Meet Jamil Hood, Sr.
2022 Philanthropist of the Year Finalist
Jamil Lamar Hood, Sr. is a father, community leader, educator, coach and so much more.
Hood is the President and CEO of Hood’s House of Hoops (HHH), a program serving youth and families throughout the Capital Region and surrounding area. HHH operates out of the Frank Chapman Memorial Institute Community Center in the West Hill neighborhood of Albany. Spectrum News highlighted Jamil’s work to raise $700,000 to renovate the space during a recent segment.
With more than 22 years of experience working in both private schools and the urban public education system, Jamil has spent time as a classroom teacher, long-term building substitute teacher, PE Teacher, and mentor. During his long tenure with New Covenant Charter School and Green Tech High School for Boys, Jamil served as the school’s dean of students.
As Green Tech’s head varsity basketball coach, Jamil led the school to its first ever New York State Championship in 2014, becoming the first team from the City of Albany to capture the title. The championship season came within three years of the program's launch and featured the team being named Boys Section 2 Champions and New York State Regional Champions. During his tenure Hood’s teams have won more than 100 games – including one undefeated season - and many of his players have earned scholarships for their academic and athletic achievements.
Jamil is highly recognized and credited throughout many communities for his efforts to produce “change.”
Jamil’s success on the hardwood has helped him build Hood’s House of Hoops into an organization that impacts the lives of young people every day. HHH offers afterschool programs, safe teen nights, life skills sessions, seasonal basketball camps, trainings, mentoring, literacy, women’s fitness training, conflict resolution and promotes parental involvement. They have also started many worldwide programs including Full Court Peace Tour, Albany Police Department Cadet Liaison Program, Read to Lead, Sunday Men’s Hoop/Vibe, and Manhood Mondays.
Jamil is the father of five beautiful children, Cedira, Jamil Jr., Jadan, Jordan and Chene’ (Gary). He is a proud graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, SAGE, and Grand Canyon University.
He has been recognized by the Black Nurses Association, Albany PAL, Frank Chapman Memorial Institute, New Covenant Charter School with the “Super Teacher” Award, The Leamon and Erie Grady Foundation, Dunkin Hines Classic, Capital Districts YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Award, NAACP “Jackie Robinson” Award, Green Tech HS Employee of the Year Award and Schenectady County Human Rights Commission Award. In 2014, Jamil was featured in a documentary film called “Ballin' at the Graveyard.”
"I believe that I am a servant for God’s children, serving as a leader and placing HIS children and their families first. I am not afraid to walk the tough streets or engage in serious dialogue to promote change. I believe that there is good in everyone, and through prayer, faith, hope and care we all can make a difference." - Jamil Hood, Sr.
United Way's Capital Region Philanthropist of the Year award recognizes an individual who has positively impacted our community.
Join us at the NYS Museum on June 9, 2022, when we reveal this year’s Capital Region Philanthropist of the Year!