AUP's David Meggyesy & Mike James in sitdown at Chicago's Heartland Cafe
CHICAGO- A big part of Athletes United for Peace's national network flows through the Heartland Cafe in Chicago's Rogers Park, headquarters for the agency's Chicago chapter. Longtime community activist, writer, actor, and businessman Michael James is the catalyst for the Midwest cultural establishment located near the shores of Lake Michigan.

James is one of AUP's founding board members, and the one responsible for leading the organization's schedule of annual sports events in the Windy City. In addition to organizing the 5k runs and street sprints, Michael also co-hosts the "Live from the the Heartland" radio show with his longtime partner Katy Logan. The show which airs each Saturday morning on Chicago's WLUW 88.7 FM, can be viewed on heartlandmedia's new progressive youtube media channel.

Michael James recently had a sit down interview with AUP board president David Meggyesy, former Western Region Director of the National Football League Player's Association in San Francisco. Meggyesy, author of the Out of their League, openly discusses the dilema facing the NFL with upcoming collective bargaining agreement between the players and owners.

David also gives his insight about the circumstances surrounding the current surge in head injuries (player concussions) in college and professional football.
AUP and RIA partnering to complete special documentary about community organizing
Athletes United for Peace's long partnership with the Richmond Improvement Association (RIA) has led to the production of a documentary film highlighting the faith-based group's efforts to create a "culture of peace" in Richmond, California. "I remember AUP's first digital academy with teens in North Richmond at our church, and the documentary series they produced was incredible. I'm excited about learning how these types of documentaries are put together," says Rev. Andre Shumake, RIA's President and Bay Area peace activist. (more)