New York City Mayor Eric Adams Voices Support Of Ballin' 4 Peace At 1st Annual Catalyst Youth Summit and Awards In Brooklyn

It was the perfect way to tip-off a Fall season of giving back here at Ballin' 4 Peace, with Founder Haron Hargrave being featured as a key speaker and Ballin' 4 Peace teaming-up with EBK Events to host the 1st Annual Catalyst Youth Summit and Awards held on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2 at the Restoration Plaza in Brooklyn. 

Haron joined over 30 speakers (Tola Osinguga, Racquel "Coco" Mills, Dame Brown, Osie Rubie, Arianna Rose, and Soleil Laurent among others) from around the world of business, nonprofit organizations, banking, health and wellness, and real estate to share their insight and experience with today's youth in attendance in an effort to help them grow their mindset and financial situations throughout New York City. 

With topics ranging from creating generational wealth to expanding gun violence prevention, the 1st Annual Catalyst Youth Summit and Awards included over $1000 in cash prizes, provided a space for pitch contests, job placement, mentorship programs, professional development, credit repair, and 30 local businesses and vendors showcasing their companies. 

"It means a lot to be able not only take part in the 1st Annual Catalyst Youth Summit and Awards as a speaker and share my story, but also to have our organization Ballin' 4 Peace be the headlining sponsor for this event," said Haron Hargrave. 

"One of the greatest ways we can empower the youth of today is by sharing our personal and professional experiences and simply being a sounding board to hear out their dreams and desires. That's really when the seeds are planted that help grow a mindset, a career, a business, an organization, and sound financial security along the way." 

Presented as a "financial literacy summit", New York Mayor Eric Adams also lent his support for Ballin' 4 Peace and the 1st  Annual Catalyst Youth Summit and Awards as the Keynote Speaker, with Mayor Adams echoing the importance of stopping gun violence. 

"Sports brings so much joy and positivity to our young people and help lift them up," Mayor Adams said.

"Programs like Ballin' 4 Peace keep our young people in safe places and away from gun violence. It was gives them safe, fun, and productive place to gather and be part of a team. We know that gun violence is inflicting too much heartbreak on New York City and is hurting our young people. We must give them an alternative, and Ballin' 4 Peace is doing this sacred work." 

Founded by Queens, New York native and former Sacramento State basketball and pro guard, Haron Hargrave, Ballin’ 4 Peace (501c3 nonprofit organization) is committed to raising awareness about violence within NYC and beyond. Thanks to year-round community outreach, Ballin' 4 Peace provides an outlet for inner-city youth who can interface with their favorite celebrities, athletes, and influencers as they promote peace through sports, annual events, and by partnering with brands who mutually share the same vision of “giving back”.

You can donate today to Ballin' 4 Peace to help support our mission of spreading peace through sports in New York and beyond.