Chicago Bulls Star Joakim Noah Stands Against Chicago's Gun Violence via PSA

Lee Edwards | As of Wednesday, July 30, 2014

“Obviously, everyone knows that the [Chicago] Bulls and basketball are very important to me but this is a lot bigger than that. This is what it’s all about, helping the next generation and leading them the right way.” - Joakim Noah
“Obviously, everyone knows that the [Chicago] Bulls and basketball are very important to me but this is a lot bigger than that. This is what it’s all about, helping the next generation and leading them the right way.” - Joakim Noah Photo by Lee Edwards.

As an initiative of his non-profit organization, the Noah’s Arc Foundation (NAF), Chicago Bulls all-star Joakim Noah debuted a public service announcement (PSA) video urging all Chicagoans to stand up against gun violence at a press conference at Major Adams Community Center (MACC), 125 N. Hoyne Ave., last week.

The minute-long PSA uses the hashtag #ChicagoStandUp and features Noah, Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose, and other Chicagoans calling for residents to help end Chicago's epidemic of gun violence.

"I think it’s very important that we realize that this is not a problem that’s on the south side… this is Chicago’s problem and we’re all in together,” said Noah during the press conference. “It’s not a commercial that’s going to make a difference; it’s not a Peace Tournament that’s going to make a difference. These are all tools that bring awareness to what we’re doing, the issues, and we’re hoping that bring awareness to our foundation will raise funds for programs and initiatives that help the kids.”

Noah’s Arc Foundation provides diverse opportunities for kids to become more aware and conscious of their ability to make a positive impact on themselves and their community, according to the organization's website.

“To me, personally, this is just as important as winning a championship. Obviously, everyone knows that the [Chicago] Bulls and basketball are very important to me but this is a lot bigger than that. This is what it’s all about, helping the next generation and leading them the right way,” Noah continued.

After presenting the non-violence PSA, Noah and rap artist and Chicago native, Common, who also attended the press conference, played basketball and mingled with the many children and teens who were in attendance.

“[This event] lets the community know that individuals like Joakim Noah and Common have not forgotten about the community and that they’re willing to do anything that they can to help with some of the issues that we’re facing,” said MACC Executive Director Kenneth Butler.

“I’m glad to be associated with Noah’s Arc because I know the work that Jo puts in,” said Common, who was in attendance at the press conference. “We both know that our missions are bigger than what we do, it’s bigger than basketball, it’s bigger than hip-hop, this is about moving communities and helping peoples’ lives.”

When asked by the Chicago Citizen Newspaper why is it important for celebrities like Noah and Common to get involved in the community, 27th Ward Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., who spoke at the press conference said, ”It’s important for these young people to know that no matter how big they get they’re still part of them, they’re still connected to the neighborhood, they still care about the neighborhood, they still care about the kids. It’s not just about having money, being rich, it’s having a social conscious of what’s going on in the world.”

One of NAF's goals is to helping children develop a stronger sense of self. It also seeks to help children tap into their natural gifts by encouraging them to discover their true selves through the combination of art and sports.

“I think it’s a wonderful event for the kids, it’s a wonderful experience for the kids to see someone positive come out here and try to make a difference in the community,” said Daphne Winfield, 17, who lives across the street from Major Adams Community Center. “Joakim [Noah] in particular, that’s something major for me because normally when people make it in life, become successful, they normal don’t come back to the community; I think that’s something major for him to come out.”

For more information visit http://noahsarcfoundation.org/index.php.

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