East Williamsburg in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Taurean Spears Basketball Courts
Frost Playground
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 18, 2025
1. Taurean Spears Basketball Courts Marker
These basketball courts were named in 2023 for Taurean Spears (1983-2019), who was a pillar of the community community and mentored youth in the area.
A Brooklyn native, Spears attended the nearby St. Cecilia School and John Ericsson JHS 126. He later graduated from Boys and Girls High School K455.
Spears was a resident of the Cooper Park Houses and worked as both Youth Council Specialist and Athletic Supervisor in their community center. Through basketball, he taught and provided guidance to neighborhood children, fostering a sense of community.
Spears died of a heart attack on these courts while playing with the youth he guided on May 19, 2019. A basketball league called E4T- Everything 4 Taurean was formed to honor his legacy.
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 300.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 19, 2019.
Location. 40° 43.124′ N, 73° 56.327′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in East Williamsburg. It is at the intersection of Frost Street and Debevoise Avenue
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Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, the Western Hemisphere, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Taurean Spears Basketball Courts (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Carnegie & Mildred Johnson (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marie Leanza & Tillie Tarantino (about 500 feet away); Theresa 'Tish' & Guido Cianciotta (about 700 feet away); Jan Peterson & Mildred Tudy Johnston (about 700 feet away); Mary Alice Richardson & Geraldine Miller Community Room (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elizabeth Marrero Garden (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tadeusz Kościuszko (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brooklyn.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 18, 2025
2. Taurean Spears Basketball Courts Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
