Hitting Home
Although this blog is primarily about youth affected by violence, this particular story could not go without mention. Yesterday five people were found shot to death in the 7600 block of South Rhodes in the Park Manor neighborhood. The victims were three men and two men, all in their 20s. Park Manor is right next to the neighborhood I grew up in and continue to call home, Chatham. Both are in the 6th ward, represented by Ald. Freddrenna Lyle — who lives three blocks from where the murders took place.
The shooting brings the number of shooting victims since last Friday to more than 40, 12 of which are fatal. While many of the shootings have been attributed to gang tensions, this shooting is believed to be isolated.
My hope is that these murders do not reflect a negative light on Park Manor or Chatham. They are thriving communities with a rich history and countless people –young and old– who work to make things at least a little bit better. The area has been home to gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, former Chicago Cub Ernie Banks and continues to be the home of former Illinois State Comptroller and Attorney General Roland Burris, who was the first African American elected to a statewide office in Illinois.
UPDATE
