dear editor

"It's 11 O'Clock, Do You Know Where Your Childlren Are?"

Dear Editor:

On Monday night January 30, 2023, around 10:30 pm, I came upon a very disturbing situation on Genesee Street. A little Black boy approximately 6-7 years old, wearing only underwear (no pants, shirt, socks, shoes, or coat) and his backpack was running and criss-crossing the Genesee Bailey area from Colorado to Leslie St., crossing Bailey and back to Genesee St., then south on Bailey to Moeller St. The little boy was a very fast runner, very agile, unresponsive to verbal cues, and seemingly disoriented and unaffected by the freezing temperatures and ankle deep snow.

After repeated calls to 911 for help, multiple u-turns and pleas to the boy to let me help him, unfortunately I lost sight of him around Moeller and Bailey St.

The Police did finally reach the Moeller/Bailey area and began their search but I don’t know the outcome.

I’m writing this article first and foremost because I’m concerned about this little guy's well-being and want to know if he’s okay. If you have any information please contact the Challenger at 716881-1051.

Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, every night, households all over the city were graced with a question from an ominous voice on TV : "It’s 11 o’clock, do you know where your children are?” By the Grace of God, the answer in our house was always yes followed by “now go to bed!”

Today life is very different, children are mini-adults, they don’t have the protections, empathy, and hope that we had growing up. It’s incumbent on everyone who reads this article to TAKE BACK OUR LIVES AND RESTORE OUR VILLAGES!

I’m simply a loving auntie of 14 nieces and nephews who wants the best for Our Community! -B. Ruth