Dashine Moore launched the Beat the Streets youth basketball league in 2021, aiming to curb the surge of street violence that had plagued Pittsfield, Massachusetts. What began with just 50 participants has swelled to over 350 youngsters each year, earning championships in every bracket of the Play4Peace tournament and even traveling to Worcester for regional competition.
Moore’s reach extends beyond the court. He mentors children in high schools, at the Boys and Girls Club, the CYC, and the CRA, weaving a consistent thread of support through after‑school programs and community centers. The league’s activities are anchored at Dorothy Amos Park, a familiar gathering spot for families across Western MA.
A Community‑Wide Push for Indoor Space
Recognizing the limits of outdoor play, Moore is securing an indoor facility that will host clinics year‑round and connect participants with AAU circuits, preparatory schools, and college recruiters. Grant funding is already earmarked for these expansions, ensuring that the program can offer tutoring, scholarship guidance, and career workshops.
The impact is measurable. Since the league’s inception, shootings in the targeted neighborhoods have declined, a trend Moore attributes to the structured, positive outlets he provides. Free backpack giveaways, coordinated with 18 Degrees Family Services, further alleviate the financial strain on single‑parent households, reinforcing the league’s role as a safety net for at‑risk families.