than forty years. His longstanding commitment represents the continuity and grassroots spirit that have helped define the organization since its early years.
Lance has contributed to R.I.S.E. through both fundraising and direct work with youth in the communities the organization serves. His involvement has never been limited to the boardroom. He has consistently worked on the ground, building relationships with young people and becoming a trusted mentor to many of the youth who have come through R.I.S.E.'s programs.
Through his mentorship, presence, and willingness to engage directly with young people, Lance has helped demonstrate one of the fundamental principles behind R.I.S.E.: young people need adults who are willing to show up, invest in them, listen to them, and believe in their potential.
Business Leadership and Community DevelopmentCorey Jones, Board Member, has also been a longstanding and valuable contributor to R.I.S.E. His experience and savvy business advice have provided important perspective as the organization has worked to grow and strengthen its operations.
Corey's contribution extends beyond business guidance. He has remained actively connected to the community and committed to working with community members to help make the neighborhoods R.I.S.E. serves a better place.
His service reflects the broader philosophy of R.I.S.E.—that meaningful community development requires people who are willing to bring their professional knowledge, personal commitment, and community relationships together in service of others.Corey Jones represents an important link between sound business thinking and grassroots community action, helping R.I.S.E. remain focused not only on serving young people today, but also on building stronger communities for tomorrow.
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Our Board of Directors
Dr. Bernard Gassaway
Dr. Bernard Gassaway has served as chairman of R.I.S.E. for more than 30 years. (Recreational, Inner-City Sports and Education, Inc.), demonstrating an enduring commitment to children, families, and communities. In this leadership role, he has helped guide the organization’s mission, strengthen its programs, and champion opportunities that support the academic, social, and personal development of young people. Drawing upon his experience as an educator, principal, superintendent, author, and community advocate, Dr. Gassaway has worked to ensure that R.I.S.E. remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of those it serves. His chairmanship reflects his belief that education, recreation, mentorship, and community partnerships are essential to helping children thrive. For more than three decades, he has provided steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and a sense of purpose. His work with R.I.S.E. represents a lasting investment in youth empowerment and the collective responsibility of adults to create safe, supportive pathways toward opportunity, achievement, leadership, and lifelong success.www.bernardgassaway.com
Gary Clifton
Roger King
Gary B. Clifton is a product of Jamaica, Queens, New York where he was educated in the New York City Public School System. After his college years Gary entered corporate America where he worked for twenty-five years as a corporate Senior Manager. Gary started Recreational Inner-City Sports and Education, Inc (R.I.S.E.) in 1982. Gary’s goal after surviving the New York City streets as a young man was to start a grass-roots organization dedicated to youth. R.I.S.E. a non profit educational and recreational organization that has serviced tens of thousands of youth and adults in New York City for over forty-four years. R.I.S.E. has always remained true to its roots as very resourceful and trusted organization with enormous influence in the Black community. Gary is married to his wife of
forty-one years Toni. Gary, Toni, and family lived in New York City for most of their lives but relocated to Valley Stream in their later years. The Clifton’s
have owned and operated several successful businesses over the years including Pretty Toni’s Café. Pretty Toni’s Café is a soul food restaurant which opened in 2006. Gary and Toni have three daughters Temiko,
Tonita, and Toi who are all married, college graduates, that assist with community activities. The Clifton’s have seven grandchildren.
Roger King is a seasoned financial services executive with more than 27 years of experience in relationship management, international trade, and business growth strategy. In his current role as Global Facilitator and Risk Faculty Lead for Strategies Corporation, he builds on his leadership experience across financial institutions and shares his expertise across multiple disciplines.
A lifelong advocate for community engagement through sports, Roger King has coached youth teams and currently serves on the Board of Directors of R.I.S.E. (Recreational Inner-City Sports and Education, Inc.), where he contributes fiscal discipline and strategic vision. He is committed to helping the organization strengthen its financial foundation, expand community outreach, and achieve long-term growth.
Together, Roger King’s financial expertise, relationship-driven leadership, and longstanding commitment to youth and community development position him as a valuable contributor to organizations seeking sustainable growth, sound governance, and meaningful community impact.
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Lance Lilly
Bio Coming Soon
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Corey Jones
Larry Cave
Corey Jones is a product of the R.I.S.E. organization where he was a participant at a very young age. “At age fifteen I played in my first R.I.S.E. basketball tournament and I've been with the organization since that time functioning in all capacities from a participant to the Board of Directors”. Corey was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens. Corey’s expertise is both
E-Branding and real estate. Corey is a great resource for the community where he offers both direction and advice on many relevant issues to community residents including mentoring many of the youth. Corey has set an example for young men and women that they can compete in the business world and giveback to the community they come from. Corey is married to his wife Delores and they share two children.
Larry Cave is a product of the R.I.S.E. organization where he participated in programs in the 1980’s. He founded CGE Lab in the early 2000’s which works directly with R.I.S.E. to offer both recreational and educational activities. Larry is a community leader, youth advocate, mentor, and entrepreneur dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and families through sports, mentorship, education, leadership development, and community development. R.I.S.E. is proud to say that Larry exemplifies our model of returning to the community after being educated, trained, and seasoned to provide valuable direction to the youth.
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