Ruth Payne

Ruth Payne was born January 7th 1945 in Brooklyn NY. She was 1 of 18 children, the 4th youngest. Growing up with a large family, she quickly saw the importance of “ It takes a village to raise a child” saying. Ruth was very close with her siblings and took a motherly role instantly. Ms Ruth Payne better known as Ms Ruthie loved gospel music, double dutch and sports. She began jumping double dutch with her family members and became very good at it.In the early 80’s Ms Ruthie and Cassandra Roland met and instantly became good friends being both of them had love for kids and the community. Both ladies from the Fort Greene area in Brooklyn had the same love and vision for the neighborhood.In 1983 Ms Ruthie started her double dutch team named Jammin Jumpers. 100’s of young girls went through this program and was affected in a positive manner. As a mother figure she helped the young girls with school work, life issues, as well as teaching them how to jump double dutch. Ms Ruthie took young girls to various states competing and becoming world champions in double dutch. Ruth Payne is responsible for high schools accepting double dutch as a varsity sport. We can thank her for PSAL double dutch in todays high schools. Ms Ruthie coached various softball teams and basketball teams. She formed Brooklyn Stompers, a well known basketball team in Brooklyn and the 5 boroughs.In 1984 Ruth Payne created Families United and formed a union with Cassandra Roland and other community leaders. Ms Ruthie had Jammin Jumpers and Brooklyn Stompers. Cassandra Roland had Hoop Connection basketball and United Brooklyn Basketball Association ( U.B.B.A). Betty Cooper had The Institutional Church Choir and Hot Steppers a double dutch team. In 1987 the community leaders collaborated and made Families United a non- profit organization unifying diversity to the youth of the community. With a full plate on the table, Ms Ruthie graduated from Audrey Coleman college for human services in 1998.Not too long after graduating college her co partner Cassandra Roland unfortunately passed away, and Ms Ruthie did everything to keep her legacy alive.Self- evident Hoop connection basketball is still thriving today. Ms Ruthie’s Brooklyn Stompers is reaching new heights due to Laron (Ronnie) Francis pushing the program and achieving success by winning numerous championships.  

Kyaisia  ( Coach K)  Max- Macarthy founded Ms. K’s Dance Academy, Swagga Jumpers & Loop Squad to expound on the legacy that Ms Ruthie built. A school inspired by her hardwork, love and dedication to the children and community.We are grateful to Coach Ronnie, Coach K, Coach Cherry, Coach Eric, Ms Cynthia and Ms Audrey for keeping the Families United legacy proud and strong for this new generation