_{A nation gun violence free, where life expectancy rates for youth and young adults improves and our urban communities have an opportunity to heal from trauma without living in fear.}

ABOUT US

Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Hoops (DSGSH) is a nonprofit organization focused on putting an end to gun violence by connecting and positively impacting community members of all ages through the game of basketball and other agency designed programs.

DSGSH was founded by Tommy McBrayer who was born and raised in South Minneapolis, MN, where he learned to love the game, as he played basketball for Roosevelt high school, Vermilion College and Central Lakes College. Months later, he himself became a victim of gun violence (at age 20), as he was shot multiple times in his home and left in critical condition. After that near-death experience, Tommy dedicated his life to strengthening his physical and mental health. He made it his mission to connect with people from all walks of life who had similar traumatic experiences and became passionate about creating safe spaces for them to share their stories. Through this, an activist was born. He began serving the city’s most impoverished communities by coordinating resourceful programs and took a stance against social injustices that were occurring right in the Twin Cities and around the country.

In addition, our work is derived from our ten (10) board members whom are experienced in hosting basketball events within Minneapolis communities over the years and/or are experienced in serving our most impoverished neighborhoods through providing educational, health, food and housing services for youth and families.

DSGSH’s most recent efforts are the 5 vs 5 tournament that was held in November 2021 (There were over 50 players registered and over 350 spectators in attendance) and our 3 vs 3 Youth Violence Prevention tournament that was held in April 2022 (There were over 100 players registered ages 10-39 and over 300 spectators in attendance).