One of the biggest tragedies in the United States is the propensity of gun violence. Nowhere is that more true than in Chicago, a city known for its gangs, bad neighborhoods, and massive homicide rates.
For years, much of the general public has been ignorant of or indifferent to the violence in Chicago. Not much has changed to bring an end to the senseless killing.
That’s why two prominent athletes are now working to improve the situation with their platform and voice.
Dwyane Wade, recently acquired by the Bulls, and Charles “Peanut” Tillman, a former Bears’ cornerback, know first-hand the issues that plague Chicago as natives of the city. In a video produced by Fox Sports, the two famous figures discuss the gun violence in Chicago and speak to many young adults who have experienced or been victims of the violence.
.@peanuttillman and @DwyaneWade confront gun violence in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/R4ksSwym2h
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 24, 2016
Wade also shared the grief of many of the Chicagoans in the video. This past summer, his cousin was caught in the crossfire of a gang-related gun-fight and lost her life.
Dwyane Wade and Peanut Tillman are quite clearly affected by the violence in Chicago, having grown up around it. As Wade puts it, it’s difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel solely due to the fact that nothing has changed over the past few years. But with two influential Chicago athletes working with the youth in the city, there’s at least some hope that the senseless killing will stop.
