Students Using Passion For Basketball To Raise Awareness Of Gun Violence

(CBS) -- Three young boys are raising awareness about gun violence in their community by turning a passion for basketball into a way to make a difference, reports CBS 2's Sandra Torres.

For seventh graders Drew, Jalen and Cole, basketball is their passion. So when a school assignment required they create a project to make a difference in their community, basketball was a given.

"It's a program to try and stop gun violence and to get kids off the streets and onto the court," said Jalen Harris.

They named their project: "Baskets Not Bullets: Off the Street and Onto the Court."

"It helps them stay safe and away from gangs and guns," said Cole Tansley.

"I hope this is a symbol of hope for kids across the city that have been affected by gun violence," said Crew Donahue.

For Jalen, it's more than just a school project, it's a way to give pay tribute to his friend, nine-year-old Tyshawn Lee, who was shot and killed last November in the Gresham neighborhood.

"He was a family close friend and I knew him," he said. "We played basketball together a couple of times and it made me sad he sad, it made me very sad when he passed away."

The boys are now traveling to other schools, raising awareness about gun violence and collecting funds for a program in the Chicago Park District called "Windy City Hoops."

"It always feels incredibly surreal to me because I firmly believe in the power that kids have and the power of their voices," said Ana Solis, teacher at Oscar Mayer Magnet School.

A project just meant to be a school assignment that has gone beyond their teachers' and parents' expectations.

"I'm so proud to be a part of this group," said Cole.

If you'd like to help the cause, you can make a donation to their gofundme page.