Reality is a READI Chicago outreach worker, serving the men who have been most impacted by Chicago’s gun violence and helping them find new ways of life. Reality’s been quite active in the recent demonstrations, and has been vocal in the conversation around criminal justice reform and police brutality for years. He’s marched with thousands over the last few weeks, and has worked with his READI Chicago team to help clean up neighborhoods that were damaged by looting. For Reality, being heard and serving the community is one and the same.
Why have you been compelled to act during this tumultuous time?
I feel like this is a historic moment, and I want to be on the front lines of history. When I listen to my mother and grandmother talk about the civil rights movement, and how they were involved and what they saw – well, I wanted to be a part of that movement in our generation. I didn’t want to just see this on social media or on TV – I’m one who wants to be on the front lines.
More importantly, I really do believe that we can make a change in these racist systems. There is systemic racism within our criminal justice system. In my job, I serve a lot of young men who are at high risk of being involved with the system, but also at high risk for trauma from these racist systems. I felt I had to be a voice for myself and for the people I work with. It’s my duty as an outreach worker to try and bring stability to our communities, and I’m passionate that this can happen.
What do you hope comes from this activism?
I’m hoping for change, like everyone else. I hope in Chicago, we can coalesce around this and make a difference. When I say we, I mean Black people and those who are concerned for the plight of Black communities. I’m hoping to see people come together and coalesce around a common goal – around justice. I’m hoping that people in my sphere of influence will see what I do, and what we’re all doing, and will begin to speak out against these social ills. This is not time to be shy, or politically correct, this is about our lives.
Do you have any tips or something you would like to say to others thinking about acting?
Don’t think about the income, do it for the outcome. If you’re just doing this for your own selfish needs, or if your doing this for self-aggrandizement, your heart won’t be in it. You have to have a heart to do this type of work. Be prepared to be strong willed, strong minded, and possibly lose some friends.
