A recent Tribune article on the Back of the Yards neighborhood depicted a part of life in our community. It told a sad story about some of our kids and families who cannot escape the cycle of violence that stems from the gang mentality in some low-income, urban areas. I understand that this part of our story needs to be told. But it is only a part of the story. The vast majority of our residents are law-abiding, productive people who raise families and work hard to pursue the American Dream.
The perception is left that the Back of the Yards is a defeated community, devoid of hope, potential and goodness. This is a great disservice to the thousands of children and adults who are going to school and living a decent life here. It is unfair to the students of Chavez Elementary and the Back of the Yards College Prep High School, both of which are ranked as Level 1 schools in the Chicago Public Schools system.
Private investment tells a different story about the Back of the Yards. The recent additions of Wal-Mart, Marshalls, Checkers, Planet Fitness and Forman Mills show that these national companies believe this community is worth the investment. It is not “too dangerous” to operate and profit with access to a good workforce and loyal customers.
Community organizations like the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council can easily showcase the many families that live and work here to better themselves through computer training, GED and ESL classes, and summer jobs.
Every Friday night during the summer, you will find 140 players participating in our Hoops in the Hood program, a basketball league that brings together mostly African-American and Hispanic kids from all across the Back of the Yards, Englewood, Brighton Park and Pilsen neighborhoods to learn about teamwork, leadership and a productive alternative to street life. The BYNC, Chicago Park District, Chicago Police Department, local priests, principals and teachers all attend to engage and support our youth.
This past Father’s Day, the Peace and Education Coalition in our community gave out 60 scholarships, as it has for the past several years, to kids from the Back of the Yards. Seventy-five percent of the 300 children who participate in the BYNC Ballet Folklorico are on the honor roll at their schools. In June, the BYNC hosted its 25th annual Fiesta Back of the Yards, one of the largest street festivals in the city, which draws huge crowds of people who enjoy carnival rides, local cuisine and live entertainment — all without any major incidents.
Police commanders and officers in our neighborhood, in particular the 9th District, have made great strides, reducing shootings and homicides while acknowledging even one is too many. The hundreds of parents who attend our events to support our mission of safety and the efforts of our police demonstrate that community engagement is paramount in combating street crime.
The children and families who live in the Back of the Yards know that violence is a part of growing up here; however, some press about the good people and good things in our community will assure it does not define them.
Craig A. Chico is president and CEO of the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council.
