Chicago Stand Up

There are many players in the sports industry that genuinely care about not only the community they come from but also the community of others. Players such as Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah both seem to reflect on what it was like growing up in a large city where there were various acts of crime and violence. Derrick Rose who is a Chicago native and happens to also be from the same neighborhood I am from. Murray park also known as Murder park is where I watched him play and interact with our peers in the park.  I'm sure he has also heard the numerous gun shots that I heard on nights when were supposed to be sleeping so that we can get ready to head to school the next morning.  Derrick was the star player at Simeon, he went on to college and decided to go pro and he became a Chicago Bull. Joakim Noah on the other hand is from New York City which like Chicago is a large city with some rough neighborhoods. Joakim went on from high school to play college basketball at the University of Florida before coming to Chicago and joining the Bulls. There have been various acts of crime and gun violence in the city of Chicago. Derrick Rose allegeldyl paid for the funeral of slain Chicago rapper Lil Jojo who was shot to death and also a 6 month baby girl that was shot and killed as she sat on her fathers lap. Joakim Noah partnered with community activist father Pfeleger who is also the priest and social activist at St Sabina Church on the city's southside. Each year around september they both host the One city peace tournament where the city comes together to promote peace and also play a game of basketball.  Each year the teams are coached by NBA superstar such as Derrick Rose and Patrick Beverly. I noticed that both of these Chicago Bulls players do a lot in the communities in Chicago. I appreciate how they give back to the city.