Overview
Chicago’s celebrity basketball game brings celebrities and citizens closer than they ever were. Hosted at Chicago Hope Academy’s Gymnasium, the Chicago Celebrity game not only consisted of the celebrities playing but also Westside residents, political figures, social media influencers, and activists.
Some figures involve Congressman Danny Davis, Cook Country Commissioner Tara Stamp, and social media stars Korprate, and SkinBone. The Team captains were rapping legend, Twista and the CEO of Starlink Entertainment, Dexter “Dex Millions” Dale.
Team Twista came out on top against team Dex. The game was competitive through the first three quarters but team Twista ended up winning 84-79.
The main objective of the event isn’t just a meet and greet with local stars and legends, but a symbol to advocate peace in Chicago communities. It also gets students ready for school as bookbags and other items are passed out to start the semester strong.
Jerrard Moore’s ideas become reality
Though Twista and Dex Millions are the team captains and major founders of this event, it was Jerrard Moore’s life-changing decisions that made this event come to be.
Growing up, Moore was just like many other African American boys, until his father was taken from him at 11 years old. He told reporters he had two options when this event happened. “I felt I had two options: get revenge for my father or do everything in power to prevent other kids deal with the same pain I felt.”
This leads him to partner with Dex, Twista, and Creative Concealed Carry owner, Creative Scott. Their motivation is to revitalize black communities for new generations of residents.
Jerrard says the event would not have lasted the seven years without the constant support they’ve gotten from the legend and personality of Chicago. “It is not about each individual; we are a movement. What we do as a community determines our movement.”
Small businesses like the Chi-League and Jazzeles clothing line, to the Indian American counsel, are reasons Moore is invested in the event. “I am fortunate to get support from people from all walks of life.”
Moore advocates how the fruition of the celebrated basketball game was not a one-man army scenario. “The future of the game depends on the support given and how we follow up. The game is one thing, but what resources are we putting up for the community?”
He says the game is more about a message of stopping violence, job readiness, and mental health than it is about the stars. This way and elected officials that gravitated to the game gravitated to the message as well. “They are the people who make these rules, they have the power to give communities the right resources.”
Coming Back for a Cause
Britney Jones, a Chicago-born athlete, is one of the chosen few to play. Starting her lifelong career in the sport at 4 years old, she now plays all over the world. Jones is currently overseas in the European leagues and won her fair share of championships.
When asked why she came back to the city for the game, she stated that it was her duty as someone born and raised here. “Whenever they call me to play in something like this, I always answer the call”
She states that not only do the celebrity games introduce new fans who haven’t seen her in the Americas, but the message the game sends to the city keeps her returning. ” When you do events that advocate putting guns down and promoting peace, I’m all for that”
She also says that when you bring the family out, we become one step closer to bringing back the peace and safety of our neighborhoods.
Written By Daylontie Jasper
Sources:
2023 Chicago Stop the Violence Celebrity Game: August 20, 2023
Interview: Moore, Jerrard Conducted on August 20, 2023
Interview: Jones, Brittney Conducted on August 20, 2023
All Images Courtesy of The News School
