Winston Johnson Willie McCollum -54

WINSTONWINSTON JOHNSONJOHNSON

I Am From

I am from 2 for 10’s From Hot Car City and switches and SRTs I am from the Raq Guns popping, bodies dropping, Everybody wanna make it with you, But can’t I am from the yellow dandelion, Where they are yellow in spring And white in the sun I’m from Loud and Hardworking From Wynter and Marion I’m from tough love and goofiness From “not going to be nothing” And “you will be something.” I’m from a family of soul food I’m from UIC Hospital Pizza, Hot wings Family forever.

Life Always Wins the Game

I always looked at life like a big game that’s unbeatable.

I always thought you can go around and use a cheat code,

But it turns out you came to live for your purpose or purposes.

Life is not a game cause you don’t get a chance to come back once you're gone.

I now look at life as if you can go somewhere hot, you can come back cold.

You can do something clean, but you can get dirty.

You can do something new, but still feel old.

Therefore, life tells me everything don’t come easy,

And everything don’t come the same.

Every decision you make has a consequence.

If it's good, or bad, then change.

It’s hard, it’s challenging, but I heard it’s worth it in the end.

So changing for the better is what I’m aiming for again.

Shot after shot is how we living in my city.

We only come together for a funeral or to get litty.

Where I'm Going

I always wanted to go skydiving.

I think that’s where I should start as far as where I’m going.

Where I’m going is beyond what one can see,

Cause I always wanted to see the appearance of God.

If I was allowed anywhere in the world, Area 51 is my first stop. Why not?

I’m curious and wondering how far I could go chasing that thought.

I look forward to becoming successful enough to see

My kids become successful with generational wealth.

I hope to have my own space before 21.

One of many goals I got set for myself.

Everybody should be able to come together.

That’ll be a change in the world we need to see.

Listen and understand me,

Because my kids are what I’m leaving behind.

Besides businesses, those little ones are my legacy.

Never Say Never

I remember growing up I was taught never say never. See but me, I always thought never, and always said never. I always thought I would live through my 20s free and at will. By my junior year of high school I was gathering milk and quilts. My main thought was, is it a boy? Is it a girl? Whatever it maybe, it’s gon rock my world. Having a kid was not as bad as I thought. As long as it is a healthy child, that’s all that matters. I know I always wanted a daughter as my first child though. I felt like it’ll make me mature faster, and treat girls better. Only thing I did know was never say never, even if you're in a position to say it.

On the days everyone was out and I was in, I was grateful for the moments to spend. Sometimes I take a spend or a puff, but when dealing with kids, it’s never enough. I’ll never forget this one time when I really noticed my daughter was a daddy’s girl. Her mother tried to feed her, and I took my first try. She would take the food bite and spit it out. If I gave it to her, she would take it and stuff her mouth.

The best experience with my daughter as of now was at birth. I dropped my first tear of joy in life in a long time. She came out brighter than a leprechaun chest box. She didn’t come out crying, she had a big smile on her face. I was the first to hold her and the first to feed her. I just want her to know I got her, even if it’s not the first thing she need. Sleepy nights in the dark, sounds of crying and baby farts. My God I love her from sunshine above. I pray you watch over my daughter. My Lay lay, I love you.

As I started to grow into parenthood I started looking at the streets different and women also. I started moving different. Sometimes I was reacting without thinking. I remember being in hot cars aka stolen vehicles, no gloves, no mask, just the equipment we needed. Same as with females. I remember being in they house, no protection, no thought just me and dude. Then I started looking at the streets as one big ball game of karma.

Once I do something, something happens to me or what goes around comes around. With the ladies, I just looked at them like don’t mistreat them. Treat them how you would want your mother, sisters, and other loved ones treated.

With all this said and done, living a fast life is not bad after all. Especially when having slow moments. I learned to cherish what I create and forgive to forget what I destroy. A chance at life and to add to the generations coming. To leave my legacy behind too, is more than why you should never say never.

53

WILLIEWILLIE MCCOLLUMMCCOLLUM

The Start of My Beginning

First thing first, like have your head up. Thinking about the first time you had to give up everything you know and know what you was going to do next. I once breathed the best air. It was the day my daughter was born. The look in her eyes, the crying, the feeling of knowing all she had was me. From this day forward, I was the king, provider, the chef, the chief, the maker of something that was broke. Soon after my daughter was born, I knew something was wrong. The crying stopped for her. The doctor came to me and asked me to leave the room. I asked, “For what?” Then he explained to me that everything I wanted to know he could “Enlighten” me about after.

So, I went to the hallways where I heard my wife yelling that she can’t breathe. As much as I wanted to go in and see what was going on with my baby, I could not. So, I went back in the hall, just waiting to get back in the room. I can hear my wife call my name, “Woo come in.” I yell, “I can’t. Just hold on. What they doing?” She says, “It’s not me. It’s War.” So I tried to open the door. So I twisted it and it was locked. At this point I knew it was bad.

Growing up I was a little big head motherfucka who really didn’t care about much, even when it was about me. Still didn’t care, I used to stay out all night knowing when I got home it was gon get me in trouble with my OG. I was built like a linebacker. You heard Kahlil Mack, 5’7 with a strong left hand. She was about to slang my ear to the other ear, and I could still weave. Long story short I didn’t care about much growing up, but I always had family. The day I had my daughter. It was a long day, just to think about her. In 50 mins I went from a careless boy into being a careful young man. Later that day, well that night, I learned that being a father was the most careful thing I can be.

Careless right, if that is even a word, the minute I went back in that room I learned that I had to be so careful with picking up my daughter. They had so much stuff hooked up to her. I stood there looking at her, trying to figure out is she more stronger than me, or if I was stronger than her. I knew that it was she who was stronger than me.

I had to look the same way. So, I stood there watching with high feet on the ground. I fake could listen through the door to the doctor as he said the good. Then they say, “the little baby girl is off, but she going to have to stay with us for a while.” This is what they told me. “The doctors will just keep her until she gets better.” She said a month. This was my first one. The start of my beginning.

Where I'm Going

I always wanted to be a football player I always wanted to see my whole family Dressed up nice and taking pictures If I could go anywhere, I’m going to Cuba I look forward to taking care of my family To the best of my abilities. A goal I set for myself Is to make everything better. I want to change my addictions, My legacy will be my character.

57

JIREHJIREH KELSEYKELSEY

A Blessing In Disguise

I got something to live for now. I’m glad I got a daughter.

I was nervous the day my daughter was born. I was happy and nervous at the same time. Ever since she was born she changed my life around.

Now I get to make sure my daughter have a good father in her life. My father was not in my life when I was a child. So I know how they feel.

What’s on my mind right now is trying to do better for myself. So I can be able to be a good father to my daughter and try to make my people proud.

I don’t want to go back to my past. I’m trying to focus on my future in life. That’s why I’m finna take my rap career to a whole different level.

I remember when my daughter was born. I was nervous to come up to the doctor, but at the same time, I was happy about it. I feel like it’s a blessing. Everything changes when you have a child.

I love my daughter from the bottom of my heart. Every time I see her she just makes me happy. Now, I know I got something to live for. It was a blessing that I had a child. I think I had a child for a reason, so I can know how to treat a female.

I’m always going to ride for her. I love being her daddy. She is not going to play about me, and I’m not going to play about my daughter.

I know when my daughter grows up, she is going to be a star, I can see it already cause she is smart already. I was so happy when she was born. That changed my life and how I move. Now I know.

Sankofa Story: My Grandma

I remember when my Grandma was alive. She used to tell me to get up for school, and I didn’t. She would go get some water and throw it on me.

I always wanted to make her proud by showing her that I’m doing better. I wish I can take everything back that I did when she was alive.

Now that she gone, I wish she could see my daughter cause she is getting bigger everyday. And I’m being a good father to her

My Grandma always got mad when we walk in the house with our shoes on, so we gotta take em off. My Grandma didn’t play when we miss a day of school. We used to always stand in the corner, sit still then she would tell us to get out of the corner.

It was this one time when she chased me all around the block. But even though I gave her a hard time sometimes, my Grandma knew that I will always love her.

I know my Grandma still lives inside of me. I’m still going to make her happy while she still watching over me.

61

ROBERTROBERT SOLOMONSOLOMON

Sankofa Story: First Sunday

I remember a time with my grandma when she used to take me to church on Sundays. Everytime we went to my grandma's house, we couldn’t leave without going to church. She used to tell us, "Come with me. Y’all know we're going to church.” I used to not want to go, but my grandma used to push me into going. We used to go to church with her every Sunday. She never wanted us to miss no Sunday, but I used to act like I had something to do instead of just going. I knew it was wrong, but I just didn’t feel like going sometimes. Ever since my grandma stopped walking, she stopped going to church. So I'd be at her house when I wanna get away.

I once remember my grandma taking care of me when I was sick. When I was sick, my grandma made sure I was ok. She used to watch out for me as my mother went to work. I used to not want to go to school sometimes, but my grandma made sure I was going. I can say that she is someone you want to call your grandmother. She will give up anything, even if it’s just to get you through the day. I learned that she was in my corner no matter what the situation was. She will make sure you're out on top.

I also learned from her to never give up, always make an effort of the situation you are in. Even if you have to stop what you are doing, know you can go and find out. Whatever it is you are going through, you can make it out. I didn’t really go through anything, but I know that my grandma would help anyone. I would say she is a good role model to young people, showing that there is positive people in the world. If there was anything I needed, I knew my grandma would take care of it. Until this day, I think she is the best grandmother anyone could have.

She helped me become a good person as well as being there when needed. When she started getting sick, I wanted to be there helping her because she helped me. I wanted her to know I was strong, and growing all for her. It’s been long since my grandmother passed away, and I have been staying up so it won’t put me down. Also, I just wish I can go back and would change the way I react to certain people. Like showing anger for things that didn’t need to bother for.

In the past, I wasn’t doing enough to get through, but now I do better, so that people can think good about me. She also taught me to “Stand alone, never let people get me into trouble. Always be yourself,” and I love her for that. Those were the times I spent with her that I can say was me doing something positive.

TERRELLTERRELL GRAYGRAY JR.JR.

Today Was Awesome

I made sure I was fully honest, more like a string, anything from a thought to making an example out of more than the things that mainly occur, to building on more than liberty. I can be sure that one honest or wild moment can potentially last

My Life is Probably Unexplainable

I feel unexplained for the most part. Looking up to groups and/or role models. I really don’t add in what’s missing I want to put it into detail, but that’s going to actually cause conflict within myself

Holding Back

Holding back your kingdom of tears any temple defining transaction. Stay more abundant when due times are near, stay more open to mindful decisions. “Ask after your hand gets full.” Plenty with eternal favor and on guaranteed atmosphere.

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TROYTROY JOHNSONJOHNSON

Humble Beginnings

I’m from traveling down south to see relatives I’m from a 2 parent home, They both worked and instilled discipline. I’m from my ancestors I’m from my every need fulfilled. I came from a lonely past. Growing up with no brothers and sisters. After my Dad left, It was me and my mom I’ve always had a closer relationship With my Dad than my Mother I would pick my attire to align With what she wanted me to wear. I always saw her as more strict and too judgmental.

Graces and Favors

I’ve been to the shelter, church, rehab, jail, around all types of people.

I’m no better than them. We all ended up at the same place, same time but for different reasons.

I could easily be them, they could easily be me.

From good to bad, hero to zero. I’m 26 now and times have changed. The support that was there in the past is no longer there. I cannot play victim- most bridges I burned with my own torch. Turning away from God was the worst mistake.

Tough times made me turn my back; Working for the devil, God showed me grace and favor. From sleeping in trap houses, abandoned buildings, and hallways. I used to hide my clothes on the side of my grandmother’s house, so no one saw me walking around homeless.

I’m getting older and shoulders get colder. The Devil is connected to pride, the price of being hard headed.

One day I walked from Halsted to Campell and 63rd, in the rain. On my walk, I talk to God. I told Him that, if He wakes me up everyday, I will make something of myself.

Let me get up with a purpose. I’m tired, I’ll do whatever you want.

Yes, I’m disobedient, and this is the tough love he gave me.

Sankofa Story

My Aunt always had my back.

On my journey, I have detoured, and completely got off track.

My journey includes the introduction to drugs such as weed, lean, and pills. From hanging out with the cool guys/criminals.

I became a worker for the drug dealers. I used to work all night, and falling asleep in the trap (abandoned buildings). My Aunt looked out for me.

She was the only one who would looked for me, and made sure I was okay. When no one else would, her door was always open. She spent over $1,000 on my birthday last year. By far, the best birthday ever.

Her actions always matched up with her words. She told me stories about her journey, and it was identical to mine.

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HONORING OUR JOURNEYS