A Wonderful and Inspirational E-Mail Message--
Below is a great message I got recently. I got her permission to post and she is more than willing to work with anyone who needs to hear from someone who really has walked the walk and made it in this somewhat cruel world...
Hi Steve,
I really applaud you on your efforts to expose the gritty not so glamorous side of gang-bangin. I recently viewed the HBO Documentary on Gang War: Bangin in Little Rock. I grew up in not so favorable places in Chicago, one of my most memorable addresses being that of 601 W. Evergreen St. in the notorious Cabrini Green Projects and also at the Abla Homes located on Chicago's westside.
Although I was a product of the ghetto and lived there throughout my youth years I am not of the ghetto. One of the main problems within our communities is the absence of success stories. Those who have made it, turned their lives around or just made the choice to live a different lifestyle more than likely never return. Kids need to see success in their own backyards.
I was raised in a single family home and my mother never worked. It was other women in the neighborhood that inspired me. I would see them come and go from work in their business suits and thought to myself I want to be like that. My teachers where inspirational, they encouraged me to dream. It's also important to see role models you can relate to. This is why it is important for more people to return to their communities and inspire others. Whether you donate time, money or just by simply living in the community.
I would also like to know how can I help Mr. Leifel Jackson and the work that he is doing at the Our Club after school program. Please feel free to contact me at the number below.
Sincerely,
Coco Collins
Urban Style Magazine
500 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60611
312-321-4761
312-321-4762fax
Hi Steve,
I really applaud you on your efforts to expose the gritty not so glamorous side of gang-bangin. I recently viewed the HBO Documentary on Gang War: Bangin in Little Rock. I grew up in not so favorable places in Chicago, one of my most memorable addresses being that of 601 W. Evergreen St. in the notorious Cabrini Green Projects and also at the Abla Homes located on Chicago's westside.
Although I was a product of the ghetto and lived there throughout my youth years I am not of the ghetto. One of the main problems within our communities is the absence of success stories. Those who have made it, turned their lives around or just made the choice to live a different lifestyle more than likely never return. Kids need to see success in their own backyards.
I was raised in a single family home and my mother never worked. It was other women in the neighborhood that inspired me. I would see them come and go from work in their business suits and thought to myself I want to be like that. My teachers where inspirational, they encouraged me to dream. It's also important to see role models you can relate to. This is why it is important for more people to return to their communities and inspire others. Whether you donate time, money or just by simply living in the community.
I would also like to know how can I help Mr. Leifel Jackson and the work that he is doing at the Our Club after school program. Please feel free to contact me at the number below.
Sincerely,
Coco Collins
Urban Style Magazine
500 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60611
312-321-4761
312-321-4762fax
posted by Steve Nawojczyk at
10:32 AM
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