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Hubert T. Collins, a lifelong Harlem resident and community champion, passed away peacefully at Cornell Weill surrounded by friends and family on September 4, 2025. He leaves behind a legacy woven into the very fabric of his neighborhood. Born on June 21, 1941, in Harlem, Collins dedicated his life to uplifting the voices and livelihoods of his fellow New Yorkers, especially those in his beloved uptown community.
As President of the Esplanade Gardens Cooperative, Collins was more than a housing administrator—he was a steward of dignity and equity. Under his leadership, the cooperative flourished as a model of community-driven housing, prioritizing affordability, safety, and resident empowerment. His tenure was marked by tireless advocacy for tenant rights and neighborhood preservation, ensuring Harlem’s cultural identity remained intact amid waves of gentrification.
Hubert T. Collins served as the President of TWU Local 100 (Transport Workers Union) in New York City during the early 1990s. He was a prominent figure in the labor movement, representing transit workers including subway and bus operators, station agents, and other MTA employees. TWU Local 100 is one of the largest and most influential transit unions in the country, and Collins’ leadership came during a period of significant labor challenges and contract negotiations.
Collins’ civic engagement extended beyond boardrooms and union halls. He was a key figure on the committee that oversaw the construction of the iconic Adam Clayton Powell Jr. statue on 125th Street. The statue, now a landmark of Harlem pride, stands as a testament to Collins’s commitment to honoring Black leadership and history. His efforts helped ensure that Powell’s legacy would be immortalized in the heart of the community he served.
But perhaps most telling of Collins’s character was his support for women-owned businesses in Harlem. He championed enterprises like Harlem Office Supply and the Harlem Community News, recognizing that economic empowerment was a cornerstone of social justice. His mentorship and advocacy helped these businesses thrive, creating jobs and fostering local pride. He volunteered each year with the “Uptown Women Business Owners” event, hosting more 200-300 women business owners.
To those who knew him, Collins was more than a leader—he was a neighbor, a mentor, and a friend. His presence at community meetings, his voice at rallies, and his hand in countless grassroots initiatives made him a fixture of Harlem’s civic life. He believed in the power of collective action and never hesitated to roll up his sleeves for the betterment of others.
As a community advocate, Collins met with local, national and international leaders such as Rev. Al Sharpton, former mayor Michael Bloomberg, former president Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela and others.
He was adventurous and traveled to Africa 3 times. On one trip he stayed with the local Maasai tribe in Kenya.
Born on June 21, 1941, to Sadie and Louis Collins. Hubert grew up in a loving home in Manhattan, New York. He was one of six siblings – Lehman, James, Joe, Geraldine, Dennis. Together they built a foundation of resilience, togetherness, and love, which shaped the person he was to become.
Hubert married Ruth Hunter on October 19, 1963. Through this union he fathered four children – Joe, April, Sean, Robert. Later in life he married Pamela Ilene Harrison and fathered another beautiful daughter, Maia. Hubert always puts family first being a man of determination and hard work. His outstanding work ethic, willingness to help others and loyalty will be remembered. His pride, joy and legacy shines bright in his grandchildren – Lionel, Geovon, Andrea, Candice, Chalai, Jaden, Indigo, Robbie, Madison and Mason. Also, his many great grandchildren.
Hubert is survived by his beloved sister Geraldine. He also leaves behind cherished nephews and nieces -Keith, Crystal, Cathy, Van, Barbara and Veronica and a wide extended family of friends whom he deeply loved and cared for.
Music was one of Hubert’s greatest joys. In fact, he was a gifted singer and in the 1950’s sang with the doo-wop groups on the corners of Manhattan. A soulful voice filled with the spirit of the times. Music was how Hubert shared joy-it connected him to others and left memories that will live on. Though his voice is silent his melody continues in the lives of those who loved him and those he loved.
Hubert’s love of the Harlem Community was deep and unwavering. He was respected and admired for his commitment to culture, history and his family and home. His compassion, generosity and fatherly advice touched countless lives. Also, his presence was a source of encouragement and strength to many. His legacy and love will forever echo in Harlem and beyond.
Hubert T. Collins will be remembered not only for the positions he held but for the lives he touched. His legacy lives on in the cooperative buildings he helped sustain, the transit workers he empowered, the monuments he helped erect, and the businesses he nurtured. Harlem has lost one of its brightest lights, but his spirit endures in every corner of the community he loved so deeply. He will truly be missed—but never forgotten.
On a personal note: Hubert was my friend for more than 30 years. He was supportive of Harlem Community News and volunteered whenever needed. When I suffered with triple negative breast cancer, Hubert took me to every one of my 16 chemo treatments and many doctor appointments. When I fell and was in a wheelchair and then walker for more than a year Hubert took me wherever I needed to go and assisted with whatever he could do to help me keep Harlem Community News publishing. I was blessed to be able to assist him during his various illnesses this past year and to be there for him until he took his last breath. I will truly miss him.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life (tbd).
Hubert Collins’ family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation for the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown during this time of bereavement. Thank you from the heart to our friends and family for your prayers, cards and your calls.
