Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Isiah Thomas & more participate in “Ballin for Peace” to stop gang violence in Chicago [video]

 

The gang violence that took place in Chicago over the summer has been well documented. On Saturday, four groups of rival gangs, church leaders and a few NBA players got together for a game of basketball in an attempt to find a solution to the violence. Bulls players, Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson. Plus Chicago natives Antoine Walker, Quentin Richardson and retired NBA legend, Isiah Thomas came together with St. Sabina’s Father Michael Pfleger for the “Baling for Peace” tournament.

No matter who wins the tournament, every player will get a job. St. Sabina has partnered with businesses in the community to make sure that players are rewarded with employment for their peace pledge.

Some community leaders who watched gang members trade their guns for basketballs on Saturday hope it sends a message to other gangs in the city.

Gang members were quoted as saying, “Opportunity and seeing that someone cares” are what’s needed to make a change.