Chicago Names Street For High School Basketball Legend Killed in 1984
Ben Wilson was an exceptional high school athlete who was surely on his way to the pros when he was senselessly shot and killed.
In 1984, when Wilson was just 17 years old, he was regarded as the best high school basketball player in the nation. He had just led Simeon Career Academy to their first state championship. Wilson was supposed to play the season opening game of his senior year when he was shot and killed by a student from a rival school.
Wilson's hometown of Chicago took a step this week to ensure that his name will always be remembered and honored.
CBS News reports the city renamed the intersection of 78th Street and Eberhart Avenue in the athlete’s honor to commemorate the 38th anniversary of his death. Wilson's family, several former teammates, and local officials were present during the ceremony.
In the days after Wilson was killed, hundreds of mourners attended his vigil and wake including Mayor Harold Washington and former Mayor Jane Byrne. Wilson's funeral service was held at the headquarters of the Rev. Jesse Jackson's Operation PUSH – now the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
The gunman, William Moore, was also a high school student when he killed Wilson. Moore was 16 years old when the basketball star bumped into him as he walked with his girlfriend. The boys argued and Moore shot Wilson. Moore served three months shy of 20 years in prison before being released in 2004.
