DePaul Sports Management Course Makes an Impact: Collaboration with the Chicago Bulls and the MAAFA Redemption Project

The MAAFA Redemption Project is a faith-based organization in West Garfield Park to help at-risk young men ages 18-30.  Half of MAAFA’s 26 students participate in a residential program and are required to wake up at 7:15 am to begin their daily program. The rigorous daily schedule includes participation in philosophy and self-identity courses, meditation, and job training in addition to other courses and activities. Quentin Harris, graduate of the program and current program manager and life coach at MAAFA, spoke to the class about MAAFA’s impact on his life. Harris told the class that the self-identity course was the most impactful part of MAAFA. In this course, Harris learned about African American culture, the Civil Rights Act, and the Atlantic Slave Trade.  Prior to taking the course, Harris explained that he saw his neighbors as enemies. The course provided him with a different perspective, and Harris is now able to see people in a different light.