CHICAGO—The spirit of community, mentorship, and resilience was on full display at the Hoopers 2 Heaven basketball event on September 8, as one of the participating teams was named in honor of Sister Karen Farrakhan.
Sister Karen Farrakhan, 63, a devoted mother, wife, and dedicated member of the Nation of Islam, returned to Allah on August 8, 2024. The tribute was part of a larger mission to uplift young Black and Latino/Indigenous teens by providing them with a safe space for growth through basketball, mentorship, and community support.
“Karen is dear to my heart. She was our queen, our fallen shoulder,” said Carl Harris, one of the event organizers. “We asked my close friend, Mustapha Farrakhan, if we could honor Karen by naming one of the teams after her.
For over 30 years, he and Karen came to watch Bryan and me play in various tournaments,” said Mr. Harris, referring to Sister Karen’s beloved husband, Nation of Islam Student Supreme Captain Mustapha Farrakhan. The Karen Farrakhan Team wore green “Hoopers 2 Heaven,” t-shirts.
“I thank Allah for the thought of them honoring my wife. This shows the effect that Sister Karen had on those that are sponsoring this great event, yearly. She was very supportive of the effort that they were doing on behalf of Bryan Leach,” said Brother Mustapha Farrakhan, in an exclusive Final Call interview.
“Her untimely death was a shock to all of them and they felt, as a duty to her and to what she stood for, to honor her, in very quick fashion for the work that she was doing in her community and for her Nation.”
The event took place on the Bryan Leach courts—named after the beloved Chicago basketball legend and community leader who passed away in February 2017 due to complications from sarcoidosis.
The day featured a mini basketball tournament for teens aged 14-17, along with back-to-school giveaways, live performances, food, and games. Now in its fifth year, the event attracted families and supporters from across the city.
Though NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway, a longtime supporter and childhood friend of Leach, couldn’t attend this year, he has continually praised the event’s dedication to uplifting youth through basketball.
Bryan Leach’s family continues to work hard to keep his legacy alive. “My father always taught me to give back. If you have the resources, you give opportunities to others. That’s what keeps our community strong,” said Cody Leach, Bryan’s son, echoing Hardaway’s sentiments.
Monica Leach, Bryan’s widow, added, “My husband stood for the community, especially the children. He would organize events like this, bring in celebrities, and make sure kids had what they needed. That’s why we’re here—to continue his legacy.”
Naming a team after Sister Karen Farrakhan was a significant moment of the day, especially given that Karen and Mustapha Farrakhan are the parents of Harvey-born Mustapha Farrakhan Jr., a Chicago-area basketball legend who played high school ball at Thornton Township, college basketball for the University of Virginia and in the NBA Summer League. The gesture highlighted the deep connections between families, basketball, and community service.
The 2024 Hoopers 2 Heaven event also paid tribute to several streetball legends who have made a lasting impact on Chicago’s basketball scene.
Darnell Bullock and Sco Hayes from the West Side, along with Frank Hampton and Sean Wright from the South Side, were honored for their contributions both on and off the court. These legends were celebrated not only for their talent but also for inspiring the next generation of players.
Lauren Foster—an ex-player, trainer, coach, mentor, and activist—received the Bryan Leach Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication to developing professional players and advocating for youth.
Foster, who has mentored countless athletes, was recognized for her tireless commitment to using basketball as a tool for personal growth and empowerment in the community. The award underscored the event’s mission to honor those who continue to shape and inspire young lives through sports.
