I Am Lucky Not To Be Buried In A Cemetery Or Prison Cell

My name is Chaz Williams. I am from New York. I am the co-founder of a grassroots street movement known as SOS. We work with at-risk adults, young adults and teens nationwide to create what has come to be known and termed neutral zones in their communities. SOS and Neutral Zones are a subject and conversation within itself, although, a relative one, today I wanted to send a special message of support to Congressman Bobby Rush, all students, and others who are coming together for the Youth Summit in Chicago.

I am deeply saddened by the high rate of violence that has descended on our communities around the nation. Even more saddened by the facts and statistics that it appears we are waging war on ourselves. I see this as a new form of genocide which is rising like an epidemic. The violence and deaths are becoming more wanton, senseless, and younger. What has brought us to this point where life is not worth much and the youth no longer care whether they are going to live beyond tomorrow? In this new era of self destruction we no longer have the time or luxury to find all the answers, we must enact solutions! It is time to take control of our destiny! My life experience gives me an emphatic feel of what we are confronted with.

I am lucky not to be buried a cemetery or prison cell. I am in no way the new Ghandi of the streets but I recognize something is seriously wrong with the way we won’t hesitate to inflict the ultimate and most irreversible forms of violence upon each other at a moments notice. I know too that there are other powers to be involved that sway the pendulum of avoidance. In most of our communities, it is easier to get a gun than to get a high school diploma. I feel every youth, (gang affiliated or not), every parent, every prisoner, who has lost a family member, dear friend or even a foe to this new epidemic of violent behavior. There is not a person in assembly or who is reading this from any urban center in America who has not personally experienced directly or indirectly some form of violence or its effect whether victim or perpetrator. An unfortunate reality but one we have to face and change.

I am impressed and encouraged by what is happening in Chicago, and by the similar things happening in other areas of the country. Today is good and a start but we need many more todays, in many more neighborhoods. No one is immune from that knock on the door or phone call. Our only hope is in our own actions.

Again, take control of your destiny. We have a better future ahead, It ain’t over until we say it’s over!

Keep Up The Good Work

-Chaz