OAKLAND CALIFORNIA, FEB 16 2025 — Amid the widespread conversation about DEI, Hoopbus Inc is an international non-profit organization amplifying undeserved voices and breaking down social barriers. Through the love of basketball, Hoopbus engages communities, teaches life skills, and advocates for equity.
Founded by Nico (Nick Anselm), Hoopbus Inc drives unique school buses adorned with post-grafitti and beautiful interiors reminiscent of fantasy basketball courts. They also have functional basketball hoops on the front and rear of the buses. Initially launched in Los Angeles, these school buses are community attractions that increase attendance, visibility, engagement, and the thematic presence of events. Hoopbus hosts events such as assemblies, youth programming, community beautification, and food/resource drives.
Show Bay LoveTM, was Hoopbus Inc’s most recent large-scale community event. “The Hoopbus Show Love Series is an NBA All-Star Weekend Celebration, a one-of-a-kind event series that brings together basketball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to celebrate the sport and give back to the community.”
Not only did this event receive overwhelming support from the Bay Area, but it has also garnered the vast attention of social media audiences and even YouTube’s top NBA content creator, Jesser (Jess Riedal). Boasting a following of 25M YouTube subscribers and a judge’s seat at the All-star Dunk Contest, Jesser is the first influencer to judge this highly anticipated event. And furthermore, one of the first influencers to donate a bus to Hoopbus Inc.
Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying Hoopbus’s mission, helping to connect with a global audience and raise awareness of its efforts. With viral moments shared on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, the initiative has gained significant visibility, attracting the attention of athletes, influencers, and community members alike.
The event invited creators of various genres, increasing its social media reach and fostering an international community. Bringing together creators from the entertainment industry and beauty industry allowed Hoopbus to resonate with a multitude of diverse and forward-thinking audiences. Skincare influencer and inclusion advocate, Cassandra Bankson, was also in attendance with Jesser at NBA All-Star Week, and she describes feeling inspired by meeting Hoopbus team members during the Bay Area Takeover Week.
Show Bay LoveTM was filled with exciting and heart-warming moments. These moments were made possible by local luminaries and influential figures, including former WNBA player, podcaster, and sports agent Brianna Salvatore-Dueck, an instrumental board advisor who helps build strategic connections and ensures the initiative continues to grow.
From painting courts to participating in basketball workshops, Show Bay LoveTM fostered a sense of inclusion, togetherness, and belonging. A Hoopbus representative describes an uplifting moment during Show Bay LoveTM.
“At one of the community events, a young girl was lingering near the court, hesitant to join in one of the Bus-Basketball games. But, Brianna, saw the girl’s reluctance and encouraged her to get on the court. She offered a boost of confidence and told her, you can take up space and play.With Brianna's encouragement, the girl finally joined the game. And in the next round, she scored a layup, her face lighting up with pride."
Photocred courtesy of Brianna Salvatore-Dueck LinkedIn
This moment was a powerful reminder of inclusion's impact. As other girls on the sidelines watched, a sense of belonging resonated in the air. And for Brianna, it was a full-circle moment. She witnessed how one small act of encouragement could ignite a flame and trailblaze a path towards empowerment and confidence.
This year’s Hoopbus Bay Area takeover was especially significant for Nico (Nick Anselm), the founder and San Francisco native, who returned to Oakland, a homebase for the nonprofit. Partnering with global sponsors like Gatorade and Lids to renovate basketball courts in areas such as Vallejo and Oakland.
Ultimately, Show Bay LoveTM reaffirmed Hoopbus as a community space where people can come together to celebrate their love of basketball, art, and culture. To get involved, individuals can donate, volunteer, and attend upcoming events. Fueled by the spirit of the Bay Area, Hoopbus’s mission of advocacy, equity, and inclusion through basketball and beyond will only maximize its impact for years to come. If you would like to galvanize with Hoopbus, click below to see how you can support their mission.
