Our Team

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.