A Plea for Peace, Not Troops, in a Troubled Chicago Neighborhood
Life-long resident Anthony Carter has been a beacon of hope for his community, an area known for its violence as "O Block," located in Chicago. He works tirelessly each day to create a sense of safety and unity. While the neighborhood has its struggles, Carter believes the solution lies within the community, not outside forces.
"The power to end the violence is in our hands," states Carter, rejecting the idea of external intervention, including the proposition of President Donald Trump to dispatch the National Guard.
Trump's Plans for Chicago
Recently, the President turned his gaze to Chicago, describing it as a disaster zone that required urgent attention. His solution? Deploying the National Guard. However, the overall violence in the city has decreased, rendering his threats somewhat redundant. The legal basis for his plan is also under scrutiny, with many questioning the logistics and legality of such an operation.
But the community's opinion is clear. People like Carter, along with almost everyone else spoken to for this story, agree that the presence of federal troops is not necessary in their neighborhood.
The History of O Block
O Block, situated on the 6400 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, houses the Parkway Gardens low-income apartment complex. It has become a symbol of Chicago's street violence. Despite the decrease in violent crimes in recent years, the area has seen more shootings than any other block in the city. The infamous name "O Block" originated from a gang member named Odee Perry, who was shot and killed near the area in 2011.
Since then, the block gained international attention due to references in music by Perry's friends, rappers Chief Keef and King Von, who both resided at Parkway Gardens. The highest number of shooting victims in a single year on this block occurred in 2021, with 22 people struck by gunfire. However, shootings have decreased, and residents are starting to feel a decline in violence. This year, only two people have been shot in the area.
Residents' Perspective on Safety
Dennis, 24, has lived through the neighborhood's violent times and has seen it evolve. Once plagued by daily shootings, he now describes the block as a place where children can play outside without fear. He said, "Things are more peaceful than they used to be."
On a sunny afternoon in late August, life in the Parkway Gardens complex is bustling. Inside the security-gated area, teenagers return from school, young children chase each other, and older residents engage in friendly conversations. Ruby Turner, 66, Darell McCoy, 59, and Earnestine Gardner, 81, often gather on what they call the "old school bench," where they talk with young people about improving their lives through education.
The Community's Stance on Trump's Solution
While President Trump claims to focus on restoring safety in cities run by Democrats, Turner and McCoy assert that he shows no real interest in aiding the impoverished Black and brown communities affected by violence. They believe his actions could potentially exacerbate crime rather than alleviate it.
Trump's recent threats to deploy federal troops to Chicago have been met with strong resistance from local authorities. Both Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson stand opposed to any possible deployment, citing it as unnecessary and unlawful as crime rates have significantly decreased citywide.
The Youth's Call for Change
Students from Progressive Leadership Academy, a high school adjacent to Parkway Gardens, voiced their concerns about the violence in their city. They don't want to see the National Guard in their streets, but they do desire change.
They argue that instead of deploying troops, resources should be directed towards addressing the root causes of violence. They suggest investing in mentoring programs and job opportunities. They believe that by assisting the less fortunate, crime rates will decrease without causing additional harm to the community.
A Different View
Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project HOOD, a local organization providing youth programming and resources, has a different opinion. He supports the idea of bringing the National Guard to Chicago as a temporary solution. However, he also emphasizes the importance of local organizations like his in providing long-term solutions.
Carter, who has been involved with Project HOOD for four years, credits the organization for transforming his life. He is hopeful that the new community center they are building will help more residents break the cycle of violence and provide youth with more opportunities.