An effort to engage the youth who live in and around Ebbets Field

whynot_31

A description of the effort:

"My name is Christian Waterman, founder and Creative Director of BlackMarketWares. 

On July 17, 2014, I was taking part in a 3-on-3 basketball game at my home
court, Jackie Robinson Playground. The sun was nearing downfall, but
the park was abuzz with youth who depend on this space for fun and
congregation. 

There is no community gymnasium to serve the youth
of Ebbets Field and surrounding blocks. BlackMarketWares seeks to
change that. 

Back to the story: As our game was just getting
underway, two shots went off on Franklin Avenue, forcing the entire park
to clear out; imagine a stampede. 

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Shootings happen too frequently near Ebbets Field, in Brooklyn, in New York, and in America. The murder of peacemaker-chef-artist Jordan Barber  in Harlem rocked my core. I am teaching middle schoolers in the Bronx this summer; one block mile away from my classroom, a 21-year-old man was murdered  while cradling his newborn. 

---

The I AM PEACE Tournament was created as a positive response to the issue
of gun violence that plagues our community spirit. The inaugural event
was held on August 9, 2014, organized within just three weeks of the
inspiring shooting. 

I AM PEACE 2 is scheduled for August 8, 2015 at the Jackie Robinson Playground. 

I AM RAISING funds/in-kind donations for:

- Event Staff
- Tournament Jerseys
- Trophies
- Referees
- Equipment 
- DJ
- Snacks and Waters
- Championship Prizes

All questions can be directed to [email protected]

Donations can be made via:   http://www.gofundme.com/iampeace2"

More about the founder:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/getwisenyc

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