About
Changing communities one youth at a time.
About
Changing communities one youth at a time.
Our Team
To contact our team, call the organization at 818-256-9306 to speak with any team member. You may also click the bio button to learn more about each team member. We are here to serve the at-risk youth and adults. So please let us know if there is anything you need.
Our Team
To contact our team, call the organization at 818-256-9306 to speak with any team member. You may also click the bio button to learn more about each team member. We are here to serve the at-risk youth and adults. So please let us know if there is anything you need.
Our Team
To contact our team, call the organization at 818-256-9306 to speak with any team member. You may also click the bio button to learn more about each team member. We are here to serve the at-risk youth and adults. So please let us know if there is anything you need.
Founder, License Clinical Social Worker
Founder Kenn I. Hicks, known as the ‘Godfather of Street Ball’, is behind the vision for Ballin’ For Peace. It was established to unite people in the community, provide health service information, employment and educational resources. The entertainment side brings together people in various communities using basketball as the medium. In 2007, his legendary knowledge was passed on to his son, Ryan Hicks.
For over 28 years, Kenn and the New Social Workers have been providing basketball tournaments and leagues throughout Los Angeles County. The Venice Beach Outdoor Basketball Championship Tournament was developed by the New Social Workers in 1981 and ran for over 20 years. It became one of the most popular outdoor summer basketball tournaments in the nation. Players from all over the United States and other countries participated in this annual event. Many NBA Players such as Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas played in the tournament before playing in the NBA.
The NSW-Ballin’ For Peace tours has been successful in many venues. We have hosted Ballin’ For Peace events at Val Verde Park, Baldwin Park, Long Beach Jordan High School, Courson Park in Palmdale, Jackie Robinson Park in Little Rock, and others. Many of these venues are located in the inner cities.
Kenn has lectured subjects on domestic violence prevention throughout the United States. He continues to be a sought after speaker by many universities, high schools, agencies, churches and has become an orator in the LA community. He has been a requested speaker for Tennessee State University, Kansas Wesleyan University, and Cal State Northridge to name a few. Mr. Hicks has also been called to speak for the Los Angeles County Grand Jury.
Co-Founder, Program Director
As the Co-Founder of Ballin’ For Peace, Ryan Hicks coordinates many community activities. A graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University, he holds a BA in Communications. His desire is to catapult communities while having passion to create safe and fun activities for all ethnicities and ages. Ryan has received numerous awards from various organizations in the community. And has appeared in many newspapers as well as on LA’s major news networks, ABC and NBC promoting Ballin’ For Peace.
His colleague, Sharon Batts, nominated Ryan for a ‘Year of Surprises’ party. The event honored his dedication to Ballin’ For Peace and his community. It included surprise LA Clippers host, Jordan Farmar. Performances by some of Ryan’s favorite artists, Calico Jonez™ & Young Fly. And an adorable 3-point contest for the kids. The evening concluded with a special surprise from Marriott Rewards with a check to the Ballin’ For Peace organization. Sponsored by Marriott International, Inc., it was held on September 13, 2014 at Renaissance Hotel LAX in Los Angeles. To commemorate the event, a documentary for the Ballin’ For Peace organization is featured on Marriott International YouTube channel. This is a first original program for the global hotel chain.
Some of Ryan’s great work and achievements include:
- Gear Up, Tutoring Program for At-Risk Youth
- 2018 Intensive Case Work Specialist
- Awarded Certificate of Appreciation, August 2008 from former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Exemplary work and positive activity that has helped to reduce serious gang violence in LA
- Marriott Rewards Honoree for outstanding work in the LA community, September 2014
- Editor/Domestic Violence Prevention Boot Camp
- Ja’net DuBois NAACP Awards Speech
Public Relations, Marketing & Media
Sharon Batts was grand prize winner of Marriott Rewards ‘Year of Surprises’ honoring her colleague, Ryan Hicks. This was a first original program for the global hotel chain. As President of bWorks Entertainment, she has co-sponsored, produced and co-produced numerous Ballin’ For Peace events. Some of the events include:
- 2009 Ballin’ For Peace Basketball Showdown in Pasadena
- Ballin’ For Peace Night at Staples Center
- Phoenix during NBA All-Star weekend
- Ballin’ For Peace Basketball Showdown in August 2008 in Reseda, CA
Sharon is dedicated to the organization and provides positive support in the community. She has received awards from New Social Workers and Ballin’ For Peace organizations.
Marketing & Community Relations
Asia continues to help Ballin’ For Peace accomplish its mission through professional community relations. She received an award from New Social Workers – Ballin’ For Peace for her dedication and support of positive community programs.
Prior to joining the organization, her expertise has included music promotion in the entertainment and film industries. She’s often referred to as the ‘Renaissance Woman of Hip-Hop’. Her association has included musical talents such as WuTang Clan, Cyprus Hill, Tupac, and many others. Her passion for quality and inspirational Hip Hop music has provided talented artists for Ballin’ For Peace events.
A native of Indonesia, Asia has an appreciation for many cultures which is an asset to Ballin’ For Peace.
Community Relations, Philadelphia
Quenton is dedicated to making a difference and being a positive role model. He is responsible for the expansion of Ballin’ For Peace from Los Angeles into the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Previously, he was a member of the N’credible Lifestyle marketing and branding team for Nick Cannon. And he uses that expertise to help elevate the awareness of the Ballin’ For Peace movement in Philadelphia. He has been instrumental in coordinating events, obtaining sponsors and establishing community relations with influential leaders in Philadelphia.
Founder, License Clinical Social Worker
Founder Kenn I. Hicks, known as the ‘Godfather of Street Ball’, is behind the vision for Ballin’ For Peace. It was established to unite people in the community, provide health service information, employment and educational resources. The entertainment side brings together people in various communities using basketball as the medium. In 2007, his legendary knowledge was passed on to his son, Ryan Hicks.
For over 28 years, Kenn and the New Social Workers have been providing basketball tournaments and leagues throughout Los Angeles County. The Venice Beach Outdoor Basketball Championship Tournament was developed by the New Social Workers in 1981 and ran for over 20 years. It became one of the most popular outdoor summer basketball tournaments in the nation. Players from all over the United States and other countries participated in this annual event. Many NBA Players such as Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas played in the tournament before playing in the NBA.
The NSW-Ballin’ For Peace tours has been successful in many venues. We have hosted Ballin’ For Peace events at Val Verde Park, Baldwin Park, Long Beach Jordan High School, Courson Park in Palmdale, Jackie Robinson Park in Little Rock, and others. Many of these venues are located in the inner cities.
Kenn has lectured subjects on domestic violence prevention throughout the United States. He continues to be a sought after speaker by many universities, high schools, agencies, churches and has become an orator in the LA community. He has been a requested speaker for Tennessee State University, Kansas Wesleyan University, and Cal State Northridge to name a few. Mr. Hicks has also been called to speak for the Los Angeles County Grand Jury.
Co-Founder, Program Director
As the Co-Founder of Ballin’ For Peace, Ryan Hicks coordinates many community activities. A graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University, he holds a BA in Communications. His desire is to catapult communities while having passion to create safe and fun activities for all ethnicities and ages. Ryan has received numerous awards from various organizations in the community. And has appeared in many newspapers as well as on LA’s major news networks, ABC and NBC promoting Ballin’ For Peace.
His colleague, Sharon Batts, nominated Ryan for a ‘Year of Surprises’ party. The event honored his dedication to Ballin’ For Peace and his community. It included surprise LA Clippers host, Jordan Farmar. Performances by some of Ryan’s favorite artists, Calico Jonez™ & Young Fly. And an adorable 3-point contest for the kids. The evening concluded with a special surprise from Marriott Rewards with a check to the Ballin’ For Peace organization. Sponsored by Marriott International, Inc., it was held on September 13, 2014 at Renaissance Hotel LAX in Los Angeles. To commemorate the event, a documentary for the Ballin’ For Peace organization is featured on Marriott International YouTube channel. This is a first original program for the global hotel chain.
Some of Ryan’s great work and achievements include:
- Gear Up, Tutoring Program for At-Risk Youth
- 2018 Intensive Case Work Specialist
- Awarded Certificate of Appreciation, August 2008 from former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Exemplary work and positive activity that has helped to reduce serious gang violence in LA
- Marriott Rewards Honoree for outstanding work in the LA community, September 2014
- Editor/Domestic Violence Prevention Boot Camp
- Ja’net DuBois NAACP Awards Speech
Public Relations, Marketing & Media
Sharon Batts was grand prize winner of Marriott Rewards ‘Year of Surprises’ honoring her colleague, Ryan Hicks. This was a first original program for the global hotel chain. As President of bWorks Entertainment, she has co-sponsored, produced and co-produced numerous Ballin’ For Peace events. Some of the events include:
- 2009 Ballin’ For Peace Basketball Showdown in Pasadena
- Winning player for NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest at Universal Studios City Walk
- Ballin’ For Peace Night at Staples Center
- Phoenix during NBA All-Star weekend
- Ballin’ For Peace Basketball Showdown in August 2008 in Reseda, CA
Sharon is dedicated to the organization and provides positive support in the community. She has received awards from New Social Workers and Ballin’ For Peace organizations.
Marketing & Community Relations
Asia continues to help Ballin’ For Peace accomplish its mission through professional community relations. She received an award from New Social Workers – Ballin’ For Peace for her dedication and support of positive community programs.
Prior to joining the organization, her expertise has included music promotion in the entertainment and film industries. She’s often referred to as the ‘Renaissance Woman of Hip-Hop’. Her association has included musical talents such as WuTang Clan, Cyprus Hill, Tupac, and many others. Her passion for quality and inspirational Hip Hop music has provided talented artists for Ballin’ For Peace events.
A native of Indonesia, Asia has an appreciation for many cultures which is an asset to Ballin’ For Peace.
Community Relations, Philadelphia
Quenton is dedicated to making a difference and being a positive role model. He is responsible for the expansion of Ballin’ For Peace from Los Angeles into the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Previously, he was a member of the N’credible Lifestyle marketing and branding team for Nick Cannon. And he uses that expertise to help elevate the awareness of the Ballin’ For Peace movement in Philadelphia. He has been instrumental in coordinating events, obtaining sponsors and establishing community relations with influential leaders in Philadelphia.
