In one of Chicago’s most notorious neighborhoods, known as O Block, Anthony Carter dedicates his life to fostering a safer community. Despite the area's reputation for violence, Carter believes the solution lies within the community itself and not in external intervention from figures like former President Donald Trump. “It’s within us to stop the violence,” Carter asserts. “President Trump couldn’t do nothing about that.”
This month, Trump has shifted his focus to Chicago, labeling it a “killing field” and a “disaster” that requires urgent attention. He has even suggested the deployment of the National Guard to address violent crime, despite the fact that crime rates in the city have been declining overall. The legality and logistics of sending federal troops to Chicago remain uncertain, and many locals, including Carter, argue that federal intervention is unnecessary.
Carter, a 44-year-old lifelong resident of the 6400 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, resides in the Parkway Gardens low-income apartment complex, commonly referred to as O Block. This area has gained notoriety due to its history of street violence, but recent statistics indicate a downward trend in crime. “When you got neighbors in the worst community in the world saying that they don’t want the federal guards to come, that’s got to be something,” Carter explains. “But the internet is producing this is such a bad place to go.”
Despite its troubled past, O Block has experienced a reduction in violence in recent years. Notably, since 2010, more shootings have occurred on this block than anywhere else in Chicago. Named after Odee Perry, a young gang member who was killed nearby, O Block has become a focal point for discussions about urban violence and its impact on communities.
Statistics reveal that 2021 marked a peak year, with 22 shooting victims recorded; however, the current year has seen only two shootings, reflecting a significant decline. Residents like Dennis, a 24-year-old, recall the chaos: “Shootings every day of the week. You wake up, you hear shots, before you go to sleep, you hear shots.” He now feels that children can safely play outside, a stark contrast to the past.
On a typical Wednesday afternoon in late August, Parkway Gardens buzzes with activity. Residents must pass through a security gate to enter, a measure that many believe has contributed to improving safety. Inside, teenagers stroll home from school, younger children play, and older residents engage in conversations on benches. Ruby Turner, a 66-year-old community member, emphasizes the importance of mentorship: “A lot of young people come needing to come sit down and talk to us and stuff.”
Turner rejects the label of O Block as a “jail,” stating, “It’s still a home.” However, she and other residents express skepticism regarding Trump’s interest in their community, with many believing he is out of touch with the realities faced by impoverished Black and brown neighborhoods. “Ain’t nobody begging for that man to come nowhere,” says Darell McCoy, 59. “They’re begging for him to leave and get out of the presidency.”
Pastor Corey Brooks, who leads Project H.O.O.D., is one local figure who supports the idea of bringing in the National Guard, arguing that crime levels necessitate a stronger presence. “I think that crime is so bad that we need to get a handle on it and calm it down,” Brooks states. However, he acknowledges that lasting change comes from community initiatives rather than military presence.
At the nearby Progressive Leadership Academy, students express their concerns about law enforcement and the potential deployment of military troops. Seventeen-year-old Charles Pierce highlights the ongoing fear they face: “Outside of school, there’s not a time when I’m not watching my back.” His classmate, Miracle Davis, 16, agrees that military presence would likely exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them.
These students believe that meaningful change must address the root causes of violence. “Only thing people out here need is a little bit of help,” says 16-year-old Da’mari Hayes. They advocate for more community programs and job opportunities, rather than military solutions. Maya Thompson, also 16, suggests, “The money that Trump is using to bring the National Guard here, he should use it to make more activities and more programs.”
As community members like Anthony Carter work tirelessly with organizations like Project H.O.O.D., they remain committed to creating opportunities for youth and breaking the cycle of violence. “In this city, we need more opportunity, more things to do, more things to do for the youth, jobs for the youth,” Carter insists. “It’s all about money. If they had something to do, then it wouldn’t be no time for no chaos.”
