Project sWish held its third annual “Lock In” event,, a “28 Hours of Peace” non-violence experience that kept young men off the streets and on the basketball court.
The free event, held Feb. 22 in Chicago, celebrated founder McKinley Nelson’s 28th birthday. The event focused on empowering young Black men through meaningful discussions, skill-building workshops, and creative expression.
Attendees took part in programs and conversations focused on healing, education, career development, and personal growth in an effort to equip them with the tools necessary to make positive impacts in their communities.
Event highlights included career readiness workshops, financial literacy and leadership development sessions.
“Turning 28 is a blessing and a milestone, but for too many young men in Chicago, reaching this age isn’t guaranteed,” Nelson said in a press release. “Nothing makes me more proud than to celebrate another year of life by using my platform to impact and create opportunities for my peers and the next generation.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois sponsored the event.
“Project sWish’s dedication to transforming lives in
our community remains unwavering,” said Tiffany Davis, executive director of quality improvement & health equity at Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Their work providing safe spaces, mentorship, and holistic health resources is truly life-changing, and why we continue to be a faithful supporter of this organization.”Ahead of the event, he shared his vision for the initiative with ABC 7 Chicago. Project sWish was a response to the friends he made through a shared love of basketball who he later lost to gun violence.
”It’s an organization we developed to use basketball to combat the violence,” said Nelson.
The lock-in events have become synonymous with his birthdays and feature players coming together for hours of games and impactful programs.
”It keeps growing more and more every year,” Nelson said.
Local thought leaders and public figures showed their support and participation for this year’s Lock-In, poet J. Ivy; actors LaRoyce Hawkins and Ahmad Ferguson; financial entrepreneur and media personality Ross Mac; former NBA All-Star and Chicago native Antoine Walker; and civic engagement leader Chris Crater.
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