Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah won the 2014-15 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, presented by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA). The honor, named after the NBA’s second commissioner, is presented to the player, coach or athletic trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community.
Tobias Harris of the Orlando Magic, forward Greg Monroe of the Detroit Pistons, guard Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers and forward Zach Randolph of the Memphis Grizzlies were finalists for the honor.
Noah has played his entire eight-year career with the Bulls. Noah is committed to helping children develop a stronger sense of self through Noah’s Arc Foundation (NAF). The foundation recently launched the “Rock Your Drop: The Drop of Consciousness” anti-violence initiative, which supports those affected by violence and encourages youth to express themselves through creative outlets like sports and art.
NAF also produced the “You’re Not Alone” anti-violence video featuring first-hand stories from those who have lost loved ones to violence, including Noah’s teammates Taj Gibson, Nazr Mohammed and Derrick Rose. Last summer, in his ongoing efforts to raise awareness of gun violence and promote unity in Chicago, Noah and NAF debuted the #ChicagoStandUp public service announcement and hosted a basketball tournament that brought together young men from the south and west sides of the city.
“Joakim’s initiatives to slow the violence in Chicago should inspire us all to help in our communities,” said PBWA president Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. “His creative, sustained efforts stood out in perhaps the deepest pool of worthy candidates in the 41-year history of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.”
RECENT WINNERS NBA J. WALTER KENNEDY CITIZENSHIP AWARD
Season
Winner, Team
2000-01
Dikembe Mutombo, Philadelphia
2001-02
Alonzo Mourning, Miami
2002-03
David Robinson, San Antonio
2003-04
Reggie Miller, Indiana
2004-05
Eric Snow, Cleveland
2005-06
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
2006-07
Steve Nash, Phoenix
2007-08
Chauncey Billups, Detroit
2008-09
Dikembe Mutombo, Houston
2009-10
Samuel Dalembert, Philadelphia
2010-11
Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers
2011-12
Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
2012-13
Kenneth Faried, Denver
2013-14
Luol Deng, Cleveland
2014-15
Joakim Noah, Chicago