Our History

The Play4Peace Initiative was born from a powerful moment of unity and solidarity in the wake of George Floyd's tragic murder. Jeffrey Venter, a longtime resident of Mattapan who attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School through the METCO program, found himself at the center of a critical conversation. As the nation grappled with shock, fear, and anger, Jeff's white friends from high school, who had become like family, reached out to him with a simple yet profound question: "What can we do?" It was in these moments of shared concern and determination that The Play4Peace Initiative took root, emerging as a leader of hope and action in troubled times.

What began as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament has since grown into a movement for positive change. The inaugural event brought together youth from Boston and surrounding suburbs for a day of fun and competition, with a unique twist – every team included a member of local law enforcement playing alongside the children. This innovative approach gave birth to our hashtag, #weonthesameteam, encapsulating our core belief in unity and mutual understanding. Today, The Play4Peace Initiative has expanded its horizons, embracing multiple goals under the social justice umbrella. While our signature basketball tournament continues to be a cornerstone of our work, we've grown to address a broader range of issues, all aimed at supporting peace-building efforts in the communities we serve. Our journey from a single event to a multifaceted movement stands as a testament to the power of friendship, solidarity, and the unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in our society.