BuckLeonard Association for Sports and Human Enrichment

11/03/2026

The Va. Stars 11U team made a special visit to the Historic Buck Leonard Home Museum during the Top Gun Winter World Series in Rocky Mount. With Saturday’s games canceled due to rain, it turned into the perfect opportunity for the players and families to learn the powerful history of the Negro Leagues and one of baseball’s greatest hitters.

The team toured Buck Leonard’s longtime home at 605 Atlantic Avenue and explored the rich legacy preserved inside — original memorabilia, family archives, and stories that bring the Negro Leagues to life.

A huge thank‑you to family historian Jonathan Hunter and Executive Director Rose Fox Hunter for guiding the tour and inspiring the next generation with Buck’s story of excellence, discipline, and leadership.

An unforgettable experience for the players, parents, and coaches — and a meaningful way to keep this important history alive.

City of Rocky Mount, NC Gov. Offices
MLB RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner-Cities)

09/08/2026

On this day—September 8th—we celebrate the birthday of Walter Fenner “Buck” Leonard, a man whose legacy is woven into the lives of everyone who carries his name forward, everyone who volunteers in his honor, and everyone who believes in what he stood for.
From his family… Buck was more than a Hall of Famer. He was the steady hand, the gentle voice, the example of dignity that shaped generations. His strength didn’t come from fame—it came from responsibility, from love, from the quiet courage he showed long before the world ever knew his name. To us, he remains a compass. A reminder that greatness is measured not only in what you achieve, but in how you carry yourself while achieving it.
From our volunteers… Every time we teach a child about Buck’s story, every time we preserve a piece of Negro Leagues history, every time we show up to serve our community—we feel him with us. His values guide our work: consistency, humility, excellence, and service. We honor him not just by remembering him, but by living the way he lived—steadily, proudly, and with purpose.
From supporters of the Buck Leonard Association… Buck Leonard was one of baseball’s greatest first basemen, but he was also one of America’s greatest examples of character. His legacy is not confined to the diamond. It lives in classrooms, in community centers, in youth programs, in every child who learns that greatness is possible no matter where you begin. Supporting this mission means believing in the same values Buck carried his entire life.
Today, we celebrate a man who lifted his family, his team, his community, and his people. A man who led the Homestead Grays through their golden era. A man known across the world as “Baseball’s Greatest Gentleman.” A man whose legacy continues to inspire youth across generations.
Happy Birthday, Buck. Your life still lights the path. Your values still shape our work. Your legacy still grows—because we are committed to carrying it forward, together.

08/20/2026

Golfers — It’s Your Time. Registration for the Buck Leonard Golf Classic Is OPEN!

Join us October 2 at Belmont Lake Golf Club for a day of championship style golf that fuels inner city youth sports, STEM education, and academic enrichment across Rocky Mount.

Whether you’re bringing a full foursome or playing solo, your round directly supports: • Buck Leonard Youth Baseball League (MLB RBI) • STEAM Collective & AI Literacy • Tutoring, mentorship & scholarships • Mitchell House Community Resource Center.

Play with purpose. Compete with passion. Make an impact.

CTA: 🔗 Register Your Foursome Today @ https://bit.ly/4x7vmbS 📍 Rocky Mount, NC ⛳ 18 Hole Scramble • Awards Luncheon • Golfer’s Retreat

For additional information or details contact Brian Patterson | 252.469.7914 or email: [email protected]

Tee off for a cause! Join the 5th Annual Buck Leonard Golf Classic Oct. 2, at Belmont Lake Golf Club. Support Youth Sports and STEM!

08/18/2026

Buck Leonard Reading & Cultural Enrichment Program x RMHA Summer Camp 2026 Supported in part by the Negro Leagues Family Alliance
The Buck Leonard Association spent two incredible days—July 29th at Weeks Armstrong and August 4th at Westend Terrace—bringing our cultural reading and storytelling program to the youth of the Rocky Mount Housing Authority as they wrapped up their 2026 summer camp.
Our sessions featured powerful stories from Black history, inspired by our Reading & Cultural Enrichment Program’s bibliotherapy approach. Former librarian and beloved BLA volunteer Regina Davis led storytelling with grace and joy, supported by our Buck Leonard “Grandma Brigade” sisters Diana Johnson and Shirley Johnson, who brought warmth, wisdom, and community spirit to every moment.
We extend our deepest appreciation to the RMHA counselors and staff for being such gracious hosts and for giving us the opportunity to share culturally rich, identity affirming reading experiences with their child and youth residents. Your partnership helps us continue building confidence, emotional wellness, and cultural pride in Rocky Mount’s young people.
📚✨ Together, we’re strengthening youth voices, nurturing resilience, and celebrating the legacy of Black leaders and legends.

08/18/2026

As another exciting summer season comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the Buck Leonard Carolina Grays 17U team!
This season was about so much more than wins and losses. Our players demonstrated dedication, resilience, leadership, and a commitment to growing both on and off the field. We are proud of the way each athlete represented the Carolina Grays, supporting one another, developing team-first attitudes, and embracing opportunities to lead.
A special thank you to our outstanding coaches for their time, mentorship, and unwavering belief in our players. Your guidance helped shape not only better baseball players, but stronger young men. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our volunteers, families, and supporters whose hard work and encouragement made this season possible.
To our players: thank you for your effort, sportsmanship, and passion for the game. Continue to carry the leadership, teamwork, and life lessons you've developed this season into everything you do.
Congratulations on a terrific summer season, Buck Leonard Carolina Grays 17U! The future is bright, and we can't wait to see what comes next. ⚾🖤💛
City of Rocky Mount, NC Gov. Offices
MLB RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner-Cities)

07/18/2026

On July 10, 2026, the Negro Leagues Family Alliance proudly hosted the Baseball, Jazz, & All That Swing – Founders “250” Jubilee in Philadelphia. This historic celebration honored the cultural innovation, resilience, and artistry that continue to shape our shared legacy.
We extend sincere appreciation to our supporters, volunteers, members, and sponsors whose commitment made this event possible.
A special congratulations to Rose Fox Hunter, the creator of the “250” Jubilee. Her vision transformed this milestone into a meaningful tribute to heritage, community, and excellence.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in the City of Brotherly Love as we celebrated the past and invested in the future. Learn more about NLFA programs and events: NegroLeaguesFamilyAlliance.com/events

07/16/2026

Printing and editing of large bodies of work.

06/22/2026

💙 Happy Father’s Day from the Buck Leonard Association!
Today we celebrate the fathers, mentors, and role models who build legacy through love, leadership, and community.
Your strength inspires the next generation to Explore. Play. Preserve.

Honoring Fathers. Building Legacy. Empowering Youth.


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06/12/2026

🎣 BUCK LEONARD ASSN. FISH FRY FUNDRAISER 🍰
We’re bringing it back — fresh fish, good vibes, and a whole lot of community spirit!

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, June 13, at 1531 Springfield Rd. for a plate sale supporting youth programs in Sports, STEM, and AI literacy.

🐟 Menu: Trout or Whiting Fish, 2 sides, and cake — $15.00 per plate
🕚 Pick‑up: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
🚚 Look for the white food truck!

Plates prepared by Charlie’s Grill (5049 Hathaway St., Battleboro NC).
“Go eat with them — tell them we sent you!”

💛 For the love of children & community
— Buck Leonard Association

📞 252‑314‑1637
📧 [email protected]
📍 Rocky Mount, NC

👉 Tag your friends and share — let’s make this fundraiser a home run for our kids!

02/17/2026

What an amazing kickoff to Black History Month! 🎉🖤
The Buck Leonard Association launched our Black History Month Activities for Children & Youth at Rocky Mount Mills with joy, learning, and community spirit in full motion. 😊📚🤝

A huge round of applause to our Board Members, Regina Davis and Demetrius Joyner Hart for developing thoughtful, engaging lesson plans that brought history to life for every age group. 👏🏽✨

Deep gratitude to our volunteer powerhouses — sisters Diana Johnson and Shirley Johnson, lovingly known as the “Grandma Brigade” 👵🏾👵🏾, and our incredible youth volunteer Corrinthian Johnson — for facilitating activities with warmth, patience, and heart. 💖🙌 You made every child feel seen and supported. 🧒🏾👦🏽👧🏽

Special thanks to community supporters Kelvin Hartand Sharon Hedgepeth for showing up, participating, and pouring into our young people. Your presence matters. 🌟🤗
And to our amazing youth and their families, along with the wonderful Pre-K students and staff from Learning Academy — thank you for bringing your energy, curiosity, and smiles. You set the tone for a month of learning, legacy, and unity. 🏫👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🕊️

From movement warmups and storytelling to civil rights roleplay and creative expression, our programs are building fairness, empathy, and cultural appreciation across generations. 🏃🏾‍♂️📖🎭🎨
We’re just getting started. 🚀

FREE • EDUCATIONAL • FAMILY FRIENDLY 📍 Rocky Mount Mills • 1151 Falls Road • Suite #1033
Hosted by the Buck Leonard Association for Sports & Human Enrichment 🏆🌍

🖤 📚 🏗️ 💪🏾 🌆 🤝 🏅 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ✋🏾 ⚾

City of Rocky Mount, NC Gov. Offices
Rocky Mount Mills
North Carolina Wesleyan University
Rose Hunter