When politicians don't enter the neighborhoods, what type of world comes of it?

"Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime."— Aristotle

Mar 13, 2025

When you create cities that implement segregated policies such as redlining and gentrification, it creates a ton of problems whether they affect you or not. Specifically, politicians and lawmakers don't enter unrepresented areas of the city, whether out of fear or for some other reason. Politicians neglect us.

This is a powerful black-and-white photograph capturing a group of young people playing basketball on an outdoor court. The contrast between the shadows and the highlights adds depth and emotion to the scene, emphasizing movement and connection within the community.

When people don't enter the neighborhoods, the stereotypes exacerbate themselves: loud music, dirty, poverty, violence, etc. Look at how Hollywood amplifies these narratives in film and television, e.g., Menace II Society. These harmful contagions are like matches to kindling, creating a fire of negativity and self-doubt. I meet many amazing people when I'm on the street or sitting at the courts. They are always welcoming and kind. When you show respect, the streets notice.

"Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime."
— Aristotle

A black-and-white photograph of four young men sitting on a park bench. They face the camera with relaxed but confident expressions, each displaying a unique posture. One wears a Spider-Man t-shirt, another flashes a peace sign, while the others sit with their hands resting on their legs. Behind them, a white brick building, bare trees, and a row of garbage bins set the scene, suggesting an urban park environment. Shadows from the afternoon sun stretch across the ground.

When I speak to the kids at the basketball court, they always ask if I am a photographer, considering that I have a camera latched around my neck. I always respond, “Yes, I’m a social justice photographer who photographs the marginalized communities that are unrepresented. Representation Matters.” I can see they love what I do, but they aren’t fully aware of why I do it. When I mention terms like “Redlining, gentrification, environmental sacrifice zones”, you can see their eyes slowly gloss over. This is why education is crucial in these neighborhoods.

A black-and-white photograph of a group of young men sitting and leaning on a park bench, engaged in conversation. Two of them sit on the top of the bench, one gesturing as if mid-sentence, while the others listen attentively. The background features a fenced-in urban park with bare trees, a clothing donation bin, parked cars, and an apartment building. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting long shadows on the pavement, emphasizing the relaxed yet engaged atmosphere.

"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love." — Nelson Mandela.

Every kid is utterly aware of gangs and the negative connotation that goes along with being a minority in this country, yet they don’t fully understand why it is this way. It just is. These photographs help change the attitudes of people being affected by systematic racism.

Systemic racism thrives when voices are silenced. Under this new administration, the erasure of marginalized communities is no longer just a possibility—it’s a strategy. Policies at the federal level are unraveling cultural representation, stripping it from schools, universities, jobs, and healthcare. The consequences aren’t just political; they are deeply personal.

Now, more than ever, photography must serve as resistance. These images are not just moments frozen in time; they are testimonies, proof of existence, and declarations of resilience. If history has taught us anything, it’s that silence is complicity. Through this work, I refuse to be complicit.

“White Supremacy will not define us, not now. Not ever.”

Chicago’s neighborhoods are more than the statistics politicians ignore or the stereotypes that justify neglect. They are full of life, resilience, and histories that refuse to be erased. When the people in power turn away, photography is a witness; it captures what they won’t acknowledge and preserves the truth of those who live it daily. My work isn’t just about documenting these spaces; it’s about ensuring they are seen, recognized, and remembered. If the system refuses to represent us, then we must define ourselves.

A black-and-white portrait of a young man wearing a white t-shirt, standing in front of an ornate, patterned metal grate. He gazes to the side with a calm yet contemplative expression, the sunlight casting soft shadows on his face. A distinct patch of lighter hair near his temple adds contrast and character. The background features a textured wall with peeling paint, emphasizing the contrast between structure and individuality.

A black-and-white photograph of a group of young men gathered on an outdoor basketball court, engaged in conversation. Some have their arms around each other, while others gesture animatedly, possibly discussing the game. A basketball hoop stands in the background, along with leafless trees and a fenced park area. The scene captures camaraderie, movement, and the unspoken bonds formed through shared spaces and experiences.

A black-and-white photograph of a group of young men playing basketball on an outdoor court in the late afternoon. One player is mid-air, releasing a jump shot, his shadow stretching across the court. Others watch, poised to react, while sunlight filters through the leafless trees, casting long shadows and highlighting the movement and energy of the game. In the background, a small brick building, park benches, and a cityscape set the scene.

A black-and-white portrait of a young man with shoulder-length twists, sitting on a park bench. He wears a black t-shirt and a silver chain necklace, his expression calm with a subtle smile. Sunlight filters through the branches of a large tree behind him, creating a soft glow around his hair. The background, slightly blurred, shows an open park with scattered people and buildings in the distance. The bench has faint graffiti etched into the wood, adding texture to the scene.

A black-and-white photograph of a young boy standing at the edge of a basketball court, gazing at the ongoing game with a contemplative expression. He wears a varsity-style jacket, contrasting with the more casually dressed players in the background. The court is filled with movement as older players run and pass the ball. Leafless trees and urban buildings frame the scene, adding depth and context to the environment. The boy's presence in the foreground suggests curiosity, anticipation, or a quiet moment of observation.

A black-and-white photograph of two young boys sitting on a park bench, surrounded by scattered backpacks and personal belongings. One boy rests his head on his hand, gazing into the distance, while the other eats a snack, engaged in conversation. Shadows from the bench and surrounding objects stretch across the pavement. In the background, an open field, trees, and a row of parked cars set the urban scene, creating a quiet moment of reflection and companionship.

A black-and-white photograph of two young kids sprinting across the edge of a basketball court, their bodies leaning forward in motion. One boy in the foreground wears glasses and a white t-shirt, his arms swinging as he runs, while the other kid follows closely behind. Shadows stretch across the pavement, adding depth and movement to the scene. Scattered backpacks and belongings lie on the ground, while in the background, a park with trees, people, and an urban school building sets the stage for this moment of youthful energy and play.

A black-and-white photograph of a basketball hoop silhouetted against a dramatic sky, with the sun shining through scattered clouds. A basketball is caught in the net, frozen in motion. The curved arm of the hoop extends into the frame, creating a striking contrast against the soft, diffused light. Bare tree branches and a tall floodlight pole appear in the distance, adding depth and scale to the scene. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia, resilience, and the timeless nature of the game.

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