Harlem community unites to stop gun violence through basketball tournament

HARLEM, Manhattan (PIX11) -- The fight against gun violence unfolded on the court of St. Nicholas Park in Harlem Saturday as the neighborhood came together for a basketball tournament.

At the annual Stop the Gun Violence basketball tournament, local teens, community leaders, and the NYPD were united to steer the youth away from the dangers of the streets. It was a day of sportsmanship and solidarity organized to provide a positive outlet for the youth. Chaplain Robert Rice, who works closely with the NYPD, hopes to use his past as an inspiration of hope.

"I made mistakes -- not listening to mama, those type of mistakes," Rice said. "Trying to hang out with the wrong crowd." The chaplain added, "Now I'm serving the kids that I see in the community to not pick up a gun and finish school."

Rice spoke to the players on the court, praying with them and emphasizing the critical role the community plays in keeping neighborhoods gun violence-free.

"We got to stop the senseless shooting that's going on in our city," said Rice. "When is enough going to be enough?"

Amid the swish of basketball nets, teens Archie Oliver and Arhan Vora faced off on the court. The two highlighted the need for safe spaces to keep youth out of trouble.

"I feel like it's a good way to keep kids mind off the negative stuff and like, keep us off the streets doing bad things that could end us up in jail or get killed," Oliver said. "So, I feel like it's a good way to keep us active and do the right things."

Shooting incidents are down nine percent this year compared to the same time last year, according to city data. Still, with the NYPD reporting 503 shootings across the city in 2024, Vora is hoping the message of this event will resonate with the young players.

"You can influence somebody really easily so, having like a motive where it's like 'oh stop the violence', it could also help with that as well."

Organizers hope the event sent a powerful message that Harlem is fighting back against gun violence, with the hope of keeping the youth engaged and safe.