In 2017, our club lost a very dear friend and faithful member, Chanell E. Gatewood, after a long, hard battle with Scleroderma. Chanell is finally at rest. We honor Chanell with the Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship, an annual scholarship providing much-needed educational resources for youth facing hardship from health, economic, and environmental challenges.

Chanell Elestine Gatewood was smart, articulate, and always eager to learn more. This drive and thirst for knowledge led her to become the high achiever that she was. Chanell attended the Baldwin School of New York, where upon graduation she earned the Alumni Award. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Returning to New York, she was employed by the New York State Department of Probation, Rikers Island Division, where she served in the Department of Corrections for over two decades.

Chanell was a pillar of her community and many active organizations, including the Rotary Club of Harlem, the National Council of Negro Women, the Danny D. Farrell Jr. Democratic Club of New York City, the New York City Board of Elections (as a poll worker), Probation Officers Guardians, and the New York State Probation Officers Association, where she served as a representative.

In 2006, Chanell was diagnosed with Scleroderma, an auto-immune disease. She took on the challenge of the illness like the champion she was, becoming the organization’s co-support group leader.

Chanell has been an inspiration to many and will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders through this scholarship. The Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship program was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re proud to announce its return, reactivated through a series of community fundraising events in the neighborhood, including Smash for Scholars: A Harlem Pickleball Classic — to rebuild the fund and continue Chanell’s legacy of supporting Harlem students.