Ogelsby Elementary School-
"I am a 1965 graduate of the school. Yes, it is in a troubled at-risk 'hood. It has been that long before our digital news feeds noticed. Some of my classmates there are life long friends. They are now retired Fire Captains, Lawyers, Educators, Corporate Administrators, Musicians, Artists, Accountants, Business Owners, and more.
We all were faced with street crime back then. However we bonded together for success. Men in the area like Mr. L., ( Mr. Leonard,) ran the Boy Scouts. Him and that troop made a critical difference to many of us males who participated. Yes there were shootings. Yes we knew the shooters. They were often our school mates too. For us the body-count started back then! But that count and them were not the entire story.
Philip Jackson, of Black Star, is an old high school classmate and friend. He inspired a group of Men to meet, greet and Escort students there on the first day of school. I really felt that. I am a recently CPS Art Educator / Coach among other things. So.........
I went back to donate an artist studio session to create a few banners for today's PEACE DAY Celebration at Oglesby. I found the Principal, The Art Teacher, The Clerk, The N.C.L.B. person, other staff and the 5th Graders i worked with professional, dedicated, positive, intelligent, and just so cool to be with.
As that late great 20th Century philosopher from England, John Lennon, once sang" "All we are saying .....is give PEACE a chance!!!."
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