Black History Month Grantee Spotlight

February 2, 2024

Steely Resolve:  Nzingha Prescod's Fencing Academy Scores a Win for Black & Brown Youth

In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, Olympic fencer Nzingha Prescod is nurturing young leaders through the art of fencing. As the Executive Director of the Prescod Institute for Sport, Teamwork, and Education (PISTE), she's not just coaching young people on the precision of a well-executed parry, but also building resilience, confidence and a sense of community.

Founded in 2020 during the isolating conditions of the pandemic, PISTE focuses on the mental and physical health of young people aged 8-11 in under-served New York communities. With over 600 active participants in 2023, half of whom were girls, PISTE is scoring high points for Black and Brown youth.

“Fencing is an exclusionary sport because it’s so expensive – there are so many barriers to entry and development,” says Prescod. Growing up in the Flatbush neighborhood she was lucky to navigate those barriers, hitting her Olympic target in both 2011 and 2016. Now, she wants to give young Black Brooklynites a chance at their own dreams.

“We are the future of Black representation in fencing,” says Prescod. “We go to youth local and regional events and many times we’re the only Black participants in the events. We hope to inspire the next generation of athletes who look like us to participate.”

CHARACTER AND CONFIDENCE BUILDING

Beyond its physical benefits, fencing teaches discipline, strategic thinking, problem-solving and respect. “We’re developing athletes, but we’re also developing people,” affirms Prescod. "In areas facing social challenges, the stability and sense of community PISTE provides can make all the difference in a young person’s life."

Taking COVID-related mental health challenges into account, the program particularly focuses on instilling emotional self-regulation and self-confidence. Parents regularly report an increase in their children’s self-esteem and confidence. “They say that it’s helped their children become more social, that it’s encouraged their children to maintain a positive attitude and manage adversity,” she recounts proudly.  

PISTE also cultivates pride in identity and community spirit. Nearly 75% of the trainers and coaches have lived experience of the community challenges their work helps address, strengthening their connection to learners. The academy also organizes annual activities around Juneteenth, ensuring that Black identity is celebrated and integral to the fabric of the program.

For breakout star participant Lucas Samuel, having someone to look up to was as transformative as learning new skills. “Lucas benefited greatly from coaching by Black male role models who are not only fencing coaches but also examples of what he can aspire to,” observed Prescod. “Since entering the program in 2020, he has begun private school through the Prep for Prep program. I've personally seen him grow tremendously in his respect for his community, his environment and his teammates. We’re excited for his future in fencing and beyond!”

DIVERSE PROGRAMS, TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT

Amid the under-resourced neighborhoods of East Flatbush and East New York, PISTE’s youth programs are proving transformative.The biggest participation rates come from a partnership with 12 local schools primarily serving African American communities. These broad-reach programs adapt to the facilities available, and teach basic fencing skills.

In summer, Flatbush youth flock to the popular "Fencing in the Park” program – so much so that applications regularly double capacity. Acting as both a community enrichment space and a talent scouting ground, this program showcases the fun side of fencing. “I’m here because I enjoy fencing. I got into it like two years ago,” enthuses participant, Isaiah Ramsey. “If I were to take it to the next level, I could even go for a scholarship in fencing and that would be an open door for me.”

For those aspiring to excel, PISTE offers a year-round high-performance Academy offering intense training for 35 students. With part-time coaches drawn from top national competitors, students receive remarkable guidance from the likes of Olympians, World Champions and NCAA athletes. “Fencing and sport in general has been invaluable in my life,” says Nicole Ross, Olympian fencer and PISTE volunteer coach. “Starting that at a young age gives kids so many tools for their entire lives.”

Recognizing that sport alone won't solve systemic challenges, PISTE provides a holistic student support program. This includes a tutoring initiative in collaboration with the local Stuyvesant High School Honors Society, offering academic support as well as enrichment activities like chess, STEM, coding and dance classes. With up to five days a week of one-on-one tutoring, students’ academic skills are kept as sharp as their footwork. The duel-focus strategy is working: eighteen PISTE academy fencers are actively competing on the High School circuit, all while maintaining strong academic grades.

With a commitment to empowering the next generation, PISTE, under Nzingha Prescod's leadership, is not just teaching fencing - it's preparing its young athletes to face any challenge on and off the fencing strip. “The vision is to raise an army of leaders who have the power and the abilities to mobilize their communities,” smiles Prescod. “That’s the goal!”

Beyond Sport is proud to help support PISTE’s Fencing in the Park program as part of our Head In the Game program powered by the Z Zurich Foundation. Visit Head In The Game's Resource Hub to access diverse mental wellbeing resources for teens.