CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - During Gun Violence Awareness month, former Bulls star Joakim Noah is working to get young men off the streets and onto the court.
Since launching last summer, One City Basketball League has been a safe space for hundreds of young men from Chicago's South and West Sides.
Co-founder of the League Cobe Williams said it combines competitive basketball with violence prevention workshops.
“Basketball is just a hook to get them there,” Williams said. “Once we get them there, we’re doing workshops with them, financial literacy. We educate them on conflict resolution. We’re just showing them that you can build relationships and get to know each other."
The League is spearheaded by Noah's nonprofit, The Noah's Arc Foundation. Williams said they partner with nearly 30 violence prevention organizations.
"We are working together to bring a lot of love and unity to our city,” Williams added. “Man, we love this city, and this city is everything to us.”
Williams believes the two-year-old league has already had an impact on its participants.
"It's helping change their thinking and mindset about how they look at each other now, how they see other people they thought was a opposition to them," said Williams.
The league will be hosting its spring season championship game Sunday in the West Loop.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok