Media Advisory… FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE LA SHAWN K. FORD For Immediate Release: For More Information: July 1, 2020
[email protected] Rep. Ford, Craig Hodges, Other Area Athletes and Community Leaders to Come Together Thursday to Respond to Recent Violence Spike CHICAGO – In response to a surge of violence in the city, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will join local athletes, coaches, and former professional players for a press conference on Thursday, July 2 at 10 a.m. at the CSO Sports Multiplex, located at 1301 E. 47th St. in Chicago. “Over the last couple of weeks I have been saddened by the senseless violence in our community,” Ford said. “Every week, too many families in Chicago are forced to deal with tragedy. If we want to bring positive change, we have to stand together as a community and understand the underlying causes of violence. We can help our youth by having positive athletic opportunities, as well as better emphasizing the importance of Black history in our school curriculum. Too many do not know the value and importance Black people have had in America and in world history.” Planned attendees for Thursday’s press conference include: - Revin Fellows, COO/Co-founder Books Over Balls and Chicago street legend - Dr. Gregory Primus, former Chicago Bears player, orthopedic surgeon, founder of The Chicago Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery - Anthony and Jeff Wilson - Directors of Mary Wilson's From Love Foundation, brothers of Ben Wilson - Reuben Norris: Former NBA referee, Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame member, member of the MOA - Wallace “Mickey” Johnson, Former Chicago Bulls player and entrepreneur - Craig Hodges, Former Chicago Bulls player, 3-time NBA Three Point Contest winner - Bobby Simmons, DePaul University Graduate, Former NBA player and entrepreneur - Joshua Smith, Executive Director and Founder of Chicago Street Legends - Bob Smith, Director of Employability Plus, Unity Development, Chicago Slow Breakers - David A.