This post is guest-dictated by AJ, 13-year-old dear one at Humboldt Park.

"Violence is the only option because if you walk away from them or don't say nothing to them, they gonna keep bothering you.  If you knock they lights out, they gonna learn their lesson.  If you just say stop, they gonna keep goin and they gonna think you a punk.

[To people who say our city's too violent] "I say oh well, move out of it then.  If there's too much violence, why would you be here?  [Violence] is the key to the world."

Returning the to the author:

Clearly we have an issue here.  Can someone propose a way for AJ to solve the problem of the kid who keeps messing with him?  We're requesting solutions. 

And, by the way, the Centers is the only place where AJ hasn't been in a fight. 

Unemployment in Humboldt Park: 17.8%

Low-Income Families (Free or Reduced Lunch): 90%+

Community Disadvantage Index: 9/10

BLING Girls Overcoming These Obstacles: 24 strong!

Despite the barriers around them, in the past year our BLING girls have learned how to make jewelry, built their own co-op structure, and sold over $1,400 of bead jewelry to customers from all across America.  Their most recent sales experience: North Park University's RELOAD conference for urban youth workers.  Spot them in RELOAD's online photo album here.  (They're the beautiful girls selling the jewelry!)

For all intrigued readers, BLING is now offering home parties.  Our sweet girls will bring their wares to your home, showcase them to your friends, show your friends how to make a custom piece of jewelry, and take orders for custom sets.  Introduce your friends to the best girls on the west side: host your BLING party today! Email Elizabeth at info@nlcenters.org or call 773.252.1104.