From Chicago With Love

As a native of Chicago, now resident of Los Angeles it’s disheartening when people ask me did I leave the city due to the violence, or mention how crazy Chicago has gotten or when I hear news reports of the violence that has apparently taken over the city. The narrative isn’t an accurate depiction of the city that I knew growing up, or even within the few short years of me moving and my yearly visits. The Chicago I know is beautiful, full of life and has so much character. I want the world to see the areas I grew up in, the south suburbs and south side of Chicago exactly how I always have. I want viewers to see the skyline, the fireworks at navy pier, the skating and stepping scenes, the foot working, the food, the landscape, the culture, the festivals, the artwork and most importantly the beautiful people that make up Chicago. Despite what the media portrays, despite what you hear on the news, despite the statistics, Chicago is a city that is so rich in love and beauty that often goes unseen from those unfamiliar with the city. I want the rest of this country and world to see that despite the ugly, the city has so much beauty in it as well.