Ballin' 4 Peace is a New York City-rooted 501(c)(3) nonprofit that prevents youth violence by meeting young people where their attention already is. We use basketball, creator culture, and live community programs to put young people in the same room as athletes and artists who came from the same neighborhoods -- and let that proximity do the work.

Our Mission

Ballin4Peace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in New York City that uses the power of basketball and culturally relevant programming to reduce youth violence, increase educational equity, and build pathways to success. We cultivate peace and unity by connecting underserved communities with programs that promote leadership, mentorship, and positive youth development.

Ballin' 4 Peace was founded by Haron "H2O" Hargrave after he lost a close friend to gun violence. That loss became the reason this organization exists. For ten years, Haron has shown up every year in New York City -- building programs, staging events, and proving that a gymnasium can do what a policy memo cannot.

What We Do

• B4P X Celebrity Game -- June 20, 2026 at Queens College. Our 10th Annual flagship community program. 1,000+ community members expected. Professional athletes, entertainers, and creators compete in front of young people from Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
• Elite 32 tournament series and community showcases
• Youth skills clinics and camps
• Peace Forums with artists & athletes
• College & career readiness workshops
• $2,500 scholarships presented live at events

We also run mentoring, after-school tutoring, STEM & sports camps, music and media labs, civic engagement projects, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy programs.

Why This Work Matters

• 60% -- NYC student-athletes are more likely to earn college scholarships
• 10% -- Schools with higher sports participation see lower violent crime rates
• 30% less -- Black and Latino-majority schools receive less sports funding
• 25% -- Students in sports programs are more likely to graduate on time

Powered Programs

Elite 32 is a premier youth tournament and showcase platform powered by Ballin' 4 Peace, delivering high-level reps, visibility, and scholarship-minded opportunities for student-athletes across New York City.

Get Involved

• Volunteer at events and clinics
• Donate to fund scholarships and programs
• Partner/Sponsor with purpose-driven activations
• Join the Peace Players Society (entrepreneur & creative membership, ages 18-28)

Questions or ideas? Contact us or email info@ballin4peace.org.