Joakim Noah & Lebron James: Giant Steps

On-court and Off-court leaders

First things first, we would like to give mega props to Joakim Noah for stepping up to the plate and addressing Chicago's explosion of youth gun violence.

And let's not forget Lebron James, whose continued support of urban youth is vastly under-reported. The sports world is obsessed with comparing LBJ to MJ: Is he the heir apparent?

When LBJ retires, and his body of work is finished, James vs. Jordan may be a debate for the ages. What isn't debatable, LBJ is much more connected (outside of sneaker hawking) to urban youth than MJ.

Hence, it is most refreshing to hear about professional athletes sponsoring outreach youth foundations.

Far too often, we hear of pros more concerned about their brand, endorsements, social-media, off-field exploits than the welfare of the urban communities they represent.

The irony, of course, many of these athletes are products of these communities.

Joakim Noah:

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah today unveiled new plans to help alleviate gun violence in Chicago in the midst of another deadly summer on city streets.

Mr. Noah debuted a new PSA campaign calling on Chicagoans "(to) take a stand against violence and become ambassadors for peace and positivity," his foundation said in a statement.

"It's very important that we understand that this is not (just) a problem that's going on on the South Side, the violence is not a problem that's going on on the West Side. This is a Chicago problem," said Mr. Noah said at an event at the Major Adams Community Center near the United Center on the Near West Side.

"But obviously it's not a commercial that's going to make a difference. We're hoping that to bring awareness to our foundation, we'll raise funds for programs and initiatives to help kids."  source

The Lebron James Family Foundation:

The LeBron James Family Foundation’s mission is to positively affect the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricular educational initiatives. We believe that an education and living an active, healthy lifestyle is pivotal to the development of children and young adults