2023.03 -- US Storybook 2022 updated 4.14 - Flipbook - Page 17
side, and north side of the city. The work to bridge divides and develop new friendships is
at the heart of everything we do. I want to see youth from different communities coming
together in a safe space to play, learn from each other, and foster new friendships. The goal is
to showcase the beauty of new friendships through the game of basketball in all three peace
zones in Chicago.
Providing safe spaces for youth to come together also has a lot to do with equity: fairness
and justice – recognizing that many in the communities that we work in do not all start
from the same place. PeacePlayers Chicago acknowledges that fact and makes the necessary
adjustments to allow equitable opportunities to everyone we contact. We do this by
developing relationships with the youth and family. When building relationships with the
youth and their families, we understand their circumstances – for example, if they need
shoes, or if they have a disability.
Mentorship is a vital part of creating equitable opportunities. Youth with mentors report
college and career aspirations; mentorship is foundational to helping young people set and
pursue goals. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares
about them and assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges. This
is one of my biggest motivations for this role. I want to help young people understand that
they are the CEO of their lives. I want our youth to have access to professional networks,
career opportunities and connections to get internship opportunities. I want them to learn the
importance of teamwork, creativity, and communicating effectively.
I was fortunate to have grown up with extraordinary youth leaders who looked like me
and helped me develop in sports, school, and home life. So, I know the importance of having
someone who understands how young people see life around them in the community. To lead
in this role is significant because I get to support my community now and help develop the
next generation of black and brown leaders in Chicago.
PEACEPLAYERS UNITED STATES STORYBOOK
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