Chicago at the Crossroad (Poverty Documentary) | Real Stories

[@kevingarcia5923]

Im from the hood, where we need to start is stop glorifying skipping school, slanging, shooting, being a thug and start glorifying getting a job, going to school, and being there for our kids. We blame the government but dont look in the mirror.

[@user-ht4kp7py2c]

sports too. If people would spend as much time playing ball (football or basketball) studying some (not all) of the problems would be remedied. Sports aren't bad by any means, but the push for every black youth to become professional athletes is crazy and destructive.

[@DePalma.]

100%. The destructive things that are rewarded in certain cultures need to be viewed as taboo. This is the only way the culture will succeed...when successful actions are rewarded rather than demonized. Basically mimic what happy/successful people do & you too will become happy/successful. It also works the other way

[@DePalma.]

@Imma Beat Yo Azz That’s super interesting, Good for them. I feel like it’s really hard to change around once it gets into the culture… Music, etc. But it’s not impossible, once kids look up to people that are doing positive things, they’ll want to do the positive things as well. It’s just nature to mimics the cool older guys lol

[@albertawheat6832]

People spend to much time looking out through the window, When they should spend equal amount of time looking in the mirror.

[@milancodronzo2421]

You’re fighting a force much greater than you; the idolising of Hip Hop which endorses such primitive beliefs that is supported behind closed doors by those who want to keep the African American communities in medieval conditions. Malcolm X knew what was going one and May he Rest In Peace.

[@vickikendricks]

I promise you I'm not gloating. Grew up on the southside of Chicago followed my HS boyfriend to the Air Force. Stayed in 20 years traveled the world, retired in Hawaii working from home and taking classes. It can happen!

[@OGCJ10]

That's a beautiful thing. Now you're enjoying the fruits of your labor.

[@daydreamer1560]

Thank you for your service. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@gritsnwavy3059]

Do you ever go back to visit?

[@vickikendricks]

@@gritsnwavy3059 I go as a tourist. When I grew up in Chicago I never visited Sears Tower, Navy Pier, Chicago Art Museum with my Mom. We could never afford deep dish pizza, gyros, or Italian beefs; so when I go I make the most of ever attraction, restaurant and skyline tour. I come to appreciate what Chicago can be vs. how it is.

[@American_Observer]

I'm currently serving 10 years....I don't think enough people realize that actually serving your country is the easiest way to generate generational wealth for your family if you are trying to start it. The educational medical and dental benefits are good and also the travel around the country and around the world can give you or at least help give you perspective of life. Thank you for your service

[@valantinathompson1573]

In the beginning, I heard the guy preaching saying Chicago looks like a third world country. I grew up in Ghana, a small country in West Africa (raised in a great up middle class family) and when I moved to America, I was shocked at some communities people lived in and the misery people lived in. I NEVER saw anything like this in my life till i came to America. My point is these filthy places, all the problems are images of America and are part of the United States of America. Stop calling and describing them as "like third world". THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS; a country of riches, poverty, crime, happy places, just like every countries. Great documentary though.

[@yolandas.6193]

Excellent comment!

[@petelouis5516]

I Love your comment Valantina. I think an awful lot of Americans have trouble reconciling that the reality of their own country is NOT the image that they like to portray to the rest of the world. The home of the Free, the land of Opportunity, the richest country on earth - sure.... but only for the lucky ones.

[@schatzeeone6230]

@@petelouis5516 I respectfully disagree. I came from a lower class family. Alcoholic dad, chronically depressed mom, homeless at one point, became a teen mom and wife, the whole sad story. I retired completely on my 40th birthday and my husband works just 6 months a year. We have two homes that are paid for, our vehicles are always bought with cash, we have investment real estate and own a business. I can promise you that “luck” didn’t get us here. Decades of hard work, sacrifice and smart decisions are what got us here.

[@axeldurman5224]

Interesting that you've taken ownership of a lable imposed on your country "third world"! Is your mind that enslaved even though none of your ancestors were sold into bondage? Perhaps you should begin to look inwardly instead of being a keyboard warrior!

[@hyemuhyemu8221]

chicago looks nothing like a third world city. It is the 8th wealthiest city in the world by GDP. this is what real chicago looks like kzbin.info/www/bejne/on7GfqOtfLOnbsU

[@andyd3447]

These mentors are doing exactly what they should be doing. Stepping up, not making excuses and helping out their community. Amazing.

[@falishamote1059]

I really don’t have an solution but I can speak on coming up in an inner city in the 80s as an only child ..... The boys and Girls club saved me, They taught us there is a whole world out here that we can explore. They taught us how to swim, took us to different states and cities... It really takes a village because your family may not know what to do, so a teacher a social worker etc. can guide the child/children to a better path

[@paleamigo8575]

We need more of these types of activities.👍

[@Danlovestrivium]

The Democrats you voted for made this. This is simply fact. If you disagree, it's because you're a denier of truth.

[@troutstreamdeanohio797]

The club- saved me and a lot of others

[@marcusshabazz3978]

You just said it the afrikan way of raising children was the best way of keeping youngsters out of problem but the more black people got integrated into this individualistic white american culture the more black people they lost their way AND now you end up with a generation of reactionary youths. Malcolm X said it DO NOT integrate the coffee for it will only get weaker.

[@Danlovestrivium]

@@marcusshabazz3978 Yeah, just like all of those "strong" African countries! LMFAO!!! Black fragility.

[@Terrence90.]

When a 6 year old tell you to pray they make it through the summer 💔 you know it needs to stop. At 6 I wasn’t even thinking about dying. No kid should be scared of being killed.

[@wissibenvevo8978]

That's crazy bro

[@traveljunkie3946]

Thats cold man....i cant even imagine my children thinking about being killed. It's unacceptable. How did the USA come to this? This breaks my heart man.

[@food1upper898]

Now it’ll only get worse for her she wants to be a cop she’ll get whats coming

[@Terrence90.]

@@traveljunkie3946 you right it is unacceptable

[@Terrence90.]

@@food1upper898 I pray it doesn’t

[@pbr2148]

I grew up in Public Housing. I went to the Army, got a college degree, high paying job & bought a $225,000 house. It can be done if you have a plan & work hard.

[@guardianofdeeznutz_7631]

Great, but thats doesn't change whats been done.

[@kingnsengiyunva614]

what if you couldnt get a high job 'cause of the color of your skin ? where then will you get the $225k to buy a house ?

[@JustinK0]

@@kingnsengiyunva614 military training and college degree is better than nothing , eventually a job will be found if we apply everywhere. People shouldnt use that as an reason to not try at all.

[@pbr2148]

@@kingnsengiyunva614 what color are you green, blue? Because lots of brothers make money, lots of Hispanics make money, etc.

[@kingnsengiyunva614]

@@pbr2148 Yes i know lots of minorities( in race terms ) make money, have jobs etc but still there is some degree of racial profiling when it comes to jobs in countries like America. happens in other places as well... thats my point. Some Americans haven't found the American dream yet and yet they are hard working and smart.

[@BPoetiqueVlogs]

I’m so proud of the progression in Edwin’s journey. The city is beautiful but navigating is rough & nuanced. I do hope that we, as a city, can come together to continue to provide opportunities and resources to build, maintain, and continue to move forward in a positive way.

[@nova77791]

Fathers have to raise their kids. Thats where this starts. Throwing money at the problem alone wont solve it

[@paulw.9015]

No it starts with the mother finding a man suitable to be father, actually getting to know the person before popping out babies

[@reginaldnaughton3994]

@@paulw.9015 no the fathers need to stick around

[@prncessbaby16]

So I know people currently on section 8, and it Will get cancelled if you live with the dad. You have to be a single mom.The book: 'The making of a slave” also talks about this. How the goal is to get the woman to become independent of the man so that the family can be broken up.

[@utubecomment21]

In any world where divorce rates are soaring, regardless of race … how many fathers do you think are around in any meaningful way? My parents divorced when I was 5 years old, we moved 300 miles away from my father, and this was back in 1979. I had a very sporadic dial-a-dad relationship, but that was about it. As for me, I got into the stock market a few years ago, and I just completed a purchase of my third multimillion dollar property just before the lockdown, that I've bought for my own personal use … not to buy and let! So my base is near London, I have a property in Portugal where I go surfing, and I have a property in Toronto, just for a break. All multimillion pound properties, all paid for in cash, no mortgage! My Advice, watch these two videos. For anyone trying to make it, I think this is the best advice I've ever heard. I wish I thought of saying it, but holds the key to anyone who wants a modicum of financial success in their lives ... and it's not your usual *buy my ebook* or *pay for my seminar* Tony Robbins or Grant Cardone nonsense, this is real advice from someone who as worked at Goldman & JP Morgan and who was featured on a BBC TV series! 10 Secrets to Achieve Financial Success - kzbin.info/www/bejne/apKYYqqHdrR6iJY The 5 Principles Behind the 10 Secrets - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqupnWOredx0h7s&ab_channel=InstituteofTrading And never get a mortgage! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jImyeZ6pbZl_a9U&ab_channel=westbamwestbam

[@utubecomment21]

@@paulw.9015 I think sometimes people feel bound or limited by what's around them, and so choice for some are limited. It's not a matter of making a bad choice, but making the best of what's around.

[@pamelawilliams1302]

It all begins at home... Men who father children then leave to never return. Single mothers, alone, broke, homeless and abandoned with their children. In a world of despair, comes violence and death.

[@talktometv9393]

This is why I say WE HAVE TO FIGHT FOR LOVE IN THE BLACK HOUSE HOLD

[@madamluis2537]

@@talktometv9393 get married before having kids.!

[@namepolicy4489]

@@madamluis2537 Because married men don't walk out on their families?!

[@oama2009]

It says that there was a monetary incentive for males to move out of the house. The system would pay families if the dads were out of the house. And this is because the families want to be on welfare.

[@blessedone1446]

As a fathers rights advocate. You are wrong its design to keep him out and keep her alone

[@robertferguson9306]

To my fellow black people we have a problem respecting and loving each other. Stop looking for respect when we don't give it to each other.

[@SMIGGS]

Respect yourself and take nothing less from everyone else.

[@mrjohnnyk]

Wise words.

[@biancalord488]

Can’t we do both simultaneously

[@forbiddenfruit2449]

Charity begins at home!

[@APJDFSONLY]

What’s going on in Chicago has nothing to do with respect.

[@manKigogo]

I am an Engineering student from Kenya 🇰🇪,I can't imagine the trouble my brothers and sisters are going through out there.Much love to those who keep their heads up no matter what comes there way.I am hopeful we shall all overcome some day.

[@jeromewortham3848]

@ Melly - This started with slavery. Slavery of blacks started in 1619 in Fort Monroe. Virginia. For about 9 generations - that is when the 13th Amendment was signed December 18, 1865. For 9 generations the following occurred: All African cultural values of the slaves were stripped, families were broken up, slaves were not allowed to read (slaves who learned were killed), slaves were not to own property, and slaves were not taught about American economic, political or social systems. Once the slaves were free, they still faced persecution, could not adapt or teach their children about these things. Black Americans are still play catch up. The only way to fix these issues is education (learning how America works), smart-hard work, discipline, and some type of moral system. (One just cannot go around breaking laws). You come from Kenya...you will see the Kenyan culture has prepared you on how to live a good life here in America. Especially if you are a Kikuyu, Maasai or Luo. (smile)

[@NostalgiaVibes420]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@KP-hi1om]

As a 50 year old man from Los Angeles I sit here with a tear in my eye. I was headed down the same road as many of the young men in this documentary. If not for God and joining the military I fear that would have been another statistic. Men need to step up in their respective neighborhoods. Women can't keep raising children on their own. We have to be role models , caregivers, fathers, husbands, and bread winners. Everything starts at home and with God.

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

The military is a good way to build discipline and it gives you time to escape that chaos. Good for you bud 👍 hope you're well

[@elena-lc4uk]

Homeless are going through it now. Like Richard Pryor said They got them so new Ninjas now!!

[@dietlindvonhohenwald448]

Very true and also women have to stop having large numbers of kids by different men and bring abusive boyfriends around their kids. Why should the judge give these criminals a 3rd or 4th chance. If you go to jail as a teen for the 1st time, you would think they learn from that but the go right back to gang banging and drug dealing. They drop out of HS and want to stand on street corners, instead of staying in school and help their mothers. Like you, they can join the military and the military will give them job training and even pay for college if they want. But most of these guys just want quick money and are too lazy to work for it.

[@TheSunshineplace10]

Amen

[@debrawalker2414]

A-men 👏 A-men 👏 A-men 👏 ToGodBeTheGlory

[@redcanoe9810]

Being poor doesn't mean you can't be clean, work together and look after the area you live in.

[@jsun7972]

Did you even watch the video? What you said is true but that wasn't the problem in Chicago. The problem was so many people were stacked on top of each other with no real policing, no jobs available, and the youth running wild forming gangs. You had father's being locked up for crimes to get money or leaving the household so that the mother would get more financial aid, cause if he was home, they wouldn't get enough aid but they would get more money if he was NOT here. That system was so messed up that's why they tore it down. But now there are generations of people who have adapted to this poor lifestyle of gangs and violence as if it's normal. And they are still facing the same problems. No jobs. etc.

[@MariaHernandez-hv2qy]

Exactly, I grew up in the hood in Chicago pilsen.and poor. But we made the best of what we had . We kept it clean we worked anywhere we could just to put food on the table and clothes on our backs. We worked hard and saved up and moved to the burbs. Anything is possible people just gotta want it bad enough and go get it. Life is what you make of it period.

[@meetstepsisalcoholicdouche6167]

@@jsun7972 what you’re describing wasn’t the problem of all Chicago. I grew up on the far south side. RoseLand area. People were never stacked on top of each other like that. There was no opportunity, for allot of people growing up crime was the only way to eat. See after we lost our manufacturing jobs allot of neighborhoods became that much worse because now nobody’s working. I watched it happen first hand growing up

[@-Ashie...]

Seriously I cant believe how hard it is for people to pick up after themselves & keep things cleaned. Not to vandalize & damage property & trash everything...

[@dereinrocker9041]

@Ash C and @Red Canoe this comment is not only ignorant, its plain stupid. Sorry to say,

[@functionalfloridalandscaping]

"There became a financial incentive for the father to move out..." So heartbreaking and yet so prevalent even today.

[@johnnyx7161]

And nine months later your making the big bucks!

[@ch1il986]

@@johnnyx7161 and 9 year's later lil.john is on the street's and he's making the big bucks !

[@peanut2us]

Do not let them sell you that what has been their success is to scramble the spirit with in that of the black man. His courage and his commitment to himself and his people were so obviously powerful so they had to weaken our spiritual identity. GOD the most HIGH is the biggest missing element of our conservative value that pulled us through. If you doubt our power here in this country the just explore our HBCUs.

[@ashenone3050]

@@peanut2us conservative values won’t help u

[@yamerojones]

@@ashenone3050 What doesn't help for certain is inflating womens hypergamy to the point where their feet can't touch the floor. The progressive has raised the black queen with token jobs and diploma mill phd's to the point where they are either sterile or marriageable. The financial incentive to move out was the old thing, the "I don't need no man" has been the thing for the longest time now, and there are always consequences for meddling with nature.

[@JoshP037]

"The American dream for me is to be left alone." Amen, sister.

[@SKF_]

Why is it that the Chinese, korean, polish, jews, italian, irish, arab, and every other minority group that was excluded and treated poorly overcame these issues? Furthermore, not only overcoming, but their neighborhoods have thrived?

[@promisefrancis8581]

@@SKF_ We were slaves and taken from our homelands by force.

[@goodbyemr.anderson5065]

you don't get to be left alone when you live on government assistance. you want peace and quiet, get an education, and a job, don't have 7 kids before you're 20.

[@keymurda3216]

All you goons cornavirus is here for you

[@goodbyemr.anderson5065]

@@keymurda3216 thats a wierd thing to say. Did you have 7 kids before you were 20?

[@sebastianskii7512]

I'm not American but as a guy that lost his father at 13 I think I might share my opinion with you. We're all always on our mothers side, at least most of the time, and feel like being raised by only one parent is not such a big deal. But after years of lacking a paternal figure I can assure you that the effects, not just financially, can be felt. There are no words to describe the lacking in our lives because we're all different, and so are our fathers, but denying father absence as a problem is gonna lead us all to become broken, empty people.

[@indianaajoness]

True!!!!

[@czogg99]

@@suzygirl1843 What exactly is your point.

[@luna_guardee9139]

I pray for the healing of your heart and mind ❤️🙏🏼

[@marlothedobermantv6992]

@@suzygirl1843 you're slow

[@flourwillfly1445]

@@suzygirl1843 stupid comment

[@stephwalsh9158]

Teaching those young men they are valued, and that education is their friend and means of betterment. So simple, so vital and often so dismissed. This film will stay with me. Thank you!

[@Witcherworks]

Or you can do all those things and the young men and woman still chose their own path. It’s not as simple as you may think.

[@DemarioDon]

Straight out the Chicago support me 🙏💯 subscribe

[@DemarioDon]

Straight out the Chicago support me 🙏💯 subscribe

[@DemarioDon]

@@Witcherworks Straight out the Chicago support me 🙏💯 subscribe

[@chetyoubetya8565]

Preach to those young mens parents

[@AprilStAmour]

I was gonna feel devastated if Edwin didn't change his life around. I was crying tears of joy when I seen he graduated and was trying to be a good role model for his son.

[@robertjones1208]

Me too

[@onepushupman]

me2

[@keytheboyofficial]

I’m wiping tears right now lol

[@bettawan]

Count me in too...that was one good doctumentry...opened up my eyes..61 yr auld white man in🇹🇭

[@joycerhodes7510]

Yes, I cried, just a chance is all a lot of them need, and when they take that hook and hooks real good, then they just have that will to make it, to want it, ( is is easy, NO!) Some don't have but one parent some don't have either, some have sibling under them that's watching them , which is giving them HOPE, I'm a older woman now, and some of the things I hear and see the young people have gone through and are still going through and still having the heart and mind to make a change ( a better way and a future) it's amazing,, I'm grateful to God that I did not go through a lot of this, I'm grateful to my parents, my siblings, mostly my parents because 9f their decisions they made for my siblings and myself. I thank God there 8s help and that some cumminities has made up their minds that giving up isn't a option. There is still a lot of good people out here and I thank God for them also. God is good 👏👏👏👏🙏❤️

[@chloewright1]

What they're doing at the firehouse is beautiful. They're giving people hope and showing them that there is another way, and that they are worth something. There needs to be more places doing this, as it can make a real difference.

[@aboyeterry]

That was an uplifting the way they ended this doc, I am one the kids that grew up in Cabrini & I had great teacher's in elementary school that always told us that the land we live on is worth millions & that the greens will be tore down one day & it was our responsibility to take our education serious so that we can have an opportunity to afford to live where we want! In life we all make decisions that determine our future & current circumstances. I knew I could've sold drugs instead of working at my 1st min wage job, I also knew I didn't wanna end up in jail or dead!

[@LynxStarAuto]

You stayed true my brother

[@Alusidy]

O’block bang bang

[@nikkimillward7023]

Good for you. A story like this can only happen in the USA.

[@terrelldavis4502]

I made it out of Cabrini as well my brother. The number 624 and Division is burned into my soul. I wanted out, studied hard, and let my talents propel me to my own personal greatness. It was hard to watch this, but also made me thankful and grateful for all of my accomplishments. May your life continue to be fruitful and happy. Bless you!

[@cheynacontreras9607]

Don’t forget move to Indianapolis and get killed the Midwest is very atrocious.

[@georgesantos570]

Coming from Chicago.. IT IS THE CULTURE. You can talk about all the systems and keep placing blame on everyone else. But until the young men and women in the community start to change the way they think. Things will only get worse

[@eldio2124]

Absolutely. Must prioritise education and hard work, over quick money. Also not letting pride dictate your actions. So many altercations escalate into deaths because of pride.

[@ismailyaboy720]

They need a good education for that which takes investment

[@mwoods4608]

When you dont see anything different...

[@dasa7921]

Young man in chichago should change way they think about land thats destroyed by rich politicas and corporations WINK WINK

[@dirtydingusmcgee8926]

@@mwoods4608 Thats the exact mentality that keeps it going. You treat them as if they don't have any common sense.

[@allergictohumansnotanimals5671]

"The American dream for me is to be left alone."

[@ashs3836]

So significant

[@harismansoor5733]

@@kflock2895 Your last line proved you as a simp

[@kflock2895]

@@harismansoor5733 lol lol

[@zeriyx]

me any time a partner tries to stay the night. kick rocks sis.

[@michaelscott135]

@@kflock2895 why is it okay for women to hate men(example KAM)but when men hate women they get hated on😐

[@corrinnacorrinna5572]

There's so many factors involved. I firmly believe having two loving parent households helps. Having a positive male role model is beneficial. Education & access to birth control can assist in decreasing young teen mothers. Churches used to be strong & helped provide after school activities. Poverty & low socioeconomics greatly decreases opportunities. This happens everywhere in US. 😪

[@pterodactylbull]

For sure because these guys are behaving like emotionally high strung women like seriously you can tell in the way they talk that they were raised by women.

[@CA-pp5nx]

So skip over generational segregation and racist policies in employment and where you can live?

[@corrinnacorrinna5572]

@@CA-pp5nx Idk. I reside in the 2nd poorest state in the nation, sometimes first. We run a tight race with Mississippi. We're always dealing with poverty & literally work yourself to death trying to survive. It doesn't matter what color your skin is & we live with the stigma of being 'dumb hillibillies.'

[@RahYisrael99]

@@pterodactylbull these guys behave the way they do now because they are on drugs.

[@pterodactylbull]

@@RahYisrael99 say it louder

[@dustywagon298]

Dont know who needs this but you’re strong, resilient and more than capable to uplift yourself out of any negative situation you might find yourself in. Dream big and chase those dreams persistently until you succeed. As long as ur mind and heart are in the right place you can never go wrong!!

[@auzkahglt]

why are you lying?

[@drummaboi5879]

100 bruv

[@Corn_Pop]

@@auzkahglt Your mentality is why you're a failure.

[@michaelcollins8328]

@@auzkahglt Spoken like a true loser

[@timw4432]

Back at you my man

[@supahfly_uk]

Is no one talking about how amazing the quality of this documentary is, the filming the editing on point.

[@jsamc]

They shut comments down. That must have come from DA MAN !!

[@psychedelicpsycho]

You need to subscribe cuz Real Stories knows what they are doing!

[@psychedelicpsycho]

And also it looks like almost 5 million people are talking about it?! Lol

[@yucansuckadee8930]

If you need a pretty package to learn, to cry, to hope, to dream and to fell...let's talk about your delusional, empty, manufactured, worship of illusions and the encompassed shallowness of your World.

[@globalbrigade3052]

Yes you are

[@kahrimumia]

This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in. -Theodore Roosevelt

[@acajudi100]

Do not pay those electric bill, but SUE the power company for your lost! Thank You Mack the Mattress Man and ALL, who are helping. Try to get air transport to Mexico. Pay the people the retro $2K from March 1, and $2k per month to work online from a warm country.

[@mway3028]

Hehe this country is ran by demons, just think about the music they promote Violence, the food they offer POISON(while making healthy food expensive, NEGATIVE SOCIAL INFLUENCERS, it’s not the people bro it’s the ppl that run the world there literally demons the rockerdellers, Roth holds all these super rich white famalies that pass down roles to there next generations of kids they print out the money control the banks, media ect amnoghing changing bro

[@michellerosado8180]

I had to stop crying when I realized the 6 year old girl survived... BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@TV_Star23]

I grew up on the Westside of Chicago in the 70's 80's and went to a university in the early 90's in my city of Chicago. I've also lived in six foreign countries. My mom always taught my brother's and I to always represent our family name well... I have huge plan to rebuild the Westside!

[@Danielle-dk1ir]

Absolutely 🙌🏼 We need to rely more on our own people and communities and less of the government. Best wishes ❤️

[@robertcooper5308]

Stay away. Its 2 far gone bro

[@JosephKulik2016]

Dear Monte: I'm a White guy who grew up in a 100% Black neighborhood in MA in the 1950's and I've always had great compassion for Black Americans because of the horrible treatment that they face they every day. However, after decades of optimism that Blacks will one day get full American citizenship, the George Floyd killing and the BLM protests have worn me out. At this point, I think that Black Americans should start to think about moving out of America because I just don't see things getting much better for them here. The world is a big place and America is only a small part of it. Almost anywhere that you can point on the world map, people of African descent get treated better than in America. I'm glad that you made it out of the 'hood and got a university degree, but unfortunately your story is a rare. Just a single educated Black man can't fight a Racist System. It will eventually chew you up and spit you out. If you really want to help your fellow Chicago Black people, then I suggest that you find placements for them outside of America. Chicago is very close to Canada and I can tell you that Black people are treated with much more respect up there. After the brutal way that Black people have been treated here for 400 years, I say that Black people owe NO Allegiance to America. There are many places in this world that would accept Black Americans and treat them better. Maybe as an educated Black man you can make that happen. ... [e-mail]

[@yawos9024]

It is the system! These problems are not only peculiar to America: You have them in Brazil, U.K, South Africa and many structurally capitalist societies. That is just the nature of the beast. Some may escape; others will be trapped in the dragnet. As a society, we have to change our development mindset. People can be poor and still have dignity.

[@jackjouson3953]

@@JosephKulik2016 Is leaving your own home really the answer? Or is accountability the real answer? Running from the problem never works, taking the issue to the source equals resolution.

[@arhgentumm]

Make it mandatory for all kids in elementary and high school to learn how taxes work, how to purchase a property, how to start/manage a business, eating healthy and exercise, what's good and bad debt, investing on stock market and stress management and the problem of poverty would go away on its own within a generation.

[@andrewoldacre2940]

That will never happen...imagine if 45million Blacks woke up...America would have a heart attack..

[@mohammadwasilliterate8037]

They don't attend school, they cut classes and drop out.

[@Teddyhive16]

They can’t let all of us in the club

[@Teddyhive16]

@@mohammadwasilliterate8037 because school is boring an teachers be having so many kids to teach... they can’t even learn the different ways each student Take in information....

[@barbarabarnes4398]

New knowledge brings on new behavior. The elders need to pass the love God, the knowledge of the Lord down to their children as well. It's about a one-on-one relationship with the Lord that will transform the heart and spirit of man and fill him with righteousness.❤

[@cannibaltv6815]

When that man said the little girl asked him to pray for her too live through the summer I broke down it hit me so hard I couldn't help but to open cry

[@eddiebrown6179]

When a child says something like that , there is a serious problem along with our young black innocent children dying everyday before their time its crazy to even think about , time to do something now ,and to continue to pray !!

[@famouslastwords0791HR]

Agreed. Absolutely heart wrenching.

[@ttbaby1342]

Me as well!!😭

[@kalahariforex7179]

Im from Namibia, Africa Man as im watching this documentary my tears ran telling myself that the world must come together to save Chicago against this evil violence we losing lot of young black fathers, sons and brothers we gotta do something big to change it im heartbroken to see this

[@barbaraholman5355]

I would have to include the Rwanda genocide. upwards to one million people were slaughter in 3 months. We are here by design that goes way back, post civil war.

[@fraternitas5117]

@@barbaraholman5355 just black men doing black men things.

[@jeromewortham3848]

Man I went 15 minutes into this video, and it excludes the most important reason for the decline of Chicago. The family element. I was raised in the Lawndale Community so I know the city. I was poor and lived in low-income housing. I was still able to do what was right, keep my property clean, listen to teachers (who are certified and not bad), not get drunk or high and still go to university. Life is about making the best choices in your circumstances, parents tell your child, from birth, to make the right choices. I been harassed by police, attacked by gang members, robbed by neighbors and I know what it is like to walk in the snow with holes in my shoes. Yet...I always tried to do what I knew was right, and avoided things my PARENTS and TEACHERS told me was wrong. Like Spink Lee says..."DO THE RIGHT THING"! Parents, Child and Leaders stop making excuses and hustling the people and demonstrate courage. No More Excuses!

[@ashyelbos]

Thank you for telling the truth. Many love to be victims and scream what their rights are, while disregarding their responsibilities.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

The truth always sounds so good and you can feel it inside you as it touches your soul/spirit and the two connect. Having a well formed conscience is what you are describing which translates into you knowing right from wrong and striving to always choose the right. What’s sad and evil is how someone like you comes under constant attack from everyone around you except that good parent, teacher and/or counsellor. It’s as if those around you are trying to keep you from succeeding and want to drag you down into their pit of iniquity and concupiscence. The key to your success was listening and believing and trusting those people who were looking out for you. So many don’t listen or just blow it off when they are given good advice. It all starts with trust.

[@emilianozapata7443]

Some people are strong in free will to choose a righteous path while other people are weak. If we can teach them at a young age to follow the path God intended for them, and show and teach love and harmony, then we can prepare the future of humans to be bright. Freedom is a problem in certain aspects of life. Gangs take advantage of this artistic freedom to express themselves in a violent way. The rappers that taunt their enemies through music are one of the problems. The zionist media that allow this expression to take waves is another problem. America was ruined and constructed by evil people. Most of the government is satanic. Satanic governments have been overthrown everywhere, with the help and funding of Freemasonry. I appreciate Freemasonry. Freemasonry supported the Mexican Revolutionaries, to overthrow a corrupt government. These corrupt people always find a way back into political power. When you, when we, when a great portion rises as a unit, as one mind under Universal Law, which is Divine Law, the problem can be resolved- leaving out all forms of excuses and negativity as to why it cant be done. '' If we permit ourselves to become cynical or skeptical. ready to believe the suggestion that there is no hope for advancing human rights and no receptivity to new ideas- if we have a " what's the use attitude''- we sell ourselves short. Apathy and conformity on the part of the citizens may give rise to misuse- even abuse- of power'' ( Christian Science Sentinel vol. 79 No.3)

[@jeromewortham3848]

@@emilianozapata7443 Very well said sir!

[@jeromewortham3848]

@@prepperjonpnw6482 Well said sir. Even in those environments there is always someone trying to encourage people to make the right choices, but to those individuals who fail to listen...making those choices is boring or nerdy.

[@mellowvibez2185]

I like when the guy said “you’re not good at being a criminal” if only people realized this

[@gemstone2420]

triggered

[@davidgibson3962]

On the flip side of that idea is the cliche " sometimes in order to straighten out the crooked you must become crooked ". I believe he was an excellent criminal to the wicked system. But then he was rewarded with a fake certificate as a ( tranquilizer) to a wild lion before tossing him into another cage.😔🤔🙏🏿💪🏿💣💥

[@mellowvibez2185]

@@davidgibson3962 what the heck are you on about lol

[@salemlynn8225]

I really like the saying Change happens when the pain of suffering outweighs the pain of achieving (Something like that) Of course that’s not always possible but when you have a chance you have to fight for it

[@davidgibson3962]

Does anyone realize that the government of the US as well as other world leaders and citizens who support there fear tactics that has been used to "rob" others of there freedom are committing crimes against the creator of the idea called " life on earth" ... where most are sleep walking and therefore getting stripped of all of their birth rights right before their eyes 🤔wake up!!! Or get your head cracked "Again" 🙏🏿💪🏿✌🏿💣

[@NostalgiaVibes420]

Born and raised in Chicago. I sat crying like baby! 😢 God bless the people of the city 🙏🏽

[@newmannewmanz7110]

They got what they asked for by supporting and electing crooks.

[@NadiaGirl1]

@@newmannewmanz7110 is sad that you speak of my home that way. Sadly today is hard to her who is corrupt.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

@@NadiaGirl1 No, Newman Newman was speaking of her Landlord.

[@pietrostavastano2356]

God has nothing to do with it. Check how many of these kids had a father in the house when they grew up

[@NostalgiaVibes420]

@@pietrostavastano2356 I’m assuming your life must be perfect 👌🏽 right?? Like I said GOD BLESS ALL 🌍

[@indianprincess8219]

Who else was in tears by Edwin's story? No one should have to live like that. Those young guys just need love and guidance from the right people.

[@thomasanderson468]

Lmao

[@Focus716]

Voting in the same politicians thinking that they "care"

[@utubecomment21]

Or voting for the same bunch of corrupt people, and thinking things will change is an act of pure lunacy, and people like Biden and Trump rely on such ignorance. Trump or Biden, people of colour and the poor and working class of America are screwed either way. Goodbye, America, it was (not so) nice knowing you

[@gcc2313]

Well it's often choosing between the lesser two evils. So regardless of what you choose not much is going to change anyways. Political issues are often very difficult to solve especially if some benefit from disorder, and it has established itself.

[@everyhandleistakeneventhisone]

@@utubecomment21 Trump's got nothing to do with it. These major cities are all 100% democrat and have been for decades.

[@Chitown18]

This is the problem people think government and politicians can mysteriously change people ..these dudes on the southside have faced poverty do to lack of good paying jobs , terrible living conditions which lead to people trying to steal and rob for more which only leads to these crimes , drug dealing to make a living ...you want to target these communities put money into them

[@utubecomment21]

@@everyhandleistakeneventhisone Trump, Biden, Obama, Bush, Clinton, Regan has nothing to do with that ... major facepalm.

[@marystewart1125]

I just moved from Philly to Kentucky. I couldn’t take the crime anymore. No area of the city was safe. I see job training in KY to get people jobs and help people get ahead. I saw nothing in Philly to help anyone get ahead. Big cities are so much more stressful and hateful. Most of America is love and the media refuses to let you see it.

[@namedoesntmatter9330]

Agree with you, here in NC Charlotte has grown to around 900,000 in population (vs 20 years ago when it was around 500,00) today that city is still growing but so is it's crime and issues you spoke of. I've in lived in NC all my life and most of the larger cities in this state are just awful from crime to police. I want out of this state.

[@packisbetter90]

Philly seems to have the worst of all looking hoods. I'm in Indy and we have a bad problem too

[@Danlovestrivium]

What's funny, is you see all of the people in the city talking down on the people that don't live in cities all while the people that don't live in cities have a much better life. They say "you just don't understand". No, its they that don't understand.

[@wandererpyepoudre744]

i wonder who

[@ed7519]

That's right. The Democrats goal is to keep us all down to keep them in power. We needed President Trump's 'Platinum Plan'. But the Democrats made sure to stop all that.

[@drizzy8300]

Edwin story is so beautiful, I hope more young men in Chicago follow his footsteps of change 💪🏾⚡️

[@ericjohnson1034]

That was a special moment when that young man put his suit on and chose graduation over the streets. hats off to you young man!!

[@bigmountain1970]

As long as you look for the government to improve your life you’ll be stuck in the cycle of poverty.

[@KushGGDS]

Exactly

[@justyceforall2505]

The same 'government' plays a HUGE hand in destroying these people's lives. Let's not fool ourselves here.

[@johnnyx7161]

And that there is the bottom line, you only learn the truth when you realize it was all a lie!

[@tellodoroteos5976]

Government has let you down..I've been in government for 47 years! Joe biden

[@implive17]

I'm in south africa and even I can say those words. Governments have been letting people down for centuries.

[@poisonivyheart6621]

These men supporting and guiding these young men are saints!!!! They are real life superheroes!!! ( the firehouse) congratulations to the young men and woman who changed their life’s around. Well done, I’m proud of you🙏🏽👏🏻

[@indianprincess8219]

Yes. They are superheroes and deserved to be recognized.

[@gracie99999]

and I’d rather have them as circighters then them otha ones ..they’d make good fire fighters for one [fearless to a degree for one] .. idkw im sick and not making sense but u kno

[@iworship6951]

Wow. The Firehouse got this right. Dismantling victim mentality, equipping with skills, man presence...💙

[@gracie99999]

💯 brotha, mug respect to firehouse! they walkin and 🤐

[@valeriehudson9861]

This documentary is very well put together. I feel the love and concern that was put into it. It's speaks 100% facts and growing up in Chicago in the sixties and seventies I witnessed so many of these things. I grew up with six brothers and I know for a certainty that if my father hadn't been in the home they would not be the men they are today. Back then the welfare system did not help if there was a man in the home and my father wasn't going!!!!. He took care of us and raised us

[@amanithurman8950]

r Kelly grew up in the projects to and him and his family moved out they move to 40th Street way before he grow up became famous

[@amanithurman8950]

The comedian Michael Colyar he from the projects to back in the day in Chicago little before or after he moved to California and start his comedy career after he got off on drugs

[@MsReddisreal]

From Stateway Gardens and Englewood. Very tough growing up. However I was very fortunate to have my parents to set an example for my siblings and I.

[@timward3116]

So true, Tiffany. And thank God for your parents' good example. I'm glad that you survived. I spent many of years of my childhood in Dolton - but my mother was a great example and, even though she was a very low-paid single mother, she had me scared to get in trouble. I was a mediocre student at Thornridge H.S., but I tried very hard and, because of my mom (no doubt), I survived and did okay too. God bless you! It is horribly tough, though, to live with so much evil around you.

[@sharonread5865]

@@timward3116 is mms wgsnkkke

[@pastramiking6874]

💪

[@face.-]

Lightfoot is the mayor so blame her for her system in Chicago!!

[@nga1063]

@@timward3116 a

[@LJ-yr8qx]

I’m from Chicago, been here my whole life. I don’t fear for my personal safety, but it’s dangerous. These boys want body counts, and they don’t value life. They see death as a get back, but don’t wholeheartedly understand what they are doing, and I hate to say it, but I’ve seen things out here that’s worst than death. I hope it’s not like this in every city.

[@Dweller415]

Having lived in Chicago (Edgewater neighborhood), I concur. What I find most disturbing is that Chicago residents have seemingly accepted the violence as the new normal.

[@LJ-yr8qx]

@H Hawthorne I didn’t want to respond, but, being illiterate has nothing to do with hearing or word translation. Even still, a body count means how many sexual partners you have, as one would ask a woman. Out here, when a particular person is talking about body counts, it’s not the same thing. Have a good day jo

[@sarasotauptoseattle]

+1 from West side K-Town. Tampa, Miami, Cincinnati, New York, Louisiana and half of California also have areas just as bad......and that's just from what I've seen.

[@victorrosier5067]

@@sarasotauptoseattle not newyork

[@sarasotauptoseattle]

@@victorrosier5067 There are places in NYC that are pretty bad. They don't cover an area nearly as big as the ghost towns that make up the south and west sides of the Chi, but you get the point.

[@Stranger_In_The_Alps]

“Said it ain't no hope for the youth And the truth is it ain't no hope for the future” -pac

[@sixteennumberthree5544]

"Even though i know I'm wrong man!" Pac

[@d1andonlyantman]

As a white man living in a nice area in the UK, i had no real knowledge on the projects and what its really all about. So messed up on so many levels. Im glad theres at least some hope for people like Edwin. I really wish him and anyone else all the best 🙏

[@Karmazov]

This country spent trillions of dollars on Iraq and Afghanistan wars and development and got nothing in return. Yet, many places in this country are worse than 3rd world countries and are chronically underfunded and neglected.

[@liaqathussain3011]

What development in Iraq and Afghanistan????? What lies are they telling you. They never went in to develope anything.. They only destroyed and killed the locals and called it freedom

[@coreywilkie1134]

They are tryna control their banks Reason why they killed gaddafi America and Uk wouldn’t survive if Africa and Middle East cut off their supply

[@747REDFELLA1]

Absolutely true

[@robinsss]

what do you mean underfunded? by the government? because i don't see it

[@Jasahaful]

Until they change the mentality of these areas they will continue living the same until someone teaches them differently. I've met people living like this and try to talk to them and show them a different way but they cant see pass their nose. If everyone around you is walking, the majority are not going to run so most continue on the same path even if they know better because they want to belong.

[@samhatch1657]

Incentivizing single parent households never turns out well

[@synthesis7]

Some of these people have father's in their lives and they still go down the wrong path. It's not enough to have father's. But healthy, stables ones that aren't into the foolishness as well

[@someotherdude]

@@synthesis7 fathers or no fathers, it's democrats who want to throw money at teenage girls to have babies and then force everyone else to pay for their apartment.

[@synthesis7]

@chico not necessarily...abusive father's create unstable people. I know from experience.

[@ice_g0466]

@@synthesis7 what he’s saying is going over your head. In order to get into those projects 99% of the time you need to be a single mother with kids. If there’s a father the income is too high so they won’t qualify, you get ZERO help for the state if your two parents working hard to make it out. It’s a trap

[@bravewanderer7646]

Yes I get all the injustices happened decades ago but at the end of the day personal agency as an individual and as a group has to improve. My father used to say this: "You shouldn't be a product of your environment... The environment you live in should be your product"... And before you start insulting me for not having victim mentality just know I'm African.

[@musaninlebesi50]

That's all it takes. PERSONAL responsibility.

[@someotherdude]

No conservative with insult you, they will agree with you. No democrat will help you, because if your success spreads to other people, no one will 'need' democrats.

[@ishmael802]

I agree but at the same time you need to recognize that some people want to put a glass ceiling on you.

[@MichaelJMelo]

I often repeat this message... but never as eloquently as you just stated. Thank you and well said. ✌🏽

[@JV-wi4dz]

This is why segregation worked wonders, no one has anyone to blame when everyone runs their own people. Look at the stats during segregation and during Jim Crow laws. Higher income for blacks, higher birth rates for blacks, higher marriage rates, lower divorce rates, lower death rates, higher life expectancy, etc.

[@rachelwingrove7680]

When I saw those young black men smile in the Fire house with a sense of belonging and achievement it made me emotional. Everyone deserves a chance and to feel wanted and worth something. EVERYONE whatever colour or background x

[@gracie99999]

nice to see the human side which is not generally but literally on purpose missed

[@ammcroft]

My grandfather was a doctor in Chicago during the mob rule. He saw a lot ofndeath as well. I love that little girl with all my heart! Be a doctor young lady! Be a police officer young lady! Jesus have mercy on this community. Especially this brave mama and her baby girl!

[@iliyano567]

Jesus is black !!!

[@4cornernan]

I worked in ICU at Mercy Hospital. There are good people helping everywhere. It's heartbreaking to see so many being threatened and intimidated for wanting to improve the situation.

[@dontfuckwithharambe1864]

Jesus is purple, LMAO!!

[@roncolon3584]

I was thoroughly engrossed by this documentary. Brian Schodorf, to you and your team, this represents so much of the Chicago that I grew up in from the late 1950's until I left in 1968. So many of the people who appeared could be my family members, from those who failed to those who (hopefully) succeeded. I can definitely relate to the "two" Chicagos'. Thank you for highlighting a segment of America that so often goes unnoticed...or only noticed for the bad.

[@commiezombie2477]

"Maybe you're designed to run the Firehouse" That seed right there, that one right there, planted in the right kind will move mountains. I did nothing but break the law as a jyt growing up. I picked up a skill when someone told me the same exact sentiment. Life has been a blessing ever since.

[@shannondove9029]

What? I read this comment 3 times, I still don't understand what you're talking about

[@commiezombie2477]

@@shannondove9029 Don't just read the comment first. Watch the story... Then reread the comment.... If you watched it you'd understand it.

[@daytonaboy9038]

@Shannon Dove You understood every word. Stop with the bs yt boy/girl 😒

[@splinterbyrd]

This is part of something that's happened across the western world; staple industries are exported abroad, and their communities are left with nothing. Economists advise national economies going for higher end production. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to be a graphic designer or computer programmer.

[@NefetariEnchanted]

I learned a lot from this documentary. Very well-made. I grew up in the south suburbs and I remember people used to talk about the projects, I had never been there, so I never understood the culture there. This is one of the few documentaries about Chicago that really explained the history that created the current environment. I learned a lot! I really appreciate that this doc ended on a high note with the program and the guy getting his high school diploma. That is what the city needs. When I get to place financially I want to invest in a program like that! Praying that overtime the black community in Chicago will heal❤️

[@abdeenabdul7803]

Madam there is no culture that is the problem ,when you have no culture nothing good can happen

[@lovegod9964]

I grew up on Burling and Armitage (1961-67), went to Newberry school, then St Michaels for a couple of yrs. We then moved to Chicago Ave and Latrobe. Both parents worked in factories. I was fortunate to have two parents until 11yrs old. Both worked every day no matter what. All by God’s grace I did not become a statistic.

[@RicciDeCuir1972]

When They knocked down major projects The gangs spread like wild fire all over

[@onearmdaddy]

Distribution of the project population was just another step in the Wh*te G**ocide project. ;) (Edited for grammar)

[@queeniebanks2973]

I agree , I’ll never forget ....doing that changed my city forever 😔

[@TheBlinked1]

They knocked down the projects and armed them with vouchers to go import violence all over the cities,...it happened here in Memphis too.

[@patrickglennon6834]

rockford

[@dominiquejenkins5495]

@THISIS THEGIRL I'm a floridian trying to understand Chicago.. all I hear about is the killings and gangs but there's a reason why all that's going on!!!!!!

[@DizzKola3]

The Firehouse seems like an amazing program. Our country needs many more of those. These young men just need something to believe in and work toward and someone to help them navigate their way there.

[@mr.tooyou1320]

My Dad said the projects where and is a trap. That's why he said he would work 2 jobs just not to end up in that trap. It's a funnel to prison and single moms due to incarceration.

[@mr.tooyou1320]

@Seer-of-things end never said it champ!!!

[@SMIGGS]

I don't believe that. If it were a funnel to prison, wouldn't that be the only outcome? I saw the potential for creating some unbelievably resilient and talented people, with morals and empathy.

[@adamwadley6428]

Agreed the poverty rate for Single Black Mother is 38 percent. Married Black couples Poverty rate is 7 percent similar to White Married households of 5 percent. It's a major culture problem it's not Racism that's a crutch of excuses. Racist KKk members don't prevent black folks from getting married before having children last time I checked!

[@bonbonlily4329]

Good luck to all the generations coming from Chicago

[@lovablevietboy]

Black excellence

[@iamthemidwestking]

Thank You G ‼️

[@djbhe]

👍

[@Nicminiezrobisz]

@@lovablevietboy no such thing

[@mrscary3721]

"If it's going to be. It's up to ME." Props to all these young men, their families, and those helping to turn their lives around.

[@lewyb2]

My God this was beautiful. Edwin, the other ladies and gentleman, keep GOING! stay strong everyone...

[@livingfinance]

This is beyond just poverty, this is cyclical brokenness and lack of strong family ties. A lot of people around the world have poverty and don’t engage in this behaviour.

[@jameschristie65]

Need to stop following rappers and start following God

[@serrahighsfinest]

How are black Americans supposed to have strong familial ties and pride in their heritage, when it's been stripped from them via Slavery, Jim Crow, Segregation and the Crack epidemic? That's the 1million dollar question.

[@livingfinance]

@@serrahighsfinest First is to recognize the root of the problem, a lot of these documentaries either focus on the impact of slavery /Jim Crow/ policing or poverty. Few of these videos focus on the broken family ties and how it has spanned generations and what can be done to mend them. Even as you present your question, you focus on the impact, we know the historical factors that have led to this problem, now what is being done by community leaders to lead to solutions, that is the missing piece of the puzzle. The IYANLA series, shows a small glimpse of a lot of the issues of AA families that span generations regardless of class. Money alone will not fix these issues, these kids have issues of abandonment, have no family structure to speak of, and will repeat this cycle of poverty mindset regardless of any money. It starts with the parents, and the parents parents and so on. They need professional help to deal with anger management and post-traumatic stress and the parents should be first in line. AA have to acknowledge their childhood traumas, the sexual abuse, depression, feeling lost, feelings of incompetence, lack of coping skills, etc...this is several generations of mass therapy/counselling and rehabilitation. The spirit needs to be mended, it has been broken. This is why even when AA celebs come into money this same cyclical behaviour does not stop, it continues. This is why some AA think that marrying into other cultures they can escape some of the negative aspects of their culture/community not knowing they are carrying that toxicity within them because it has not been addressed, so it gets passed on to the next generation. At this point, therapy/counselling should be mandatory for AA and that is something that they can request for government for support. Young men don't need role models, they need healthy fathers and healthy mothers and healthy families. What do you do when a culture has normalized sexual infidelity, abandonment and violence?

[@jameschristie65]

@Omari Orou keep doing what your doing and see if anything ever changes.

[@jameschristie65]

@Omari Orou Music is influential and has subliminal messages. Worshipping false idols is part of the destruction of our society. And FYI I grew up listening to rap as it was cool

[@mellym3523]

The program at the end is so good to see. I hope they never lose it and more can be set up. Give these men hope and opportunities and skills

[@tatijas]

👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽

[@gracie99999]

💯

[@f3rrarimari745]

Dorsey reminds me of my Chicago brothers we go thru so much trauma but we’re survivors were strong we MATTER. Best wishes to my city ❤️

[@kbarrero2]

I thoroughly enjoyed this piece. I cry and get upset and feel defeated by the chaos around Chicago. And then I teach my children, open my mind. Go to work and use the life skills I was given and the empathy I have as a given gift... to help build affordable housing in the Invest Southwest corridor. As we speak with the city and fellow designers, we are very aware of that fine line between the reality of "now" in the neighborhood this building will begin in, and the "later" that we are hoping to achieve. And by later I don't mean gentrifying, raising rents, etc. We are putting housing where the commodities and jobs are already finding their way, establishing ahead of time. I hear the local teachers just crave good things for their students, but they are not desolate, they are excited for what this upcoming generation, the ones who already have roots here in these neighborhoods, want, desire, deserve and plan to preserve. This generation of high schoolers and grade schoolers are a new breed, and with the covid chaos, they feel like survivors. And those in these neighborhoods also feel a survival.

[@gracie99999]

awesome

[@joeywebb8776]

We as a people need to stop asking for help an solutions from the same people who put us where we are today and come together learn how to work with each other and make our own solutions an not rely on others for help!

[@regg32457]

Not just talk the solution be the solution

[@rodneywarr9974]

The church pay you

[@paleamigo8575]

That's called "the blind leading the blind". By segregating your financial prospects your limiting your opportunities to what a specific community can provide which happens to be the community with the least amount of knowledge, experience, and resources. What you are suggesting has bee tried several times in the Chicago area within my lifetime and they all ended the same. They either failed completely or never came anywhere near reaching there fill potential. You have a valid point, but business is about relationships and green. Not feelings and who you would like to have over for dinner.

[@talktometv9393]

8:52 I broke down as a father of 6 having 5 DAUGHTERS THAT MELTED MY HEART!!! PLEASE YALL LET THESE BABIES LIVE

[@mokc816]

4r that part was so heavy.😔 No Child should have to worry about living.

[@dayshanicolejones5042]

I aint nothing but 21 years old and 22 in March. I remember having to sleep at my familys house sleeping on couches and making palettes on the floors with my little brother and cousins. and the multiple times being homeless. Im from Cabrini Green so i know what all this feels like. But just to graduate and move out at 18 made me cry because ive lost alot and been through alot in chicago but thats my home regardless.

[@eligreg99]

That’s wassup. I grew up around that area too. It ain’t all roses and smiles up north. A lot of people forget there are hoods up north as well. Still segregated.

[@spacecat7125]

Bless your heart. As a child, you were put in a situation, you had no control over but thankfully you are succeeding and I hope you keep going and don’t stop. Stay away from toxic people and stay focused.

[@marlothedobermantv6992]

@Dawson donnelly we don't care..

[@Kim-Berly200]

I thought they tore down Cabrini green?

[@sean4356]

@@marlothedobermantv6992 😂😂😂

[@yolandas.6193]

I'm addicted to the real stories. The journalism is excellent.

[@frankmangan2113]

No it's not

[@bigdawg3305]

Yeh Supa snitch mumbo jumbo

[@dilly5973]

I'm an African, this video makes me cry. It helps me understand my African american brothers even more. It might not be in our generation but things will surely change.. Love from The Gambia (AFRICA).

[@cfnretro6448]

@Robert Freisler Wtf does that mean?

[@michaelcollins8328]

Go back to 1900 and Italians and Poles live like this. But, in a generation or two, they got out and lived much better. Remember, the original immigrants could not speak English. My grandparents lived like that.....now, my sons all own homes with over $1.5 million. It is called hard work....getting educated.....sacrificing for a better life.

[@betelgeuse7645]

@@michaelcollins8328 cope.

[@bubblybubbles4023]

I love you too from an African American.🙏🏿 God bless Africa.

[@bubblybubbles4023]

@The Dirty Bubble that's a stereotype and a big lie, I'm a black American and I don't have a problem with Africans. So please stop perpetuating this trash

[@ProudDad1976]

I grew up near Detroit, there was no plan no public building project. All of Detriot was abandoned by those who could move leaving the rest to find a way, this is even made worse because all the work in Detroit still went to those that moved, Detriot fell! Every place has its own story and no two places are alike, Detroit's crime is very different than Flint's crime or Saganaw's.

[@namedoesntmatter9330]

You hit the nail on the head IMO

[@nbdb23]

Detroit*

[@ProudDad1976]

@@nbdb23 Thank you for catching that.

[@Based_Sir887]

seeing Edwin & his son when he get out made my heart happy man

[@iniu1255]

The destruction of the family Unit is the problem. Money is a little easier to distribute in a small family unit. when kids have kids who have kids, there lies the problem. it leads to poverty

[@Carl_Jr]

It's the welfare state which created that problem. Kids are meal tickets for single women. 🤷 It's really sad.

[@NFSMAN50]

In the community, if you were someone who had different interests than everyone else, you were seen as a "square" a "lame" or a "weirdo nerd". The crazy part is when that same black kid who was ostracized in their youth, they leave the community, move to the suburbs interact with non-blacks, and don't give back to the hood, because they weren't celebrated by the hood, and they only were celebrated when they became a success. There is a huge problem with inner city culture.

[@MonDieuMaCauseMonEpee]

Facts 💯

[@anthonyjones9868]

I am one of those nerds

[@nicholalewis8698]

Say it loud enough for the people in the back! How would anyone expect these same black kids who were ostracized to appear with checks in hand for the community and for the less fortunate? I will never understand.

[@girloctober2613]

A similar thing can be said in the Latino community. My father got out of the military and got an education, secured a good job, sent us to private school and college. This sealed my fate and soon I could not "kick it" with other Latino men. My core ideas were coming from a place of independence and nontraditional values. Eventually, as I got older just like you said, I moved away and into the suburbs. Latino men didn't want jack s*** to do with me. They never approached me and soon I found myself so disconnected.

[@SMIGGS]

This is true for 99% of communities. It's not racial, it's human ignorance.

[@jameshaury2716]

Minority students need a good education. They do not need failed and failing schools.

[@patrickforrest9209]

My man had an extra pep in his step when he had that suit on going to his graduation. Salute young man.

[@DemarioDon]

Straight out the Chicago support me 🙏💯 subscribe

[@456sud9]

@@DemarioDon i like ur stuff bruh, keep doing what you do I hope you make it big 🙏

[@DemarioDon]

@@456sud9 blessings

[@SFbayArea94121]

@@DemarioDon yee boii, keep dooin yo thang Ja’QuanTraye

[@amanithurman8950]

Man the TV series the chi and the 61st Street was real💯

[@myfoodishere]

you can get out if you want to. i left brooklyn in 2011. never looked back. left the states in 2012 and life got better. leaving created stability

[@myfoodishere]

@Joppa Kolla i've lived in a few places. i was in ireland for a year. i've lived in the north of china where it gets 40 below zero. and i lived in brisbane, australia for a few months before coming back to china. i live in shandong province now in a place called rizhao on the coast. i havent left the country in over 6 years. i really like it out here.

[@user-by6yc8yl7v]

It all starts at home. These kids grow up without a father figure and the cycle continues

[@brickcitybikeman3108]

I'm sick of people using fatherless households as an excuse for these kids stupidity, why can't people just admit that some kids are just complete sociopaths?

[@user-by6yc8yl7v]

@@brickcitybikeman3108 some kids are but the common naritive is usually no father or father figure.

[@MsDellis1]

Oppression for centuries... Stop blaming democrats

[@americanmade-1]

"It was a war zone..but also a paradise." The difference? Parenting. Love.

[@danfobb8301]

so true. I grew up poor but I had a mother and father and lived in a neighborhood were people accepted the ten commandments. Why is it society's fault. Same people blaming others over and over and over...

[@eduardomendes5220]

It depends .... Maybe she is the lucky one, maybe she beat the system , maybe she played the game.

[@jeremiahlavine5904]

Can’t understand how you could want that place to still exist that’s crazy the buildings was in terrible conditions I remember them days nothing to be proud of

[@indashadewithguccipaid510]

@@jeremiahlavine5904 it's crazy even if you want better for your community cuz back in New Orleans when they tow down projects that most of us was born into it's like a piece of your life childhood is gone

[@AnaSpeirs]

Drugs are taking a lot of love and parents out of the household, but it wasn't an issue until it started effecting white families in the opioid crisis. I've seen trailor park communities in the middle of Bumfuck, Ohio that make these Chicago hoods look like the Taj Mahal

[@britt1805]

31:26 brought back memories. I remember the demolition, I was a kid then with my dad cause he grew up there. It was emotional moment for him. The explosions were louder than I thought it would be, the thick cloud of dust was kind of scary and our clothes were ruined

[@katieriritaylor15]

When she said "I'm 33 and I've been here 33 years." She was brought up in that same vicious cycle sadly...

[@vietnamvet4533]

Yea and too whatever heard all the excuse why they can change their own lives.

[@simp2234]

this is what happen government no comment sense

[@debbiew.7716]

This was very informative. I am a white woman who has tried to understand history from all around the world. I must confess I got lost on Chicago after Mayor Daily. The news never gave me these details! I was so touched and it really hit me when you described the mother sending her kids 18 stories down to play. I have lived poor most of my life. I am from a broken family and been through 2 divorces. I have had trouble with my own kids. Tonight, I feel love and hope for your community and pray like that beautiful little girl that people will "just put the gun down."

[@snowbird9660]

Thank you. I appreciate your open mind.

[@yarajoan841]

Ohhh please BS excuse. I live in 35th floor and there are allot families on smae floor and higher in my city. The difference each family has 1 to 3 kids who they can suppurt. They supervise them and ground them jf tneh misbehavd. They dont let them bully other kids or terrorize the neighborhood.. when will ghe take responsibility for their actions? ... fyi fhe industrialrevolution affected Europe badly. Guesd what most people did not hang on around ddad zones with no jobs and complained endenssly. They picked themselves up and went to other areas where there ade jobs and started again. This js life people of all racss faced. I dont understand why they insist in remaining in slums and dangering their kids when they could move elsewhere

[@jukd4213]

This was an experimental study and it led to what the politicians wanted in the end

[@luna_guardee9139]

Strength and Bliss to you Mama!🙏🏼

[@Kevin_Patrick001]

The problem is that law abiding citizens are not allowed to defend with firearms, themselves or their families from criminals. Criminal activity has been allowed to grow because the criminals know that their victims are unarmed. EVERY major Democrat controlled city that has disarmed their citizens has suffered violence as a result. There's a reason the subway vigilante in NYC single handedly brought down crime there is because the criminals didnt want to become a victim of a citizen defending themselves.

[@chynadoll2339]

“Southside of Chicago” has a whole knew meaning for me now.

[@Lavish_Clipz]

Westside also

[@Dakatari]

You are a beautiful Queen Chyna Doll

[@onearmdaddy]

@@Dakatari brotha be simpin'

[@Dakatari]

@@onearmdaddy Not at all

[@marlothedobermantv6992]

Are you from here

[@jasminebroomfield1124]

I lived in Rogers park, some of the best times of my younger years. But nothing like south emerald (Roseland neighborhood) the soul and love, no other area can compete with!

[@C_91]

Stop relying on the government to fix anything for you, no matter what party. If you get it on your own its harder for anyone to take it from you.

[@picklep9812]

It’s hard to get it on your own when the system is rigged against you from the start. Did you not watch the documentary?

[@aye3678]

@@picklep9812 The comments are filled with these stupid remarks. One comment said "they chose the gangster life rather than do something with their lives." Wtf is that supposed to mean? These morons clearly didn't watch the video. Or worse, they watched it and couldn't comprehend a single thing. Ignorance on a whole different level.

[@TM-173]

@@picklep9812 learn a skill, you get paid well. It will take effort, time, dedication & willpower though. A dad passing his skills down to his kids would also make it easier, imo. If all the kid sees is welfare check, that will be their role model.

[@jefflewis4]

@@TM-173 They have to be convinced its worth it. That's the problem with poverty it causes people to think they have no real chance. Its their reality, they are surrounded by lack of success. There's saying you generally will be as successful as the 10 people closest to you. Your chances are not very good at success if the 10 closest people to you are all mired in poverty. Why would you think its going to be different for you ? You're likely to not think you are any special than the people nearest you. That's their reality, its incredibly difficult to overcome this mindset. The average person will likely not overcome it.

[@trixtrix3836]

“They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it” - George Carlin

[@dialatedmcd]

You have to be asleep to dream it. This place was a woods.

[@dialatedmcd]

Sleep, dream, wake, make

[@elinderfler9358]

He was the best..

[@CandieP]

“The American Dream for me is to be left alone” said every Black person I know. Just leave us alone. Just Let us make an honest living and mind our business. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@paleamigo8575]

🤣 most people get the joke but don't actually realize how deep that statement really is.

[@Ryan216Ohio]

I’m so proud of this young man. I hope he just continues on the right path and can make away for him and his son to get far away from the drama.

[@lisatryme3518]

Agreed. I’m rooting for him.

[@tipjackson6557]

Was I the only person clapping for Edwin? I pray he's still on track and making a difference.. I need a update!

[@bigblackblock7385]

He answered his own question “it’s up to us to fix it cuz noone will” That’s how the world works at every corner. You have to fix your own community. Don’t expect outsiders to do it for you. Stop blaming the system and fix it yourself.

[@tonyd7507]

"Stop blaming the system created to destroy you"

[@DeviantDeveloper]

"what can we do?" Stay with the father of your kids Study at school Don't take ddd Don't commit crime Avoid violence Try to better yourself Learn things Read books

[@jeannetteduette6704]

Turn that tv off!

[@sweetkali]

Beautifully written.

[@n.ericson7684]

Put the phone down 🙏🏽

[@-Ashie...]

NO littering/ clean up after yourself, do not vandalize & destroy your own property. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@mharding3064]

Edwin is so strong and wise, I wish him success in all that he does.

[@glassdogangle]

Edwin is wise? You are talking about that dude with his pants sagging down below his butt cheeks? Yeah okay. If that is your wisest young man, you people are through.

[@tatih8267]

@@glassdogangle 😂😂🤣🤣

[@Candle_Jack776]

Edwin is a living testimony. It was because he chose wisely at the crossroads, that they didn't lower him underground.

[@camerongaines5967]

@@glassdogangle if you think that anyone who sags their pants can’t be wise or intelligent, then you’re slow yourself

[@afenismama]

@@glassdogangle so there's a dress code for wisdom, now?🙄😒

[@cubiczirconiabeard5366]

5:22 "I was one of the lucky ones....I made it out as a Grammy winning recording artist".....that's the whole problem right there. Everyone thinks that the only things a poor black person can do is entertainment.....or be an athlete to be successful. No doctors, no lawyers, no engineers, no school teachers ever came out of chicago's "underserved" areas. Why don't we ever hear about those successful people??? Public housing's elevators stink of piss? So is it the elevators in my apartment complex never have stunk of piss?

[@dekeg.6795]

The problem is people feel disrespected & slighted at the most trivial bullshit, & willing to kill someone at the drop of a hat just to get "respect".

[@travelandfood9625]

No the problem is that the media has desensitized the world to murder so much that everyone is on edge and ready to kill at any given time. Anger is the state of the world

[@SaltyNolan]

@@travelandfood9625 Haha. Is that what it is?

[@gaslitworldf.melissab2897]

It is only "one" of the problems. When you have a moral crisis, decision making comes from a dark place. Where there is no hope, people go to bed and wake up angry. How do you expect men to make wise decisions. While you're young, hopped up on hormones, male energy and no where to unleash your creativity and drive?

[@bhrbehavioralhealthracing30]

Your all idiots! The problem is the poverty the lack of education the rapid drug abuse the greed filled rappers the glorifying the unneeded worship of maternal the fear the anger the lack of education it’s the way they locked up the gang leaders and left no Hierarchy the FEAR instilled it’s a circle! Make no mistake poverty doesn’t see color!

[@jakebarnes3054]

@@gaslitworldf.melissab2897 bang on the money, the solution is neither school nor the streets. School isn't going to fix my generation's broken hearts and homes.

[@paulinacontreras4160]

I grew up in the Southside of Chicago. I am now a Neurosurgeon. Not day went by, that I promised myself I will get myself out the hood. Little did I know, that my city was the one bringing me and MY own people down. I went through SO much to get where I am. I was constantly put down by my private school white peers. Constantly told I was going to be nothing because I was a little brown girl from the Southside. I am a millionaire. I was an immigrant.

[@noyamissy2608]

Wow congratulations 🙌🏾🙌🏾💯💯 you made it out 😩😩😩

[@sarg5449]

Congratulations! Amazing accomplishment!

[@paulosullivan5335]

Just watched I had no idea America was like that I'm disgusted well done to you for making it

[@djosearth3618]

Now the works tarts, Giving back ;]

[@pierrepence9876]

You're lying.

[@82fdny97]

The irony of this is called "real story" Meanwhile it's an emotional production, that doesn't address one realistic approach to the actual problem

[@user-dm9bz7do8h]

Did you not watch the end? The local charities are doing what they can. Unless the government does something productive, that's the best they have now.

[@82fdny97]

@@user-dm9bz7do8h The Charaties!!! The Government!!! All entities after the fact who have separate bottom lines. Where is mom and dad? Pathetic beta answer

[@loganstroganoff1284]

@@82fdny97 👏 strong families make strong communities.

[@myfoodishere]

lol i find protests to be incredibly silly. its just a cheap way for people to feel like they've made a difference. making posters, and shouting slogans never changed anything.

[@82fdny97]

@@myfoodishere hashtag, paint a mural, sing a song, chant something that rhymes, etc. Other people just work, behave and take care of their kids

[@khemestre]

this was breathtaking. this is shattering 💔 this is valuable for everyone in their plight and story. Hold on. pay attention..don't stop moving forward 💯