Brief History
The organization “Shoot Hoops Not Guns, Inc.” started off as a community driven annual event called Shoot Hoops Not Guns All Star Jam. The SHNG All Star Jam has been held annually on Staten Island since 1997. The SHNG event helped spread awareness of gun violence in the community and taught prevention through positive alternatives. The Shoot Hoops Not Guns All Star Jam was organized and funded by Marquette Elliott.
On Sunday, October 26, 1997 the “SHNG” All Star Jam took place drawing a crowd twice the capacity of the Curtis High School gymnasium. The “SHNG” event showcased cultural and recreational performances such as inspirational speeches, musical performances, spoken word regarding the issue of gun violence and competitive basketball games. As a result of the first “SHNG” event’s huge success many other events followed and the funds were used to create a scholarship (The Curtis High School Brock Scholarship Fund). Still not satisfied Marquette felt more could be done in the fight against gun violence so with the help of community activist, past supporters and public advocates of the cause Shoot Hoops Not Guns, Incorporated (SHNG, Inc.) was created. SHNG, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which is dedicated to eliminating gun violence not only on Staten Island but also throughout the United States and eventually the whole world.
On Sunday, October 26, 1997 the “SHNG” All Star Jam took place drawing a crowd twice the capacity of the Curtis High School gymnasium. The “SHNG” event showcased cultural and recreational performances such as inspirational speeches, musical performances, spoken word regarding the issue of gun violence and competitive basketball games. As a result of the first “SHNG” event’s huge success many other events followed and the funds were used to create a scholarship (The Curtis High School Brock Scholarship Fund). Still not satisfied Marquette felt more could be done in the fight against gun violence so with the help of community activist, past supporters and public advocates of the cause Shoot Hoops Not Guns, Incorporated (SHNG, Inc.) was created. SHNG, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which is dedicated to eliminating gun violence not only on Staten Island but also throughout the United States and eventually the whole world.
Founder
Marquette Elliott is a former New York high school basketball all-star, community activist and parent from the Stapleton area of Staten Island. Marquette knew many people on Staten Island who have been killed due to gun violence, and became disheartened over the promising youth who have had their lives shortened by this morbid epidemic. Not feeling enough was being done to stop gun violence Marquette began organizing the “Shoot Hoops Not Guns” All Star basketball event. During the planning of the “SHNG” event an exceptional athlete invited to participate was accidentally shot to death while doing nothing more than sitting in the back seat of a car. Marquette decided it was very important to curtail gun violence immediately.
Board Members
Mr. Ousmani Ofori-Yeboah III (Co-Founder of Shoot Hoops Not Guns, Incorporated)
Mr. Mark Zink
Mr. Ray C. Bannister
Mr. Ron Artest Sr.