Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rita Williams-Ewing |
| Birth Year | Approximately 1966 |
| Education | Degrees in nursing and law from Howard University and other institutions |
| Marital Status | Divorced (married to Patrick Ewing from 1990 to 1998) |
| Children | Patrick Ewing Jr. (born 1984), Randi Ewing (born around 1990-1991), Corey Ewing (born around 1994) |
| Profession | Author, entrepreneur, bookstore co-owner |
| Notable Works | Homecourt Advantage (1998), Brickhouse, Patrick’s Pals series |
| Business Venture | Co-founder of Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem (2002) |
Early Life and Education
About 1966, when Rita Williams-Ewing was born, ambition was brewing like a silent storm on the horizon. She attended Howard University, a stronghold of Black achievement in Washington, D.C., after growing up with a sharp mind. She developed her abilities there and obtained degrees in both law and nursing. These areas, which combined empathy and astute analysis, served as the foundation for her subsequent pursuits. She interned in the office of former NBA player turned politician Senator Bill Bradley in 1983 at the age of barely 17. Unexpected connections between politics, athletics, and personal development were made possible by this internship. Like a navigator sailing uncharted waters, her academic experience gave her the means to navigate the complexity of life. Her story is punctuated by short sentences: she was defined by her determination. Her path was shaped by resilience. She had established a foundation by the late 1980s that would allow her to live a strong, peaceful life in the face of public criticism.
Meeting and Marriage to Patrick Ewing
Fate wove its threads in 1983 when Rita, interning under Senator Bradley, crossed paths with Patrick Ewing, a towering Georgetown University basketball phenom. Their connection sparked instantly, evolving over seven years into a profound bond. Patrick, born in 1962 in Kingston, Jamaica, had immigrated to the U.S., rising through the ranks to become the New York Knicks’ first overall draft pick in 1985. Rita stood by him as he dominated the court, earning 11 All-Star nods and leading the team to NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999. They married on July 27, 1990, in a ceremony as intimate as a whispered promise. Life as an NBA spouse thrust her into a whirlwind of travel, media glare, and high-stakes games. Yet, she balanced it with grace, raising a family while pursuing her passions. Their union, lasting 7.5 years, symbolized partnership in a league where pressures often fractured bonds. Long sentences capture the essence: amid the roar of crowds and the flash of cameras, Rita carved out spaces of normalcy, turning the chaos of professional sports into a tapestry of shared dreams.
Family Life and Relationships
Family anchored Rita’s world, a steady harbor in turbulent waters. Her marriage to Patrick produced two daughters, Randi and Corey, while Patrick Ewing Jr., born in 1984, joined the fold as a cherished son, possibly from Patrick’s earlier relationship but raised with undivided love. The family navigated the demands of Patrick’s career, co-owning homes in New Jersey and Maryland, including a $655,000 property in Englewood. Post-divorce in 1998, they prioritized cooperative parenting, shielding their children from public eyes.
Randi Ewing, born around 1990-1991, towered at 6 feet, channeling athleticism into volleyball. She played as a middle hitter at Fordham University, redshirting in 2009 and starting in 2010 with 1.04 blocks per set. Transferring to the University of Louisville in 2012, she pursued broadcast journalism, dating NBA player Montrezl Harrell by 2015. Her path diverged from basketball, embracing media and personal pursuits.
Corey Ewing, arriving around 1994, attended Georgetown University from 2012-2013, where her father assisted with move-in. She excelled in volleyball and track at Northfield Mount Hermon School but shifted focus in college. Early interests included social issues; in second grade, during Patrick’s 2002 retirement, she interned at the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, highlighting adoption awareness.
Patrick Ewing Jr., standing 6’8″, mirrored his father’s legacy. Born May 20, 1984, he attended Indiana University (2003-2005) and Georgetown (2006-2008), earning Big East Sixth Man of the Year with averages of 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Drafted 43rd by the Sacramento Kings in 2008, he played in the D-League and overseas before coaching at Georgetown. Married to Katie, he fathers four children, including Patrick Ewing III.
Patrick Ewing Sr., Rita’s ex-spouse, boasts a net worth of $75-100 million from his Knicks tenure (1985-2000), coaching at Georgetown (2017-2023), and endorsements. One of seven siblings, with parents Carl and Dorothy from Jamaica, his life story adds layers to the family’s narrative.
| Family Member | Birth Year | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Ewing Sr. | 1962 | NBA Hall of Famer, 11-time All-Star, Georgetown coach |
| Patrick Ewing Jr. | 1984 | NBA D-League player, Georgetown coach, father of four |
| Randi Ewing | ~1990-1991 | College volleyball player, broadcast journalism student |
| Corey Ewing | ~1994 | Georgetown alum, early advocate for adoption issues |
Career and Achievements
After the spotlight subsided, Rita’s career blossomed like a secret garden. Equipped with her degrees in law and nursing, she resorted to writing, transforming her experiences into intriguing stories. She and Crystal McCrary Anthony co-wrote Homecourt Advantage during the NBA lockout in 1998. Based on actual observations, this 352-page book explored the lives of NBA women, addressing themes of infidelity, ambition, and loneliness. It was published by William Morrow and provided an honest look at a much romanticized society.
The children’s show Patrick’s Pals, which sparked youthful imaginations, and Brickhouse, in which she played a Harlem fitness entrepreneur fighting corruption, came next. These pieces examined the tenacity of Black women, moral conundrums in athletics, and urban vitality. Her analytical yet sympathetic writing style reflected her educational background.
Rita, Celeste Johnson, and Clara Villarosa invested $1 million to co-found the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem in 2002. She turned it into a Black literature cultural center by supporting writers and organizing events while co-owning it with Marva Allen. By 2024, she was collaborating with Ground Central Coffee to co-host book signings and maintain neighborhood connections. Her accomplishments include pushing for women in athletics, supporting literacy, and talking about common issues in interviews. Her private income from royalties, company, and previous settlements allows her to live a purposeful life.
The Divorce and Aftermath
The 1998 divorce filing marked a pivotal turn, cited as irreconcilable differences after 7.5 years. Rumors swirled, but Rita dismissed infidelity claims, focusing on their children. The split, amicable, involved shared assets and co-parenting. Post-divorce, she emphasized privacy, rebuilding with quiet determination. This chapter, like shedding old skin, allowed her to emerge independent, channeling energy into writing and business. By the 2000s, her novels reflected personal growth, turning adversity into art.
Recent Activities
In recent years, Rita maintains a low profile, her life a serene river flowing away from fame. Mentions in 2024 tied to Hue-Man events, like Instagram-highlighted signings, show her enduring commitment. Articles from 2025 revisited her story, but no major news emerged. She focuses on family milestones: children’s careers, Patrick’s coaching, and her bookstore’s role in Harlem’s cultural scene.
Extended Timeline
Rita’s life unfolds in milestones, a chronological map of triumphs and transitions.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| ~1966 | Born |
| 1983 | Meets Patrick Ewing during internship |
| 1980s | Earns nursing and law degrees |
| 1984 | Patrick Ewing Jr. born |
| ~1990-1991 | Randi Ewing born |
| July 27, 1990 | Marries Patrick Ewing |
| ~1994 | Corey Ewing born |
| 1990s | Supports Patrick’s Knicks career |
| February 1998 | Files for divorce |
| November 1998 | Publishes Homecourt Advantage |
| Late 1990s-2000s | Authors Brickhouse and Patrick’s Pals |
| August 2002 | Co-founds Hue-Man Bookstore |
| 2009 | Homecourt Advantage referenced in discussions |
| 2010s | Children pursue education and athletics |
| 2012 | Corey enrolls at Georgetown; Randi transfers to Louisville |
| 2015 | Randi dates Montrezl Harrell |
| 2024 | Hosts book signing at Hue-Man |
| 2025-2026 | Limited retrospective mentions |
FAQ
Who is Rita Williams-Ewing?
Rita Williams-Ewing is an author and entrepreneur known for her marriage to NBA legend Patrick Ewing from 1990 to 1998, her novels exploring sports and urban life, and co-founding Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem.
What are Rita Williams-Ewing’s notable books?
She co-authored Homecourt Advantage in 1998, followed by Brickhouse and the children’s series Patrick’s Pals, which delve into themes of relationships, ambition, and community.
How many children does Rita Williams-Ewing have?
She has three children: Patrick Ewing Jr., Randi Ewing, and Corey Ewing, whom she raised with dedication post-divorce.
What is Rita Williams-Ewing’s educational background?
Rita holds degrees in nursing and law, primarily from Howard University, providing a foundation for her empathetic and analytical writing style.
When did Rita Williams-Ewing divorce Patrick Ewing?
The divorce was filed in February 1998 after 7.5 years of marriage, with both parties focusing on amicable co-parenting.
What business did Rita Williams-Ewing start?
In 2002, she co-founded Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, a $1 million venture promoting Black literature and community events.
What sports did Rita Williams-Ewing’s daughters play?
Randi Ewing played volleyball at Fordham and Louisville universities, while Corey Ewing participated in volleyball and track in high school.
What is Patrick Ewing Jr.’s career?
Patrick Ewing Jr. played basketball at Georgetown, was drafted into the NBA in 2008, and later became a coach at his alma mater.
Has Rita Williams-Ewing been in recent news?
Recent mentions in 2024 and 2025 focus on her bookstore activities and retrospective articles about her life and career.
What is the net worth of Patrick Ewing Sr.?
Patrick Ewing Sr. has an estimated net worth of $75-100 million from his NBA career, coaching, and endorsements.
