Press Releases
Statement by Isiah Thomas on the retirement of Steve Nash
Statement by Isiah Thomas on the retirement of Steve Nash
Today I salute one of the greatest point guards our league has ever seen. Steve has had a profound career and has helped elevate the game of basketball on and off court. I personally admired Steve’s play and his relentless pursuit for perfection. Through his family foundation he dedicated his work off the court to assisting underserved children in the US and Canada. I value his friendship and also count him as one of my heroes.
Steve, you have touched so many young lives and players all over the world. You will never know the countless of kids who will grow up and say I was inspired by Steve Nash’s career.
Coach Knight gave me a poem my freshman year at Indiana University that I have kept and lived by. After reading Steve’s retirement letter, I think this is the perfect time to share it.
Little Eyes Upon You
There are little eyes upon you, and they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he will be like you.
You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you, no suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds all you say and do;
He will say and do, in your way when he’s grown up just like you.
There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right;
And his eyes are always open and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example every day in all you do;
For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like you.
Steve, enjoy your retirement and I say to you, well done my friend! Your future is even brighter.
– Isiah Thomas
3rd Annual Peace League Tournament
ISIAH THOMAS ATTENDS 3rd ANNUAL PEACE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
HOF Isiah Thomas and Bulls’ stars Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose Join Father Pfleger of St. Sabina Church to Provide Chicago’s Youth with Safe Play Spaces, Mentoring, and Employment Training Opportunities
The Faith Community of Saint Sabina begins its third year of the Peace League with support from co-founder Isiah Thomas and his foundation Mary’s Court. The Peace League, which kicks off its third year at the Tournament on Saturday, September 20th , encompasses youth basketball games, life skills classes, and mentoring, as well as offers young men the opportunity to take GED classes, employment training, and participate in internships. In the wake of violence in Chicago and across the country, this year’s Peace League will be increasingly important to galvanize the community and reduce crime. Since the Peace League began, there has been a dramatic drop in violence in the area.
Father Michael Pfleger of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina Church, said, “Isiah’s sponsorship of the Peace League shows his commitment to these young men, the belief that he has in them, and his encouragement for them to reach their God given potential.”
“It has given us the opportunity to bring young people together in a safe environment, put them in the hands of the right people, so they will choose a different path. The hard courts provide common ground for the players to communicate, bond, and build relationships. When they walk off the court, they have a healthier respect for one another and they’re not as inclined to hurt each other,” Thomas said. “Seeing the young men from The Peace League, I remain inspired and encouraged by their resilience, and I am proud to work alongside Father Pfleger to help our young people pursue opportunities in basketball, in academics and in life.”
Also in attendance for Saturday’s games will be NBA players Will Bynum, Joakim Noah, Jannero Pargo, Jeremy Pargo, Jabari Parker, Sonny Parker, Zach Randolph, Derick Rose, and Antione Walker and community leaders.
The Peace Tournament will be held at The Ark of Saint Sabina, 7800 South Racine. Program begins at 1:00pm and tipoff is at 1:20pm.
Schedule of Events:
WHAT: 2014 University of Illinois Chicago Forum
Panelist for Morning Panel #2 Envisioning Smart Neighborhoods: Old School, New School, or No School?
WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 2014, 11:00am-12:15pm
WHERE: University of Chicago Illinois: 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60607
WHAT: Presenting Isiah Thomas and Mary Thomas Scholarships to Essay Winners
WHEN: Friday, September 19, 2014, 10:00am
WHERE: South Shore International College Prep High School, 1955 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649
WHAT: Marillac Social Center 100th Year Celebration & Gym Grand Opening
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 10:00am
WHERE: Marillac Social Center: 212 S. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
WHAT: 3rd Annual Peace League Tournament Kick-off
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 1:00pm
WHERE: St. Sabina Church: 1210 W 78th Pl, Chicago, IL 60620
To request a one-on-one interview with Isiah Thomas, please contact Emma Christman at (202) 351-1112 or emma.christman@deweysquare.com.
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Isiah Thomas to Attend 33rd Annual J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge to Benefit Get In Chicago
HALL OF FAMER ISIAH THOMAS TO ATTEND 33RD ANNUAL J.P. MORGAN CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT GET IN CHICAGO
Isiah Thomas will attend the 33rd annual J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge — scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at Grant Park — which will serve as a benefit and awareness builder for Get In Chicago. Thomas will be announcing the first place winners of the race and will participate as a guest announcer throughout the challenge.
A record crowd of 25,478 runners and walkers took part in the 2013 Corporate Challenge in Grant Park. A similar crowd is expected this May, providing the opportunity for Get In Chicago to inspire, invest and involve the participants in its mission.
J.P. Morgan, on behalf of Corporate Challenge participants, will make a donation to Get In Chicago to provide more mentoring, cognitive/behavioral therapy and parent leadership services this year to more at-risk youth and their families in Chicago.
Launched in March 2013, Get In Chicago is addressing the problem of youth violence by supporting prevention and intervention efforts across high-violence community areas in Chicago and collaborating with researchers to gather data and evaluate which programs are working, for whom and why.
Get In Chicago is championed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Isiah Thomas, Chairman & CEO, Isiah International, LLC and Founder, Mary’s Court, James Reynolds Jr., CEO of Loop Capital Holdings LLC, Tom Wilson, CEO of Allstate Corporation, and other business leaders. It is a public-private partnership whose mission is to identify, fund and rigorously evaluate evidence-based programs that lead to a sustainable reduction in violence for individuals and communities most affected by violence and poverty.
WHAT: 33RD ANNUAL J.P. MORGAN CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE
WHEN: Thursday, May 22 at Grant Park
6:30pm CST
WHERE: Grant Park
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Isiah Thomas Applauds Chicago’s Dramatic Crime Reduction
NBA Hall of Famer Praises Mayor Emanuel, Superintendent McCarthy and Father Pfleger for Commitment to Safer Communities
NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas on Monday praised Chicago’s historic crime reduction in 2013, including the fewest murders recorded in the city in 48 years.
“All of Chicago benefits from a reduction of crime and violence in its neighborhoods, and I applaud Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Superintendent McCarthy for their leadership and for the smart, collaborative approach being used to make Chicago safer,” Thomas said. “I also recognize the important work of Father Michael Pfleger and that of many other Chicago leaders who are working tirelessly to protect our communities, our children and our families. And while these historic gains are welcome, I look forward to working with these leaders in the future to make our city even safer.”
According to the Chicago Police Department, in 2013 the city had its lowest murder rate since 1966 and its lowest overall rate of crime since 1972.
A Chicago native, Thomas has worked closely with Mayor Emanuel on Chicago’s Peace Basketball Tournament and with Father Pfleger on the Windy City Hoops program. Both programs are designed to foster safer communities throughout the city.
Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas Second Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway at Marillac Social Center in Hometown Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL. – Mary’s Court, Isiah Thomas’ family foundation, is partnering with the Marillac Social Center for the Second Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway in the former NBA star’s hometown of Chicago. The toy giveaway will benefit Chicago youth ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade. Thomas will be on hand for the toy event, and will also help distribute winter coats, books, hats and gloves. Thomas will also raffle off bikes.
Marillac Social Center provides vital programs and services in the areas of child development, social services, family services, senior services and youth programs. Thomas’s mother was a longtime supporter of Marillac Social Center, and he founded the family foundation in her honor.
In addition to Thomas’ Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway, Mary’s Court Foundation will also be donating toys to Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago.
WHO: Isiah Thomas
WHAT: 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway
WHERE: Marillac House
212 S Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
WHEN: December 19, 2013
1:30pm-4:00pm
ABOUT MARY’S COURT CHARITY
Mary’s Court, established in 2010, is the family foundation of Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Mary’s Court commemorates the life and legacy of Isiah’s mother, Mary Thomas, as a transformational agent of service to the economically disadvantaged. Mary’s Court strives to create a model for schools and communities that inspires academic success, promotes good health, encourages housing and economic development, and builds safe communities.
ABOUT MARILLAC SOCIAL CENTER
Since 1914, Marillac Social Center has been serving the needs of the poor and working poor of the west side of Chicago. Sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, Marillac Social Center provides vital programs and services in the areas of child development, social services, family services, senior services and youth programs.
Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas Partners with One Million Degrees and Brooks Brothers to Suit Up Low-Income Community College Students for Success
Chicago, IL. – Isiah Thomas partners with One Million Degrees and Brooks Brothers for the fourth annual Suited for Success. The event provides high-quality, interview-worthy clothing and footwear to low-income, highly motivated community college students who will soon be entering the professional world.
Brooks Brothers, a longtime supporter of One Million Degrees, is generously providing new business apparel to 59 One Million Degrees Scholars, worth over $40,000. In addition, Brooks Brothers has facilitated wardrobe workshops for scholars around dressing for success and caring for professional clothing.
Executives and civic leaders from across Chicago will attend the event to participate in the Ties That Bind, Scarves that Support campaign, offering scholars and attendee’s professional tips and anecdotes on how they succeeded in their fields.
“I am deeply committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more educated Chicago for all residents, and I commend One Million Degrees for their work in supporting this goal,” said Isiah Thomas, Chicago native, activist and anti-violence advocate, and Chairman and CEO of Isiah International. “One Million Degrees provides educational and professional opportunities to many low-income Chicago students so that they can chart a better path for themselves and their families, and I’m thrilled to participate in this event and help these students suit up for success.”
In addition to assisting college students in Suited for Success, Thomas’ foundation, Mary’s Court Charity is donating to Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in his hometown Chicago to support the Lady of Sorrows Basilica Breakfast Program for a year. The program, which feeds the homeless, occurs every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
WHO: Isiah Thomas, Basketball legend, Chicago native, founder of Mary’s Court Charity, Chairman and CEO of Isiah International One Million Degrees, empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life.
Brooks Brothers, America’s Oldest Retailer and longtime supporter of One Million Degrees
WHAT: Suited for Success
WHERE: The Rookery
209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60603
WHEN: December 4, 2013
5:00pm-8:00pm
Note: Program featuring Chicago Executives and Civic Leaders will begin at 6:00pm.
BACKGROUND:
ABOUT MARY’S COURT CHARITY
Mary’s Court, established in 2010, is the family foundation of Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Mary’s Court commemorates the life and legacy of Isiah’s mother, Mary Thomas, as a transformational agent of service to the economically disadvantaged. Mary’s Court strives to create a model for schools and communities that inspires academic success, promotes good health, encourages housing and economic development, and builds safe communities.
ABOUT ONE MILLION DEGREES
One Million Degrees empowers low-income, highly motivated, community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life. From tutors and coaches, to life-skills training and financial aid, One Million Degrees provides our scholars with supports that are critical to their success in the classroom and beyond.
ABOUT BROOKS BROTHERS
As America’s oldest retailer, Brooks Brothers has long been a fashion innovator. Established in 1818, Brooks Brothers was the first to offer ready-to-wear clothing and has continued throughout history with iconic product introductions including: seersucker, madras, the non-iron shirt and the original button-down collar. Nearly two centuries later, Brooks Brothers is proud to uphold the same traditions and values and to be the destination for ladies and gentlemen from every generation. Since its founding 194 years ago in New York, Brooks Brothers has become a legendary international retailer while maintaining a steadfast commitment to exceptional service, quality, style and value.
Architecture Student Cedric Jones Receives First UC Berkeley Isiah Thomas Scholarship
Berkeley, CA. – Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas recently awarded the first University of California Berkeley Isiah Thomas Scholarship to Cedric Jones, an Architecture student and the director of the Black Recruitment and Retention Center.
“Along with excelling at his work at Berkeley, Cedric Jones has shown a commitment to improving his community and having an impact on the next generation of talented students,” Thomas said.
During the fall, Jones and other African American students take a week off school to visit more than 100 schools in southern California where they conduct outreach presentations at middle schools, high schools, and community colleges. For the last four years, Jones has dedicated his time to the Black Recruitment & Retention Center as an Intern, Academic Retention Coordinator and is currently in his second term as Executive Director.
A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jones is the youngest of three children growing up within a low-income household in Hayward, CA. Through the support of community members and family both he and his sisters were given the opportunity to attend UC Berkeley. As a Landscape Architecture candidate Cedric’s dream is to create his own design firm catering to urban development within inner cities, specifying on revitalization of historic ethnic communities (i.e. Temescal of Oakland, Hunter’s Point of SF) and restoring them to capacities of their nostalgic primes. He also wants to be a professor of City & Regional Planning and educate students on the intersections between planning, gentrification and the loss of minority input in city development so that all can apply this knowledge in their respective fields to better the conditions of African Americans.
The California Heritage Fund and the African American Studies Department of UC Berkeley will administer the Isiah Thomas Scholarship. The scholarship will be given each year for 10 years to the student who holds the position of Director of the Black Recruitment and Retention Center (BRRC), a student-run organization that helps African American students with issues they may face before or after they come to Berkeley. The scholarship will enable its recipient to focus on the important work of the BRRC and their graduation as they prepare for graduate school or their chosen career.
The annual scholarship is named for former NBA star Isiah Thomas, who received his Masters of Education from Berkley in May 2013. In addition to the UC Berkeley scholarship program, Thomas provides a scholarship for undergraduate criminal justice students at his alma mater, Indiana University.
Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas Aquires Property in Evanston, IL
HOF Isiah Thomas recently acquired a Class A apartment building in Evanston, IL for investment purposes. The property is located at 525 Kedzie. It is a modern designed structure consisting of 20 residential units, 42 parking spaces, and 2 commercial spaces. The property was originally constructed in 2007 as a high-end residential condominium building for sale.
This property will be managed by TAND Properties. TAND properties provides comprehensive solutions to third party multifamily property owners through an experienced team of professionals with varied expertise, TAND offers the vast knowledge required to effectively oversee multi-family housing.
Isiah International, solely owned by Isiah Thomas, a commercial real estate investment company located in Chicago, Illinois identifies investment opportunities to qualified investors through the acquisition, management and disposition of multifamily housing units. In addition, Isiah International will focus on revitalizing properties in distressed communities and developing affordable housing on the west side of Chicago.
Mr Thomas’ philanthropic work through his foundation Mary’s Court will continue to focus on making a difference in the lives of families and young people in Chicago and around the country.
“I am excited about this new business endeavor and look forward to being a part of the Evanston community which is so close to my hometown Chicago where I am deeply involved in the business and philanthropic community.” Thomas said
National Action Network to Honor Isiah Thomas
Reverend Al Sharpton and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to Headline the Launch of Education for a Better America & NAN Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago on Thursday at Frazier International Magnet School
Chicago – As part of the launch of the Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago, the National Action Network and Education for a Better America will present NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas with its EBA Community Engagement Award for Thomas’ work in violence prevention in the city of Chicago and around the nation.
A Chicago native, Thomas has worked closely with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Father Michael Pfleger on the Peace Basketball Tournaments, which recently launched and will continue through February, and the Windy City Hoops program which are designed to foster safer communities throughout the city.
Isiah Thomas will appear on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with host Reverend Al Sharpton tomorrow at 5:00pm CST.
WHO: Rev. Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network (NAN) Isiah Thomas, Basketball legend, Chicago native, founder of Windy City Hoops Initiative Leadership from NAN, EBA and the Chicago community
WHAT: National Action Network & Education for a Better America Career Pipeline Initiative Launch
WHERE: Frazier International Magnet School 4027 W. Grenshaw St., Chicago, IL, 60624
WHEN: Thursday, November 7, 2013 10:00 am
BACKGROUND: Education for a Better America (EBA) and National Action Network (NAN) will launch the Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, November 7 at 10:00am at Frazier International Magnet School (FIMS) on the West Side of Chicago. The purpose of this event is to highlight the achievement of FIMS, identify their best practices, and develop a plan to scale them up in order to transfer strategies that have proven to be successful to other schools and localities. In 2010, FIMS was the only school in the state of Illinois to achieve the 90 percent minority, 90 percent poverty (eligible for free or reduced lunch), 90 percent meeting or exceeding on the state assessment distinction. The school has repeated this feat for an unprecedented three years. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized the FIMS as a National Blue Ribbon School.
National Action Network President and MSNBC PoliticsNation Host Reverend Al Sharpton will keynote the program and a “Best Practices Forum” will follow Reverend Sharpton’s address. EBA will also present FIMS with their 2013 Beacon Award for Excellence in Urban Education. NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, will be presented with the EBA Community Engagement Award for his efforts to develop youth and prevent violence in the Chicago area.
The Career Pipeline Initiative launched on Friday, November 1st at 9:30 a.m. at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, GA, the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lena Horne among others. The launch featured a fireside chat hosted by David Johns, Executive Director of the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for African Americans, and the African American Male Initiative (AAMI) students from the high school and Georgia State University. The program also featured an “Introduction to STEM Careers” Workshop by Dr. Kamau Bobb, a research scientist from Georgia Tech.
EBA Executive Director Marcus Bright stated that “the Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago will consist of mentoring and programming geared towards providing career awareness and enrichment. EBA and NAN will partner with elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, corporations, existing mentorship programs, and other community organizations. This coalition will build a longitudinal continuum in different career fields from elementary and secondary school to post-secondary educational institutions to careers.”
The Peace League Tournament
The Peace League is an annual community basketball league that brings together young men from different communities in Chicago and provides them a safe space to meet each other, learn leadership values through teamwork and work through their differences through sport. Established in 2011 by Isiah Thomas and Father Michael Pfleger of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina, the tournament represents more than a game—it is an opportunity to break down barriers and help young men make positive changes in their lives and communities. Furthermore, the basketball tournament has grown into a program which now offers GED classes, employment training, and internship opportunities.
The Peace League has had a profound impact on the surrounding communities near St. Sabina Church and since it began, there has been a significant drop in violence in the area.
“The NBA players talk about how [the men] can build peace in the community,” Father Pfleger said. “Basketball has tremendous power because it helps build relationships, and the ball became the driving force, not gang divisions.”
“Our goal is to put young people in the right places, put them in the hands of the right people, so they will choose a different path. It’s a lot harder to hurt someone you know once you’ve developed respect for them,” Mary’s Court Founder Isiah Thomas said. “The Peace League affords these young men the opportunity to get to know each other on and off the court, and I am proud to work alongside Father Pfleger to help our young people pursue opportunities in basketball, in academics and in life.”
NBA stars like Chicago Bulls’ Derick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, Jabari Parker of the Milwaukee Bucks and Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons joined forces with Mary’s Court Foundation founder and NBA Hall of Famer, Isiah Thomas, to serve as coaches and mentors to these young men and offer insight on how to positively navigate through society.
“Basketball has a way of bringing groups together, bringing people together and breaking down barriers. Just as sport has broken down racial barriers, we think sport has an opportunity to bring down gang barriers.” said Isiah Thomas, founder of Mary’s Court Foundation. “Earning respect, having a positive reputation and being a valued member of a group or a team is partly the reason I’m where I am today; I was taught I could achieve these virtues by playing on a basketball team. Too many of our kids try to achieve them by being in a gang.”
The Peace League is held on Monday nights in The Ark of Saint Sabina, 7800 South Racine. Games begin at 6:15pm, and will continue through February 2015.
Statement by Isiah Thomas on the retirement of Steve Nash
Statement by Isiah Thomas on the retirement of Steve Nash
Today I salute one of the greatest point guards our league has ever seen. Steve has had a profound career and has helped elevate the game of basketball on and off court. I personally admired Steve’s play and his relentless pursuit for perfection. Through his family foundation he dedicated his work off the court to assisting underserved children in the US and Canada. I value his friendship and also count him as one of my heroes.
Steve, you have touched so many young lives and players all over the world. You will never know the countless of kids who will grow up and say I was inspired by Steve Nash’s career.
Coach Knight gave me a poem my freshman year at Indiana University that I have kept and lived by. After reading Steve’s retirement letter, I think this is the perfect time to share it.
Little Eyes Upon You
There are little eyes upon you, and they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.
There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he will be like you.
You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you, no suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds all you say and do;
He will say and do, in your way when he’s grown up just like you.
There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right;
And his eyes are always open and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example every day in all you do;
For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like you.
Steve, enjoy your retirement and I say to you, well done my friend! Your future is even brighter.
– Isiah Thomas
3rd Annual Peace League Tournament
ISIAH THOMAS ATTENDS 3rd ANNUAL PEACE LEAGUE TOURNAMENT
HOF Isiah Thomas and Bulls’ stars Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose Join Father Pfleger of St. Sabina Church to Provide Chicago’s Youth with Safe Play Spaces, Mentoring, and Employment Training Opportunities
The Faith Community of Saint Sabina begins its third year of the Peace League with support from co-founder Isiah Thomas and his foundation Mary’s Court. The Peace League, which kicks off its third year at the Tournament on Saturday, September 20th , encompasses youth basketball games, life skills classes, and mentoring, as well as offers young men the opportunity to take GED classes, employment training, and participate in internships. In the wake of violence in Chicago and across the country, this year’s Peace League will be increasingly important to galvanize the community and reduce crime. Since the Peace League began, there has been a dramatic drop in violence in the area.
Father Michael Pfleger of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina Church, said, “Isiah’s sponsorship of the Peace League shows his commitment to these young men, the belief that he has in them, and his encouragement for them to reach their God given potential.”
“It has given us the opportunity to bring young people together in a safe environment, put them in the hands of the right people, so they will choose a different path. The hard courts provide common ground for the players to communicate, bond, and build relationships. When they walk off the court, they have a healthier respect for one another and they’re not as inclined to hurt each other,” Thomas said. “Seeing the young men from The Peace League, I remain inspired and encouraged by their resilience, and I am proud to work alongside Father Pfleger to help our young people pursue opportunities in basketball, in academics and in life.”
Also in attendance for Saturday’s games will be NBA players Will Bynum, Joakim Noah, Jannero Pargo, Jeremy Pargo, Jabari Parker, Sonny Parker, Zach Randolph, Derick Rose, and Antione Walker and community leaders.
The Peace Tournament will be held at The Ark of Saint Sabina, 7800 South Racine. Program begins at 1:00pm and tipoff is at 1:20pm.
Schedule of Events:
WHAT: 2014 University of Illinois Chicago Forum
Panelist for Morning Panel #2 Envisioning Smart Neighborhoods: Old School, New School, or No School?
WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 2014, 11:00am-12:15pm
WHERE: University of Chicago Illinois: 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60607
WHAT: Presenting Isiah Thomas and Mary Thomas Scholarships to Essay Winners
WHEN: Friday, September 19, 2014, 10:00am
WHERE: South Shore International College Prep High School, 1955 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649
WHAT: Marillac Social Center 100th Year Celebration & Gym Grand Opening
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 10:00am
WHERE: Marillac Social Center: 212 S. Francisco Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
WHAT: 3rd Annual Peace League Tournament Kick-off
WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2014, 1:00pm
WHERE: St. Sabina Church: 1210 W 78th Pl, Chicago, IL 60620
To request a one-on-one interview with Isiah Thomas, please contact Emma Christman at (202) 351-1112 or emma.christman@deweysquare.com.
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Isiah Thomas to Attend 33rd Annual J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge to Benefit Get In Chicago
HALL OF FAMER ISIAH THOMAS TO ATTEND 33RD ANNUAL J.P. MORGAN CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE TO BENEFIT GET IN CHICAGO
Isiah Thomas will attend the 33rd annual J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge — scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at Grant Park — which will serve as a benefit and awareness builder for Get In Chicago. Thomas will be announcing the first place winners of the race and will participate as a guest announcer throughout the challenge.
A record crowd of 25,478 runners and walkers took part in the 2013 Corporate Challenge in Grant Park. A similar crowd is expected this May, providing the opportunity for Get In Chicago to inspire, invest and involve the participants in its mission.
J.P. Morgan, on behalf of Corporate Challenge participants, will make a donation to Get In Chicago to provide more mentoring, cognitive/behavioral therapy and parent leadership services this year to more at-risk youth and their families in Chicago.
Launched in March 2013, Get In Chicago is addressing the problem of youth violence by supporting prevention and intervention efforts across high-violence community areas in Chicago and collaborating with researchers to gather data and evaluate which programs are working, for whom and why.
Get In Chicago is championed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Isiah Thomas, Chairman & CEO, Isiah International, LLC and Founder, Mary’s Court, James Reynolds Jr., CEO of Loop Capital Holdings LLC, Tom Wilson, CEO of Allstate Corporation, and other business leaders. It is a public-private partnership whose mission is to identify, fund and rigorously evaluate evidence-based programs that lead to a sustainable reduction in violence for individuals and communities most affected by violence and poverty.
WHAT: 33RD ANNUAL J.P. MORGAN CHASE CORPORATE CHALLENGE
WHEN: Thursday, May 22 at Grant Park
6:30pm CST
WHERE: Grant Park
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60602
Isiah Thomas Applauds Chicago’s Dramatic Crime Reduction
NBA Hall of Famer Praises Mayor Emanuel, Superintendent McCarthy and Father Pfleger for Commitment to Safer Communities
NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas on Monday praised Chicago’s historic crime reduction in 2013, including the fewest murders recorded in the city in 48 years.
“All of Chicago benefits from a reduction of crime and violence in its neighborhoods, and I applaud Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Superintendent McCarthy for their leadership and for the smart, collaborative approach being used to make Chicago safer,” Thomas said. “I also recognize the important work of Father Michael Pfleger and that of many other Chicago leaders who are working tirelessly to protect our communities, our children and our families. And while these historic gains are welcome, I look forward to working with these leaders in the future to make our city even safer.”
According to the Chicago Police Department, in 2013 the city had its lowest murder rate since 1966 and its lowest overall rate of crime since 1972.
A Chicago native, Thomas has worked closely with Mayor Emanuel on Chicago’s Peace Basketball Tournament and with Father Pfleger on the Windy City Hoops program. Both programs are designed to foster safer communities throughout the city.
Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas Second Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway at Marillac Social Center in Hometown Chicago, IL
Chicago, IL. – Mary’s Court, Isiah Thomas’ family foundation, is partnering with the Marillac Social Center for the Second Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway in the former NBA star’s hometown of Chicago. The toy giveaway will benefit Chicago youth ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade. Thomas will be on hand for the toy event, and will also help distribute winter coats, books, hats and gloves. Thomas will also raffle off bikes.
Marillac Social Center provides vital programs and services in the areas of child development, social services, family services, senior services and youth programs. Thomas’s mother was a longtime supporter of Marillac Social Center, and he founded the family foundation in her honor.
In addition to Thomas’ Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway, Mary’s Court Foundation will also be donating toys to Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago.
WHO: Isiah Thomas
WHAT: 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway
WHERE: Marillac House
212 S Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
WHEN: December 19, 2013
1:30pm-4:00pm
ABOUT MARY’S COURT CHARITY
Mary’s Court, established in 2010, is the family foundation of Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Mary’s Court commemorates the life and legacy of Isiah’s mother, Mary Thomas, as a transformational agent of service to the economically disadvantaged. Mary’s Court strives to create a model for schools and communities that inspires academic success, promotes good health, encourages housing and economic development, and builds safe communities.
ABOUT MARILLAC SOCIAL CENTER
Since 1914, Marillac Social Center has been serving the needs of the poor and working poor of the west side of Chicago. Sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, Marillac Social Center provides vital programs and services in the areas of child development, social services, family services, senior services and youth programs.
Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas Partners with One Million Degrees and Brooks Brothers to Suit Up Low-Income Community College Students for Success
Chicago, IL. – Isiah Thomas partners with One Million Degrees and Brooks Brothers for the fourth annual Suited for Success. The event provides high-quality, interview-worthy clothing and footwear to low-income, highly motivated community college students who will soon be entering the professional world.
Brooks Brothers, a longtime supporter of One Million Degrees, is generously providing new business apparel to 59 One Million Degrees Scholars, worth over $40,000. In addition, Brooks Brothers has facilitated wardrobe workshops for scholars around dressing for success and caring for professional clothing.
Executives and civic leaders from across Chicago will attend the event to participate in the Ties That Bind, Scarves that Support campaign, offering scholars and attendee’s professional tips and anecdotes on how they succeeded in their fields.
“I am deeply committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more educated Chicago for all residents, and I commend One Million Degrees for their work in supporting this goal,” said Isiah Thomas, Chicago native, activist and anti-violence advocate, and Chairman and CEO of Isiah International. “One Million Degrees provides educational and professional opportunities to many low-income Chicago students so that they can chart a better path for themselves and their families, and I’m thrilled to participate in this event and help these students suit up for success.”
In addition to assisting college students in Suited for Success, Thomas’ foundation, Mary’s Court Charity is donating to Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in his hometown Chicago to support the Lady of Sorrows Basilica Breakfast Program for a year. The program, which feeds the homeless, occurs every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
WHO: Isiah Thomas, Basketball legend, Chicago native, founder of Mary’s Court Charity, Chairman and CEO of Isiah International One Million Degrees, empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life.
Brooks Brothers, America’s Oldest Retailer and longtime supporter of One Million Degrees
WHAT: Suited for Success
WHERE: The Rookery
209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60603
WHEN: December 4, 2013
5:00pm-8:00pm
Note: Program featuring Chicago Executives and Civic Leaders will begin at 6:00pm.
BACKGROUND:
ABOUT MARY’S COURT CHARITY
Mary’s Court, established in 2010, is the family foundation of Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Mary’s Court commemorates the life and legacy of Isiah’s mother, Mary Thomas, as a transformational agent of service to the economically disadvantaged. Mary’s Court strives to create a model for schools and communities that inspires academic success, promotes good health, encourages housing and economic development, and builds safe communities.
ABOUT ONE MILLION DEGREES
One Million Degrees empowers low-income, highly motivated, community college students to succeed in school, in work, and in life. From tutors and coaches, to life-skills training and financial aid, One Million Degrees provides our scholars with supports that are critical to their success in the classroom and beyond.
ABOUT BROOKS BROTHERS
As America’s oldest retailer, Brooks Brothers has long been a fashion innovator. Established in 1818, Brooks Brothers was the first to offer ready-to-wear clothing and has continued throughout history with iconic product introductions including: seersucker, madras, the non-iron shirt and the original button-down collar. Nearly two centuries later, Brooks Brothers is proud to uphold the same traditions and values and to be the destination for ladies and gentlemen from every generation. Since its founding 194 years ago in New York, Brooks Brothers has become a legendary international retailer while maintaining a steadfast commitment to exceptional service, quality, style and value.
Architecture Student Cedric Jones Receives First UC Berkeley Isiah Thomas Scholarship
Berkeley, CA. – Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas recently awarded the first University of California Berkeley Isiah Thomas Scholarship to Cedric Jones, an Architecture student and the director of the Black Recruitment and Retention Center.
“Along with excelling at his work at Berkeley, Cedric Jones has shown a commitment to improving his community and having an impact on the next generation of talented students,” Thomas said.
During the fall, Jones and other African American students take a week off school to visit more than 100 schools in southern California where they conduct outreach presentations at middle schools, high schools, and community colleges. For the last four years, Jones has dedicated his time to the Black Recruitment & Retention Center as an Intern, Academic Retention Coordinator and is currently in his second term as Executive Director.
A native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Jones is the youngest of three children growing up within a low-income household in Hayward, CA. Through the support of community members and family both he and his sisters were given the opportunity to attend UC Berkeley. As a Landscape Architecture candidate Cedric’s dream is to create his own design firm catering to urban development within inner cities, specifying on revitalization of historic ethnic communities (i.e. Temescal of Oakland, Hunter’s Point of SF) and restoring them to capacities of their nostalgic primes. He also wants to be a professor of City & Regional Planning and educate students on the intersections between planning, gentrification and the loss of minority input in city development so that all can apply this knowledge in their respective fields to better the conditions of African Americans.
The California Heritage Fund and the African American Studies Department of UC Berkeley will administer the Isiah Thomas Scholarship. The scholarship will be given each year for 10 years to the student who holds the position of Director of the Black Recruitment and Retention Center (BRRC), a student-run organization that helps African American students with issues they may face before or after they come to Berkeley. The scholarship will enable its recipient to focus on the important work of the BRRC and their graduation as they prepare for graduate school or their chosen career.
The annual scholarship is named for former NBA star Isiah Thomas, who received his Masters of Education from Berkley in May 2013. In addition to the UC Berkeley scholarship program, Thomas provides a scholarship for undergraduate criminal justice students at his alma mater, Indiana University.
Hall-of-Famer Isiah Thomas Aquires Property in Evanston, IL
HOF Isiah Thomas recently acquired a Class A apartment building in Evanston, IL for investment purposes. The property is located at 525 Kedzie. It is a modern designed structure consisting of 20 residential units, 42 parking spaces, and 2 commercial spaces. The property was originally constructed in 2007 as a high-end residential condominium building for sale.
This property will be managed by TAND Properties. TAND properties provides comprehensive solutions to third party multifamily property owners through an experienced team of professionals with varied expertise, TAND offers the vast knowledge required to effectively oversee multi-family housing.
Isiah International, solely owned by Isiah Thomas, a commercial real estate investment company located in Chicago, Illinois identifies investment opportunities to qualified investors through the acquisition, management and disposition of multifamily housing units. In addition, Isiah International will focus on revitalizing properties in distressed communities and developing affordable housing on the west side of Chicago.
Mr Thomas’ philanthropic work through his foundation Mary’s Court will continue to focus on making a difference in the lives of families and young people in Chicago and around the country.
“I am excited about this new business endeavor and look forward to being a part of the Evanston community which is so close to my hometown Chicago where I am deeply involved in the business and philanthropic community.” Thomas said
National Action Network to Honor Isiah Thomas
Reverend Al Sharpton and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas to Headline the Launch of Education for a Better America & NAN Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago on Thursday at Frazier International Magnet School
Chicago – As part of the launch of the Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago, the National Action Network and Education for a Better America will present NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas with its EBA Community Engagement Award for Thomas’ work in violence prevention in the city of Chicago and around the nation.
A Chicago native, Thomas has worked closely with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Father Michael Pfleger on the Peace Basketball Tournaments, which recently launched and will continue through February, and the Windy City Hoops program which are designed to foster safer communities throughout the city.
Isiah Thomas will appear on MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with host Reverend Al Sharpton tomorrow at 5:00pm CST.
WHO: Rev. Al Sharpton, President of National Action Network (NAN) Isiah Thomas, Basketball legend, Chicago native, founder of Windy City Hoops Initiative Leadership from NAN, EBA and the Chicago community
WHAT: National Action Network & Education for a Better America Career Pipeline Initiative Launch
WHERE: Frazier International Magnet School 4027 W. Grenshaw St., Chicago, IL, 60624
WHEN: Thursday, November 7, 2013 10:00 am
BACKGROUND: Education for a Better America (EBA) and National Action Network (NAN) will launch the Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago, Illinois on Thursday, November 7 at 10:00am at Frazier International Magnet School (FIMS) on the West Side of Chicago. The purpose of this event is to highlight the achievement of FIMS, identify their best practices, and develop a plan to scale them up in order to transfer strategies that have proven to be successful to other schools and localities. In 2010, FIMS was the only school in the state of Illinois to achieve the 90 percent minority, 90 percent poverty (eligible for free or reduced lunch), 90 percent meeting or exceeding on the state assessment distinction. The school has repeated this feat for an unprecedented three years. Earlier this year, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized the FIMS as a National Blue Ribbon School.
National Action Network President and MSNBC PoliticsNation Host Reverend Al Sharpton will keynote the program and a “Best Practices Forum” will follow Reverend Sharpton’s address. EBA will also present FIMS with their 2013 Beacon Award for Excellence in Urban Education. NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, will be presented with the EBA Community Engagement Award for his efforts to develop youth and prevent violence in the Chicago area.
The Career Pipeline Initiative launched on Friday, November 1st at 9:30 a.m. at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, GA, the alma mater of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Lena Horne among others. The launch featured a fireside chat hosted by David Johns, Executive Director of the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for African Americans, and the African American Male Initiative (AAMI) students from the high school and Georgia State University. The program also featured an “Introduction to STEM Careers” Workshop by Dr. Kamau Bobb, a research scientist from Georgia Tech.
EBA Executive Director Marcus Bright stated that “the Career Pipeline Initiative in Chicago will consist of mentoring and programming geared towards providing career awareness and enrichment. EBA and NAN will partner with elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, corporations, existing mentorship programs, and other community organizations. This coalition will build a longitudinal continuum in different career fields from elementary and secondary school to post-secondary educational institutions to careers.”
The Peace League Tournament
The Peace League is an annual community basketball league that brings together young men from different communities in Chicago and provides them a safe space to meet each other, learn leadership values through teamwork and work through their differences through sport. Established in 2011 by Isiah Thomas and Father Michael Pfleger of The Faith Community of Saint Sabina, the tournament represents more than a game—it is an opportunity to break down barriers and help young men make positive changes in their lives and communities. Furthermore, the basketball tournament has grown into a program which now offers GED classes, employment training, and internship opportunities.
The Peace League has had a profound impact on the surrounding communities near St. Sabina Church and since it began, there has been a significant drop in violence in the area.
“The NBA players talk about how [the men] can build peace in the community,” Father Pfleger said. “Basketball has tremendous power because it helps build relationships, and the ball became the driving force, not gang divisions.”
“Our goal is to put young people in the right places, put them in the hands of the right people, so they will choose a different path. It’s a lot harder to hurt someone you know once you’ve developed respect for them,” Mary’s Court Founder Isiah Thomas said. “The Peace League affords these young men the opportunity to get to know each other on and off the court, and I am proud to work alongside Father Pfleger to help our young people pursue opportunities in basketball, in academics and in life.”
NBA stars like Chicago Bulls’ Derick Rose, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, Jabari Parker of the Milwaukee Bucks and Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons joined forces with Mary’s Court Foundation founder and NBA Hall of Famer, Isiah Thomas, to serve as coaches and mentors to these young men and offer insight on how to positively navigate through society.
“Basketball has a way of bringing groups together, bringing people together and breaking down barriers. Just as sport has broken down racial barriers, we think sport has an opportunity to bring down gang barriers.” said Isiah Thomas, founder of Mary’s Court Foundation. “Earning respect, having a positive reputation and being a valued member of a group or a team is partly the reason I’m where I am today; I was taught I could achieve these virtues by playing on a basketball team. Too many of our kids try to achieve them by being in a gang.”
The Peace League is held on Monday nights in The Ark of Saint Sabina, 7800 South Racine. Games begin at 6:15pm, and will continue through February 2015.