Chicago

There are many memories of this place being a great place, and an equal number of it being one of the worst places for a person of color to be trapped in, but it is where I became me, and for that I’m grateful. There was a time of social change going on there when I was growing up. We were encouraged to educate ourselves to our full potential, with a promise that there would be limitless opportunities when we were done. What we didn’t see was the true workings of a system put in place generations before we were ever conceived. I believed, and when I say this I say it with deep conviction, that what I was told by those who had the most influence on me was the best way to prepare myself for the challenges that lay ahead was true, boy was I misguided. The truth was that this only applies to people of color, and even then you will have to accept the harsh reality that you are still considered a second class citizen. My heart aches for those in this great place who are unwilling, or unable, to embrace diversity. Chicago, love your children, all of them, and they will make you proud. I love you and I want you to love, and accept, me and those like me.

Here are some of the images captured on my visit to the ” Windy City “. It was a memorable experience that was too long in the making. I plan to visit Chicago in 2010 so that I can enjoy some time visiting relatives that mean so very much to me.