Bill Cartwright Returns to Chicago to Celebrate Memoir ‘Living Life at the Center’

Chicago Bulls legend and NBA champion Bill Cartwright was recently back in town, but not to play basketball.

Cartwright was present with members of the community and local leadership at the African American Contractors Association (AACA) national office in Chicago when he held a book signing reception to mark the publication of his autobiography, “Living Life at the Center.” The intimate reception took place in the AACA office, located at 514 E. 95th Street, and was attended by residents, admirers, and professionals who wished to meet one of the pillars of the Bulls’ ’90s dynasty years.

The memoir, autographed and read at the event, provides a candid account of Cartwright’s life—from his upbringing in California to his three championships in a row with the Bulls and his transition into coaching and leadership positions. Guests received more than autographs alone. They listened to tales of determination, purpose, and transformation, delivered in the reflective tone of which Cartwright is renowned.

The AACA, which has long been a champion of economic empowerment and Black contractors, organized the event as part of its effort to bring empowering voices to the community.

Cartwright, who spent 16 seasons in the NBA and won five championships—three as a player and two as assistant coach—also reflected on his experience as the leader of the Bulls from the sidelines. He was the team’s 14th head coach starting in December of 2001, guiding the franchise through its post-Jordan years

For his long-time admirers who grew up seeing him rule the canvas, the evening was an opportunity to reunite. For their younger peers, it was a learning experience about endurance and change. “Living Life at the Center” explores more than basketball. It’s a reflection on how to become your best self, how to be a leader, and how to be true to yourself regardless of the setting.

And on a quiet night on the South Side, Cartwright did just that–uniting people yet again, this time not with a basketball, but through his extraordinary life.

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