The creators of the community group, Teamwork Englewood, say they know these basketball games will not solve all the problems facing young, African-American men in one of Chicago's roughest neighborhoods, but they are convinced it’s a start.
"There are people on this court who probably shot at each other once or twice in their life. [But] I mix them up. That way they can get to know each other. I don't let the BDs (Black Disciples) play with the BDs. This guy could be your brother, he could be your best friend," said community organizer and Sports Director, Daryl Bell, to CBS2Chicago.
Basketball coach, Darryl Sims, takes Bell's sentiment one step further. Sims says crime actually drops in Englewood, after rival gang members get to know one another through the "Hoops in the Hood" basketball tournaments.
Personally, I applaud anyone who is willing to try a positive approach to ending the self-destructive behaviors that plague Englewood, and similar neighborhoods in Chicago. We may disagree on the solution, but all know something must be done to end the gang violence in Chi-town; and if these basketball games save one life -- they are worth it.
What these young men really need are mothers and especially fathers, who give a damn. You cannot pop out babies and expect the streets and the taxpayers to raise them.
ReplyDeleteBoys turn to gangs for the love and protection they can't get at home. When they can't get jobs they sell dope. Plain and simple.
I have worked with at-risk youths for nearly 20 years. You would be shocked how many of them have never had anyone believe in them or tell them they can accomplish something positive. I fault the parents for all this violence.
ReplyDeleteThey don't invest any time in their children and when the kid ends up dead, the no good parents get on TV and play the victim.
You have to raise your kids to save your kids!!!!
liberal nonsense! throw their asses in jail for life!
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