Comments on: “Our Neighborhoods Are Now The Hood, Cause Nobody’s Actin Like Neighbors”

By: JMel

JMel — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:02:59 +0000

DARN.
I Remember those DAYS.
Although Im not from your part of the world.
It was the same vibe,
The same Atmosphere.
Kids Playing, No hating,
chalkin up the floor.(the old Folk Disaproving)
WOW.
It amazing.
Ima Write sumit like this.
Great inspiration.x.

By: anikalani

anikalani — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:55:11 +0000

i still heart the block. recently i took amir to play with some friends down the street. they played outside by themselves on their scooters and skateboards. i noted it because it is something that so rarely happens. also when i started using the park across from me to do yoga i used to get clowned hard!!! i continued though, enduring the ridicule. this led to neighbors then watching me, then asking if they could join me, to then all the neighbors within a 4 block radius looking out for me when i had an accident. they notice if i haven’t been out there in a while and ask about it. you see pairs of men, women and kids exercising together now. there is still quite a road ahead for recovery of our communities post crack. however the ability to relax, be yourself and extend yourself goes a long way in deprogramming discomfort and community distance. thanks for the pics and the piece!

By: Rasupreme

Rasupreme — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:27:57 +0000

Yes indeed. What you are talking about here is the soul of the community. I think its missing in most neighborhood. Everyone is looking out for self (if that!) It seems we have lost the intelligence to police our own community. Instead our communities have been infested with cops who are alien to our way of life. This creates a disconnection, ultimately friction between the two (the community and law enforcement.)

I agree, most of this is the result of the crack era. A certain criminal code of ethics was employed in our community (like mind your business, stop snitching, f*ck the police, etc.,) yet this destructive way of thinking has not been reciprocated in honoring the lives of the babies, and the community as a whole. It seem we as a community are paying respect and homage to an ideal that doesn’t respect us or our well being.

I can go on for days. However, I agreeing with Daoud is saying…”know thy neighbor!” Stop saying f*ck the police (other than the crooked cops,) and say “Peace” when you see them. Just that word alone will ease some tension. Whether it be a so-called “thug,” police or neighbor. Say Peace. They only fear you because you fear them! Eliminate fear, demand respect.

By: Salahadeen

Salahadeen — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:03:25 +0000

I miss those days all the time my man. On our blocks was the playstreet closures all summer. they were the best things to happen to us. You have inspired me to sit on the stoop this weekend. thanks.

By: Kahshanna

Kahshanna — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:34:29 +0000

Nice…I remember leaving the state of CA for the first time to visit my Granny Mimi in Chicago when I was seven. As females, and visitors, my grandma made us stick very close to home. I remember envying such freedom as what you write about…it’s good to hear strong male voices talking about the sweetness in life, like being neighborly. Rock.

By: Mahdi-Allah

Mahdi-Allah — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:45:05 +0000

Peace God, I remember those good days! Civilize means to teach the Knowledge and wisdom of all the human families of the planet Earth.

Matthew 22:36-40 (King James Version)
36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38This is the first and great commandment.
39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

By: Dahkillah

Dahkillah — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:19:34 +0000

That’s peace. As someone who witnessed that first hand and participated, I definitely see the effect it has on a community. This is truly necessary for young people moving into neighborhoods in urban areas. Regardless of your background or which affinity group you identify with, to a lot of these kids you are an intriguing mystery. Open yourself up and allow them to unravel the mystery! Let what you have learned and brought with you to that block spread to their minds.