Keep South Chicago in Your Prayers

A Reflection and a Request

In the past week, there have been two murders in South Chicago, 3 blocks north of where Katie and I live (91st street). Same spot both times - 87th street bus stop.

Last Friday 11/13, a 21 year old man was shot because of gang related alliances. Today, a 17 year old boy was shot for probably the same reason. The glass that was the exterior of the bus stop shelter is shattered. Now the hundreds of people who pass by that bus stop or take the bus from there will have to live with a constant reminder of the violence and disregard for the importance of life, the beauty of life, that lives and grows in their neighborhood, our neighborhood.

Just yesterday I stood in the back of three classrooms in an elementary school on 119th street and listened as Jacob, Diane, Anthony, Alonzo, Darrell, Victor, LaToya, and Gerald all told their own story of living on the streets. They each spoke of their experience with drugs, violence, uncontrollable anger, alcohol, addiction to money and power, and their time in prison. They each gave the 7th and 8th grade students advice on how to stay away from living on the streets and/or joining gangs. Some of the St. Leonard's residents made the students laugh, some made the students pay attention, some even made the students realize they can reach their goals as long as they stick to the road less travelled by and stay in school. The students asked questions, they wanted to know more details, wanted to know more about the speaker's new path to a successful life without the family they built in alleyways and lived with on street corners. The kids listened, or so it seemed.

Some students began a mini-fight outside the school after the last bell; in front of the parents and in front of all the men and women who just shared their souls with them. It may have been playful because they knew everyone was watching, but it still hurt to see it. I know I shouldn't expect a talk to kids to get through on the first time, but I was hopeful.

We, the men and women of St. Leonard's and myself, travel to another elementary school tomorrow to continue telling kids what it's really like to be a gangster and how to avoid it. Please keep us, and all the victims of violence in South Chicago and the world, in your thoughts and prayers. Please also send some good vibes of love and compassion our way, South Chicago really needs some right now.

Peace & love to you all,
Emily