Photo cred:Spike lee

Spike lee filmed his new movie called Chiraq here in Chicago which caused a lot of controversy not only with the Mayor but many Chicagoan's as well. People here felt that the movie enabled the name that we were trying to steer away from. The movie sheds light on all the violence going on here in Chicago. The movie has a few of the mothers whom have lost sons or family members from the senseless gun violence. The film also created a lot of jobs to many in the city, Spike Lee hired people within the city to be in the movie so it was like he was giving back to the city as well. I don't personally believe that withholding sex from many of the men in Chicago will put a cease to the violence here but hey this movie does give people HOPE.

Chicago, The home of the Bulls and Black Hawks, the city with the Magnificent Mile, which brings tourist from near and far to shop, eat and enjoy downtown. Chicago has gained the name ChiRaq because of all the violence, shootings, and murders. People don’t understand that the reasons for these senseless acts is more than just gang banging, drugs, money and respect. It is because these less fortunate communities have a lack of jobs, good schools, role models, and recreational activities. When people are unable to get jobs because of their skin color it forces them to look for other means of income to feed themselves and their families. Schools are closings in certain parts of the city which leaves some kids with the risk of going out of their neighborhood to a rival neighborhood to a school. Parents are working long hours or multiple jobs to take care of their families which keeps them away from their families which forces their kids to let their environment raise them. The senseless killings of innocent people and babies and children are a cry out for help from our city politicians and community official for help. Our mayor’s focus is only on revenue and the budget crisis he only cares when issues in Chicago go viral and public.  My city is so beautiful, but this ugly name is what labels it because of fear not just from outsiders but from us Chicagoan's, we are the ones living in it. Killings keep occurring and gang rivals and violence keeps growing. Everyone is pointing the finger and blaming the other person when it’s not just one person or group fault “it takes a village to raise a child”. The steps that the city is taking to solve these issues here in Chicago seem to not be effective so something different needs to be done people are starting to be afraid to do the priceless things that life has to offer such as going to the park, jumping rope, even just sitting on the front yard of their homes. I ask that if you are listening to this that you pray for my city and better days.

Photo cred: Karla Lee

His name is Tyshawn Lee he was murdered on November 2, 2015 just four months after Amari Brown was killed and the city has not yet recovered from that. Tyshwan was just 9 years old, who love to play basketball. Tyshawn was sought after and lured to an alley where he was shot 7 times because of a senseless rival between to gangs in the Auburn neighborhood. There is no reason or excuse to kill innocent people or children. The streets and neighborhoods here in Chicago no longer have any code or respect for anyone. I remember when I was younger the gangs would protect the people in their neighborhood especially the seniors and the children. Something needs to be figured out and quick to a solution to getting our streets and neighborhoods back to some type of order.

Gang wars are causing the city to be at uproar, kids cant be kids anymore, parents don't even feel safe with sending their kids to school. Retaliation is the answer for every situation that may occur and this rule of the streets "no snitching" is making things difficult for the communities and police.

photo cred: Amber Hailey 

His name is Amari Brown and he was 7 years old he was murdered on the July 4, 2015. He is just one of the innocent people injures or killed by gun violence daily in Chicago. When I see this picture or his mom on my social media still struggling to deal with the fact that her baby is gone reminds me that this could have been my baby and me in her shoes. Even though it didn't happen to me i need people to not forget about what has happen so we wont stop focusing on what still NEEDS to be done in this city for for gun violence control. NEVER FORGET and always remember that it could have been your child or love one.