Community marks 30 years of ‘Hoop Dreams’ with new basketball court in Garfield Park

CHICAGO – On Saturday, the community came out to support the unveiling of a new basketball court in Garfield Park that also honors a special anniversary.

The groundbreaking sports documentary "Hoop Dreams" turns 30.

"These two legends, Arthur Agee and William Gates, I watched their documentary as a kid and we're unveiling a court in Garfield Park in honor of them," said Jahmal Cole, CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City.

The documentary follows Chicago inner-city basketball players William Gates and Arthur Agee over a five-year period, showcasing them trying to navigate life in some of the city's toughest neighborhoods to pursue their goals on the basketball court.

Both Gates and Agee were present at the court unveiling Saturday to show their support.

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"This is another dream that became a reality," Agee said.

"I am overwhelmed by this court this amazing court, overwhelmed by the people that showed up," Gates added.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the court was made possible through collaboration of many partners.

"Of course everyone who made this possible, Project Back board, Kartemquin films and of course My Block, My Hood, My City," Johnson said.

The documentary, according to Johnson, continues to inspire generations.

"It was really the story about many young people in this city who wake up with that same grit...we're just built different," Johnson said.

Community leaders hope the new court can help young people make their own dreams come true.

"A lot of people feel like basketball courts are magnets for violence, and if you take the rims down the neighborhood will be safer," Cole said. "I'm like, that doesn't make sense. We have to decriminalize basketball and change that."

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With so many young people at the unveiling, Agee and Gates shared their advice to today's youth.

"Persevere, have determination resilience, encouragement motivation," Agee said.

"It's not the dream, it's the process and you can't take out certain aspects of the process," Gates said.

The 30th anniversary celebrations continue in November when Hoop Dreams producers join the stars of the film at the 2024 Chicago Humanities Festival for an in-depth conversation.