Humboldt Park was another communtiy that I did a little research on, becasue like my community (Austin) we have one majot thing in common... GANGS! I am curious and interested in learning more about this community that I live in. One because it the largest communtiy of all communititesand two I have little to no knowledge about the things that happens around me in this community if its not associated/affiliate with gangs. What really amazed me was that this community is 90% African American which was a total shock to me! When you mention the "Austin Area"one never stop to think about how highly populated of the african american race, you think this is a nice community and a great place to live. Bording Oak Park you automatically think this is a great place to live. I have been living in this community for almost ten years and I am embarrassed to say again that my knowledge of thing that happens here and I have a clue as to the culture aspect it which it represents.
Its sad to say that the people who influence this community are the gang members. Even known politicians(aldermen/and beat members) are or have been controlled by such a thing. The gang leaders intrigue me because they have so much power over just about anything in the community. It stop and make one think, is this what our community/generation has come too? And why has nothing been done or being done to stop it? Its amazing how the drug members can take over city blocks and even neighborhood stores.
We as a community often argue how the police are suppose to serve and protect. Where is the protection when the MOST of the drug members work for the police? This community is highly stereotyped on the fact that its population is 90% black and because of the many stereotypes that we as African Americas face( lazy, loud, nasty, disrespectful, always looking for a handout, thieves and drug dealers) is a major controversy.
Breaking this community down would be somewhat fairly easy. North of Harrison Ave back to North Ave back to Central Ave would be the breakdown of this vastly large community. These are mainly highly general gang affiliated areas, with abandon buildings on almost every blocks gangs mainly control this community. As a hardworking woman, seeing how gangs are taking over or running this area, who do we really respect...the politicians, policemen or the gang members?
Are there any organizations that are specifically trying to combat the gang violence in the area? I did a quick search of Austin Chicago on Google and was surprised to find that it has its own News website.
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The first thing I noticed when I opened this website was that the location of the news org was in Oak Park. What does this say? Is this news site really a representation of Austin or is it from the perspective of their neighbors in Oak Park? Are the residents of Oak Park a good authority to represent the community because they are neighbors? What do you think about this?
PS Tina, this is Colleen, the grad student intern. I'm not on the roster list but I am in classes on Mondays!
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