Give Chicago Wounded Neighborhoods What They Need

As As Published in the Chicago Tribune By William J. Booker

When neighborhoods of color are disenfranchised, properties are devalued, improvements and services to our communities are never made, and many middle-class people inevitably move to the suburbs. Thus, people who can't afford to move out become trap in an environment lacking opportunity, and struggle to survive by any means necessary. Many of these neighborhoods on the south and west side of the city, fueled by poverty, are now left in ruins and overrun by violence.

"You can't expect a goldfish to survive in a dirty fish tank if you never change the water. Nor can you expect people to survive in communities that lack opportunities & investment." 

It breeds crime in the entire city. However, if you treat people with respect and give them the tools and opportunities necessary to support themselves and their families they can be capable of doing amazing things. But what you can't continue to do is piss on a person's leg and tell them that it's raining. Those days are over.

Thankfully, we now have a Mayor who fully understands the value of strong communities and is willing to do whatever it takes to put an end to a lot of the senseless violence that has taken over the city. In light of it all...the city that works, must work for everyone--no matter what side of town you live on.