The Hoops4Kids Team

Born in Niger, Yacouba Sangaré founded  the Hoops4Kids organization in 1993 in Niamey, Niger. After moving to the USA, the organization became a not for profit organization in the State of New York. Yacouba graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston where he earned his BA in Black Studies. Yacouba then received his Masters in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Yacouba is a middle school teacher. Yacouba also founded two students led social justice clubs: The Oneida Students for Anti-Racism (OSAR) and LoudForChange.

Tracy Sangaré is an educator and an inspiring social justice activist. She is a National Board Certified teacher in her twenty-seventh year of teaching. Tracy specializes in teaching Multi-Lingual Learners at the elementary level. Tracy's expertise is not confined to conventional teaching approaches; rather, she thrives in exploring and advocating for innovative educational strategies that resonate with the principles of liberation education.

Mahamadou Salifou Assoumane has been with the Hoops4Kids organization since 2004. Since then, he ran several youth basketball events in different parts of Niger (Niamey, Dosso and Tillabery). Most importantly, he has established string relationships with youth centers across Niger and other parts of Africa. Mahamadou graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He then studied Communication in Niger. Currently, he works as a statistician for a private company in Niamey. 

Abdel Aziz is a former Hoops4Kids camper. He attended Hoops4Kids events in 1993, 1997 and 1998. After moving to the USA, he joined the Hoops4Kids as a collaborator. Abdel Aziz now helps with camps in the USA and in Niger. Abdel Aziz went to MassBay Community College in Massachusetts. Abdel Aziz played college basketball in the US. In 2011 his team was the NJCAA New England Champions. Abdel Aziz then went to Framingham State University where he graduated in 2014. Currently he lives in Atlanta GA.with his family. He has  always been passionate about coaching & helping young adults realize the importance of sports & education in our lives. 

Adamou Abdourahamane

Moumouni was born in Niamey, Niger. He attended the first Hoops4Kids camp in 1993. After moving to the USA, he joined the Hoops4Kids organization as a collaborator. He helps with Hoops4Kids camps in the USA and in Niger. Currently, he is an entrepreneur in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Samira is an organizer and an artist. She played basketball in college. Samira has a BA in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Keane State University. After graduating from college, she began to organize numerous events including direct actions and community engagements, poetry slams, educational workshops, 

and youth activities. Samira is the Co-Founder of the Saratoga Black Lives Matter in Saratoga NY.

Tiemogo Sangaré, aka TJ, graduated from St. Michael’s College, in Vermont where he double-majored in Sociology and Psychology. He assists in facilitating our events and compiles research for various issues we are addressing. Tiémogo is a member of the Saratoga Black Lives Matter.

Adam is a former Hoops4Kids camper. He attended Hoops4Kids events as a player. After moving to the USA, he joined the Hoops4Kids as a collaborator. He helps with camps in the USA and in Niger.

Gouro was born and raised in Niamey, Niger (West Africa). Gouro played at Murray State College from 2018-20 under Coach O'Connor, they were region II champions in 2019-20. He played at Bethel College (Kan.) from 2020-22 and was a part of the KCAC regular season and tournament champion in the 2020-21 season and sweet 16 NAIA runner-up during both years, leading the team with 68 blocked shots in two years. Currently, Gouro is an assistant coach for the Men's Basketball Team at Cameron University.