Blacks in Chicago continue to kill each other at an alarming rate. Common, a native of the South Side of Chicago, recently spoke with rolling out about the violence that is affecting the youth in his city. –amir shaw
Why are so many black youth dying in Chicago?
It’s a combination of economics, gang culture and broken families. There are children who feel as if they don’t have anything to truly live for. Some kids don’t have the values of life because they are not learning that at home or even in school. It’s up to us to spread the love and share knowledge and enlightenment. We need to listen to what the youth are saying.
What do you tell young brothers and sisters to stop them from committing acts of violence against each other?
You have to remember who we are. You must remember that you have to dream and create those opportunities. When you see people walking down the street, remember that they are reflections of you and you are a reflection of God. If you want your life to be good and you want the things that you deserve, you have to go fulfill your dreams. The choices you make today will determine the rest of your life.
What are you doing to reach out to the youth in your hometown?
I have a foundation called Common Ground and we’re encouraging the youth to be better. We just established a place called Lighthouse in Englewood with Dwyane Wade. We have programs that allow them to do things outside of their neighborhoods. These kids need to feel like they have something to live for. I grew up around 87th street. It wasn’t the worse or the best. I could’ve made certain choices, but I didn’t because I had a dream to be something. If these kids could see their dream and be able to pursue it, things will change. We all have to support them because I believe they can do better.
