This past Saturday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 8th Annual Ballin’ 4 Peace Celebrity Charity Basketball Game at John Jay College. The event was nothing short of spectacular, with a star-studded lineup of artists, entertainers, and legendary basketball players all coming together for a great cause. Special shout out to my boy Haron H2O Hargrave for curating this amazing event.
My attendance was courtesy of Live Mondays, allowing us to do some cross-promotion for our upcoming festival on June 23rd. H2O will also be a speaker on our panel for mental health awareness that day, and I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.
Highlights of the Event
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands to watch some of their favorite celebrities and basketball legends showcase their skills. Notable attendees included social media sensations Shiggy and Mr. Commodore, Reggie from the Bad Boys movie, NBA legend Larry Johnson, and many more.
One of the most memorable moments for me was the slam dunk contest. Watching these high schoolers jump and be creative in real-time was impressive. The winner even managed to dunk while recording himself with his cell phone in hand, executing a stunning windmill dunk that left the crowd in awe.
Another highlight for me was the cheerleading squad, the Brooklyn Blaze. These young girls brought rhythm, excitement, and tons of energy to the event. I had a lot of fun interviewing them, and their enthusiasm was infectious.
A Special Interview with Haron H2O Hargrave
I had the luxury of interviewing Haron before the game and was able to ask him a few questions, including how he managed to sustain this event for eight years. His response was inspiring: “Hard work, dedication, and commitment to the cause, which is the kids.” Haron started this non-profit to challenge stereotypes in our communities and to protect our black youth from violence, especially in the wake of incidents like those involving George Floyd and Trayvon Martin.
Haron is not only humble and intelligent but also a true visionary. I salute his efforts in the fight to protect our community and create endless opportunities for our children. Knowing that Haron teaches at my son’s school, Democracy Prep in Harlem, gives me immense confidence in the positive influence on the next generation. Having men like him around my son makes me more confident in the route the next generation can take compared to the ones I had.
Networking and Connections
One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the opportunity to network with various vendors and professionals. From media representatives to merchandise vendors, the connections made were invaluable and will undoubtedly benefit future collaborations and events.
Looking Ahead
As we gear up for our festival on June 23rd, the momentum and connections from the Ballin’ 4 Peace event will undoubtedly propel us forward. The collaboration with H2O and his insights on mental health will be a highlight of our event, and we are looking forward to delivering an impactful experience for all attendees.
A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Ballin’ 4 Peace event. Your presence and participation made it a success, and we look forward to seeing you at our festival later this month.
Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we approach the festival date. Let’s keep the energy high and continue to support each other in making positive changes through sports and entertainment.
Kingpaysos.Blog 
Leave a comment