Rebuildng Dreamz Through Hoopz

Willie Peterkin is a native of Paterson, New Jersey, who grew up in the heart of the city’s lower-income neighborhoods. Often referred to as “the hood” by those who know the area, these surroundings shaped Willie’s resilience and drive to rise above adversity. With a deep connection to his roots, Willie brings a unique perspective to his personal and professional endeavors, focusing on both community upliftment and self-improvement. His story is one of perseverance, illustrating that no matter where you come from, your potential is limitless.

Willie graduated from Public School #13 in 1987 and went on to attend East Side High School, where he graduated in 1991. Known by the phrase “Once a Ghost, Always a Ghost,” he remained proud of his high school roots, as an active member of the community. After high school, Willie pursued a career in acting and modeling, from 1994 to 2004. During that time, he worked on notable television shows such as New York Undercover, Spin City, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, as well as several feature films, including The Preacher’s Wife, Conspiracy Theory, Night Falls on Manhattan, Woo, Meet Joe Black, Godzilla, Booty Call, Men In Black 1 and 2. He also appeared in music videos for artists like Naughty by Nature (Clap Yo Hands), Smif-N-Wessun (Sound Bwoy Bureill), Puff Daddy (It’s All About the Benjamins), Jay-Z (Who You), and Brenda K Starr (Soy Otra Mujer).

Despite his success in entertainment, football was Willie’s first love, and it became his outlet for staying focused and avoiding trouble. After football season ended, basketball became his way to stay active and engaged until the start of the next football season. Despite his attempts to leave Paterson, life always brought him back, and he soon realized that his purpose was to finish what he started—making a difference in his city.

In 2016, Willie founded the Willie Peterkin Foundation, with the goal of revitalizing his community and providing positive outlets for local youth. His first major initiative, Rebuilding Dreamz Through Hoopz, focused on restoring the basketball courts in Paterson and surrounding areas, which had fallen into disrepair.

That same year, Willie graduated from Berkeley College in Woodland Park with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, further equipping himself to manage and grow his foundation’s work and impact.

Since 2016, Rebuilding Dreamz Through Hoopz (RDTH) has raised money to restore and build fun, safe places for youth to enjoy playing basketball. To date, two courts have been rehabilitated, with two more pending approval, bringing countless smiles to the faces of local youth.

In 2019, the Willie Peterkin Foundation received 501(c)(3) non-profit status, which helped strengthen the foundation’s ability to support the Rebuilding Dreamz Through Hoopz program. That same year, the foundation partnered with Growing In Grace Counseling Group to create the International Men’s Breakfast. This event celebrates male role models and raises awareness of the challenges men face, recognizing those who have pushed beyond barriers to make a difference in the workforce, within their families, in education, and in the community.

To expand their reach, Rebuilding Dreamz Beyond Hoopz was created to provide mentorship, workshops, and community events for youth. Willie also collaborates with several organizations and serves as a board member for some, including Growing In Grace, the PIFFY Award Organization, Ceasefire, Bronze Heat, and The Bugg Foundation, ensuring local youth have healthy, viable futures. His mission is to keep youth active, safe, healthy, educated, and happy by revitalizing communities and providing positive opportunities for generations to come.