This is via Kim from our FB fan page.
I am a product of the 60’s. Although my mom was a single parent, I always knew my dad. He would come over and spend time with us. My mom was a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) at Cook County Hospital. Her work ethic was impeccable. She was up bright and early every day to get dressed and have her coffee before she took the bus to go to work. Although she was only 5’1′, she knew that to succeed, you had to work hard and whatever your occupation, give it your all so that you are never at the mercy of a job. In other words, make yourself marketable. I grew up in the Englewood area where the Black Stone Rangers and Black Disciples Nation were always around. Being the youngest of six, I remember the gangs were trying to recruit my three brothers. One day, my oldest brother arrived home with a strange cap. My mother asked him where he had gotten it. When he told her, she knew it was from a gang member. Next, she took the cap, cut it up, and bur
ned it. Another brother was chased around the block by gang members who were trying to recruit him but to no avail. You know why, my mother boldly told the gang bangers that they would not recruit any of her children! As a result, the gang recruitment ceased and strangely enough, the gang banger who tried to recruit my oldest brother became friends and he looked after my brother whenever he went out to make sure that no other gang members bothered him or my other brothers. Sadly, this gang member was shot several times but survived. Not one of his so-called gang family was there in the hospital or when he was released to go home. My brother was. They are friends to this day. Today, my heart hurts when I watch television or read in the newspapers black people killing one another. We must stop making excuses for the plight of the black community. There are jobs, even in a tough economy. There are resources. The problem is that we have created a climate of entitlement to which many parents believe that have absolutely no responsibilties. We do not value education, dignity, nor respect. Many priorities are lacking. Chicago is a very proud city, let us not turn it into a laughingstock of the country, or maybe even, the WORLD! Sorry, I just got a little long-winded. Thanks for letting me share my story.
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