FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — From the basketball court to success, that is one of the goals of the Fulton County District attorney’s office “No Violence, Just Hoops” event this weekend.
The hope is to inspire young people.
This is more than just a basketball tournament at Franklin Forbes Arena.
“There are kids we are saving because they’re here right now in this gym as opposed to our doing some foolishness,” Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said.
It’s an effort from Willis’ office to prepare each of these students for a productive future.
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“We had sessions where we helped them with their college applications, including their essay writing,” Willis said.
“We had law enforcement officers come in and talk to them about staying out of trouble, staying out of gangs, what to look for, conflict resolution,” she added.
Benjamin E. Mays High School Senior Jaziyah Mathis found inspiration.
“After high school, I want to become an ultrasound tech and I also want to become a crime scene investigator,” Mathis said.
Part of this weekend is not just fun but planting seeds.
“Today we are going to go on a college tour of Spellman, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta,” said RuShondra Davenport of the Fulton County DA’s office.
And the time on the court is just another way to prepare these young people for success.
“Basketball teaches you how to work in a team. It tells you how to resolve conflicts. It tells you how to lose and win and get back up,” Willis said.
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