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-, 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 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 Coaches Hall of Fame member, member of the MOA - Wallace “Mickey” Johnson, Former player and entrepreneur - Craig Hodges, Former Chicago Bulls player, 3-time NBA Three 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. Peterson Jr., President of National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum - Joseph A. Miller, Commissioner of Sports Push Excel and Union Boys and Girls Club - Sam Hill, Founder of Shoot Your Best Shot Leadership Development Basketball Program - Coach Terry Head, Varsity basketball coach of Michele Clark High School, Illinois Youth Basketball Association - Rev. Donald E. Williams, Retired CPS basketball and football coach, athletic director, counselor - Dante Culbreath, Dean of students and head football coach at - Coach Al Williams, President and author of Challenge Them-Basketball Workbook-Inventor-EZ Pop Tennis-Mobile Tennis Screen - Donnie Kirksey, Basketball coach/CVS Alumnus - Aaron Stephens, retired CPS teacher and coach, Director of Apostolic Church of God - Coach Rod Chaney, CEO Chaney Youth Club, Program Director Riverside Park District, Head Coach Beast Mode Basketball - Donald Russel, Retired teacher and head coach - Patrick Young, Urban Tech Academy coach - Coach Jasmine and Latasha Battie Jones, Legacy Elite and Leading Lady Basketball - Albert Monroe Sharp, Founder of Invisible Book Bag Basketball Program - Heurnton A. Brown III, Coach and volunteer with Sonny Parker Youth Foundation - Lemone Lampley, Former DePaul basketball player, Men of Color Connected for Higher Achievment - Kevin Edwards, Former DePaul and NBA basketball player - Gerald McLin, Living and Driving While Black Foundation

For more information, please contact [email protected].

Who: State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, local athletes, coaches and community leaders What: Press conference on need to respond to local violence When: Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 10 a.m. Where: CSO Sports Multiplex, 1301 E. 47th St., Chicago ###