Twenty-year-old Zion Strong is bringing basketball back to Muncie parks.
Following in his late father’s footsteps, Zion has launched a basketball court revitalization project to unite and uplift the local community.
Zion’s father, the late Marwin Strong, was a well-known community activist and author of the book,”Back From the Shadow of Death: Fulfilling Life’s Mission With God’s Help.”
In 2022, during Zion’s junior year at Muncie Central, he tore his ACL and meniscus while playing basketball.
In the first game of his senior season, he reinjured the same knee and was out for the year. That same year, his father died.
“I was in a very dark place,” Zion said.
While recovering from his injuries, Zion began designing clothing on his iPad and soon launched his clothing brand, 4everLasting. The performance line features bold cuts, meaningful messages, and “4everLasting” energy.
In March 2025, Zion launched Superator Inc., the nonprofit arm of 4everLasting. He said the word “superator” is Latin for overcomer.
The 4everLasting x Superator Inc. Basketball League creates safe, positive spaces that engage youth, unite neighborhoods, and promote leadership.
Through Superator Inc., Zion has begun revitalizing the basketball courts at Munsyana Park and Heekin Park, including clearing trees and weeds growing through the concrete, removing trash, filling cracks with sealant, and repaving the parking lot.
In July 2025, restoration began at Heekin Park, including a repainted court featuring the Heekin Park logo.
By the end of August 2025, each court will have new goals, rims, padding, paint, bleachers, and restored benches.
In memory of Zion’s father, the Muncie Housing Authority will rename Munsyana Park to Arthur Marwin Strong Park.
Zion said Marwin Strong Park will be a place of comfort for the community—created with intention and purpose.
“The park isn’t just about basketball courts,” he said. “It’s about community, growth, and keeping his spirit alive where it matters most — right here at home.”
The City of Muncie has sponsored Superator Inc. x 4everLasting tournaments and the court revitalization project.
“Together, we’re restoring our basketball courts — not just with paint and pavements, but with purpose, pride, and legacy,” Zion said. “These courts will be more than places to play … they’ll be places where stories are told, youth are empowered, and culture lives on.”
Zion said the City of Muncie and Mayor Dan Ridenour have shown strong support for his family and his community efforts.
“Zion Strong’s dedication to revitalizing Heekin Park and Munsyana Park is a powerful tribute to his father, the late Marwin Strong, whose legacy of service and community impact lives on through this work,” said Mayor Ridenour. “Through his nonprofit, 4everLasting, Zion has brought energy, vision, and compassion to spaces that mean so much to the people of Muncie. The City of Muncie is proud to support his efforts as we work together to build safer, more vibrant, and more welcoming parks for every resident.”
In 2025, Zion coordinated the 4everLasting x Superator Inc. Summer Showdown. Jamal Harris, a professional hooper in China and viral jumper known as “Mr. 52 Inches,” attended the event and brought elite-level bounce to Heekin Park.
On July 11, 4everLasting x Superator Inc. presented the Summer Showdown Pro-Am Basketball Tournament at Heekin Park, featuring elite teams from nine Indiana cities, including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Richmond. In honor of Muncie Central basketball standout Dylan Stafford, the tournament included the Dylan Stafford 3-Point Contest | Long Live 22.
Throughout the summer, Zion hosts Hoop Session Saturdays at Heekin Park. The event features music, vendors, open runs, and friendly competition in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Zion’s cousin and mentor, Lathay Pegues, is his entrepreneurial inspiration. Pegues owns JohnTom’s BBQ and hosts “765 Business Journal” on WMUN 92.5 FM.
Pegues said in the 1980s, Muncie parks were packed with thousands of people—babies to senior citizens—enjoying fish frys, barbecue, and uniting over basketball.
“Basketball was the event that brought everyone to the park,” Pegues said. “Your entire family would go to the parks throughout the summer and gather. I think Zion is the right person to bring that type of atmosphere back to Muncie.”
Zion said he hopes Superator Inc. can eventually expand globally to serve underserved communities.
“God put a mission in my life — to bring people closer together and bring people closer to Him,” Zion said.
For updates on Zion’s projects, follow Zistro_ on Instagram or 4LastingB on social media.
Comments 1
Your father is proud of what you are doing he looking down saying that’s my son.I walked with your father and bought his book. Keep up the good work.