I worked at King Kennedy, and Garden Valley Projects here in Cleveland as Arts Director for The Boys and Girls Clubs for eight years. My responsibilities were to encourage the members write, and perform original works. I learned early to tap into natural talents, and create create ways for the children to use them. I left that post some two years ago. Since my departure, I have visited these sites several times. The kids seem to be happy when they see me. Yelling to other kids; "it's Mother Rapper", which has been my tag in the city since 1983.
There has been on-going gang violence since 2004, right after my leaving the estates it escalated. Twelve young people have died since then. I am feeling pretty guilty for leaving the children, as I did have somewhat of a positive impact on them. I am sure there was little I could have done to prevent these tragedies. My remedy for violence was simple; "Let's learn to love and respect each other". I never backed down from a student, nor did I leave them with nothing to say in their defense when they committed a wrong. In essence they knew Mother Rapper as a woman who loved them but wouldn't take their crap!
The most resent gun-related death was Anthony Gordon who played varsity football for Glenville High school. He was at a teen nightclub and was the victim of a random shooting.
www.newsnet5.com/news/6583705/detail.html
It's sad, and I wish there was some way for me to get back into the task of helping to save our youth. To be honest, at 51 years of age, I am a bit more fearful now. I was in the midst of a scene in 1999 that almost took my life. Again, I did not back down, and handled the situation so that violence did not erupt.
I often wonder why the anger these young people seem to have is so explosive. My brothers were angry but they had control. I do understand that poverty creates certain attitudes but my God things have really gotten out of control.
I guess my reasons for writing this column is to simply get this ugly infestation out of me. I also harbor a bit of guilt for letting go of the job at Boys and Girls Clubs. I had to move on, and so, I did. I guess I owe these kids another visit soon. I'd really like for them to explain to me the violence I've seen in the schools of late, on the news, in the papers...
The problem with King Kennedy and Garden Valley is they are basically in the same neighborhood, just blocks from each other. They are neighbors that have turf wars which lead to death. Yesterday I saw one of the young men I taught at King Kennedy. He is a talented visual artist who is trying desperately to get out of "the hood". He is attending Tri-C Community College, studying Fine Arts. I pray for this kid, and hope that he is successful in his endeavors. I asked him how he managed to stay out of trouble. His simple answer soothed my spirit;
"I keep to myself Mother Rapper. I have few friends. The troublemakers respect me for my art, and leave me alone."
I truly wish all children knew their innate ability to rise above the demons that haunt them. Living in these blighted, downtrodden areas denotes failure, and discontentment. The roller-coaster ride in life can affect anyone, anywhere... but they often think they are in it alone.
Just this week, I've seen four shootings on the News. I am left here writing this column, wondering what steps I should take on the morrow. I really feel the need to roll up my sleeves, and get back out there. Right now I'm safely on the inside doing after-school projects, and tours to high school. I feel safe but there is still a void. My husband is happy that I'm out of the projects. He feared for me because he knows how out-spoken I am.
I guess my plea is that we as adults take the time to go into that asphalt jungle out there to pull at least one child out of the depths of despair. I feel like my mission is incomplete. So, there you have it. My reason for this column was to free my thoughts, and lift my own spirit. I don't know how successful I've been here. Maybe once I read over this column my perspective will be brighter. I hope so anyway.
Included in the list
Add a comment
Comments
1 - 11 of 11
-
Renee, it's this kind of thing that really gets me going! I live in Brooklyn, NY, one of the most crime-ridden cities in America alone. Every time I turn on the television, young black men like myself are being shot and stabbed like clockwork. It makes me fear for myself, because young black men (such as Anthony Gordon) are fighting for their lives, we are an endangered species.
Where poverty reigns, the people revolt. The subject of "conditioning" people to be happy in their slummy existence seems to be the only source of "hope" these days. When the people are ignorant of their horrible situation, they are happy. But people in these times know of the darkness and the flames that they have to live with everyday of their life. This is why I'm so blessed to come from a two-parent family, that loves the Lord.
Now while I may confess Agnosticism, instead of Christianity--I do know that the Church had a large hand in helping out these suffering communities. But the Church needs to step up to the plate, and stop acting all sadidity, and having tea parties--life is REAL!
People need all the help and support and love they can get--this is why I applaud you, for making a difference. Do not feel so hard on yourself. Your time is coming.
Peace, Love & Light,
Jay -
I dont usually rread columns but boy am I glad I read this. I live in England where ther is not the same degree of violence but its only a breath away. You have obviously given a great deal to these kids and made adifference. If there were more people like you there wouldnt be such an awful mess. My hope is that you will get a good responce from this and much needed help for the clubs you wrote abou. good luck
-
This was very wonderfully written; a wonderful person you are!
-
I hope you get a big response to the call for help in these clubs. If there is one adult for every child who needs help, surely this would make a difference. I just hope you get lots of loving people to respond. I will pray for these children.
-
While I can't say I know of the areas you speak of, I grew up not to far from Cleveland. My cousins were all involved in gangs, shootings, what not. To this day, I remember seeing my one cousin, getting shot in a drive-by. I was six, and he had thrown himself in fron of me. I still got hit by the bullet, but because it went thru him, it did little damage. And, as you may have guessed, he died from the wound.. To this day, I don't know who, what, or why. I remember the fear. I can only hope, that whatever you need/want to do, helps you and those kids, as much as the Lord will allow. Cause Lord knows, there is never to much help for them. Athena
-
I often sit and wonder what use am I against the multitudes of People around the world and My own Country but I still have My say when I want to as I may be only One Person but if just One other listens then I have gotten somewhere, I am constantly contacting People and have achieved getting replies at least, and being heard for My concerns and if that's the best i can do then I will keep at it as at least someone is listening... Josephine.
-
everyone feels like their life is incomplete.
it's probably the worst feeling.
i wouldn't know yet,
being that i am young.
i am unable to determine what my life will be.
i hope that by releasing your mind.
you have released your heart. -
You are passionate about these kids and i'm sure the work you have done has made a difference to many kids.
Don't discount your work and feel like what youv'e accomplished is ineffectual. I believe the violence of today is breed by poverty and moral decay.
Thank you for shareing this bit of yourself with us.
Love, Light and Strength!
Making A Difference
One day a man was walking along the seashore. He noticed that during the night seashells and starfish had washed up on the shore. Thoroughly enjoying the morning sun cool sea air, the man strolled for miles along the sand.
Far off in the distance, he saw a small figure dancing. The man was joyous that someone was celebrating life in such a grand and uninhibited manner. As he drew closer, however, it became apparent that perhaps the figure was not dancing but was repeatedly performing some ritual.
Approaching the small figure, the man noticed that it was a child. The girl was methodically picking up starfish from the shore and tossing them back into the surf.
The man paused for a moment, puzzled, then asked, "Why are you throwing those starfish?" "If I leave these starfish on the beach," she replied, "the sun will dry them, and they will die. So I'm throwing them back into the ocean because I want them to live."
The man was silent for a moment, impressed with the child's thoughtfulness. Then he motioned up and down the miles and miles of beach and said, "There must be millions of starfish along here! How can you possibly expect to make a difference?"
The young girl pondered the man's words for a moment, then she slowly leaned over, reached down, and carefully picked up another starfish from the sand. Pulling back, she arched the starfish gently into the surf.
She turned to the man and smiled. "You may be right," she said, "but I made a difference for that one!"
-Author Unknown
-
Divinely inspirational
My dearest Heart
I know the anger of this world. It hangs its shadow out to destroy us all ... Yet: there is hope, and faith, and Love ... and the last is the most important. What you have given is a piece of your very own soul. Ah dearest Mother Rapper, you've done just fine. KEEP on doing what you are doing, even if it is in prayers or in person. God is where your heart is: ACTIVELY in Love.
I have posted a song a few minutes ago: Hear. Perhaps you could read that, too.
All the very best on your quest to change your part of the world.
Love
Myra -
very moving
i started then stopped deleted then started again. a very moving piece of writing and where to begin is difficult because we all have to be part of it for it to work. easy said than done. if your work makes people think and get off their arse to do something then you have achieved a great deal. i wish you well and keep on pushing it in our faces..... -
I have read about it and seen movies on it but when faced by the truth from someone who knows it becomes so much more real and bigger than one thinks it is. I wish more people cared like you do, I am sure every child has some obvious or latent talent in them they just need a hand and guidance, it is sad that they all fall in such a state of apathy.
Adding your comment:
1 - 11 of 11
