The Chicago Project

“I’ve been called a Nigger-Lover by being in this (The Chicago Project) and going on all these trips. All I do is turn by back and walk away.”
Ashley Pendell 2003

“When I talk about my trip to Cincinnati with my friends they act like things like that doesn’t happen. I always get the same line: ‘That’s not how they really live!’ Even if I tell them that I actually witnessed it myself.”
Brenda McGowan 2003

“The most important thing I have learned is that words have power.”
Brenda McGowan 2003

“I used to believe that the Cincinnati riots weren’t really necessary, but after visiting the area, and getting a first hand experience, I understand more than I ever thought I would.”
Amanda Bailey 2003

“(I share my experiences with others) first by educating them with facts so they will have a better understanding of the situation this community is in. Then I tell them about my personal experiences.”
Grace Jesse 2003

“I feel that I have a much better understanding of how some communities have gone from a lower economic class to a permanent underclass.”
Grace Jesse 2003

“I felt frustrated by what Mr. Aldridge talked about. It does not seem fair that there is this mentality of, ‘if you’re down, you can never get up. If you start out bad, there is no way to turn around and make it.’ People just don’t care what happens to others. We really do need to help take care of each other.”
Grace Jesse 2003

“Everything isn’t always as it seems. The stereotypes used against the people of Over the Rhine are more than untrue. There is a lot that happens that no one knows about… There are reasons for everything that takes place in Over the Rhine.”
Amanda Bailey 2003

“After listening to what Mr. Aldridge had to say, I feel I still have many questions pertaining to the conditions of the city. I guess I am just blind to the thought of poverty and the cycle that feeds it.”
Amanda Bailey 2003

“Freedom can’t be gained by exploiting others freedom. We have to talk and share with different people to be free.”
Christy Atwood 2003

When I hear this phrase, “No Justice, No Peace” it makes me glad that people are standing up for what they believe in. I think it means if there are corrupt police, bad housing, and ghettoized communities then the people aren’t going to rest and just sit back and take it the way is until the government starts to change some things and make it better for people in poorer communities. I think justice means fixing all the side walks and roads not just the ones in richer communities, it means plowing all the roads and shoveling all sidewalks, it mean picking up trash, fixing plumbing and helping people get jobs and better themselves. Justice means helping people at even if they aren’t as good as you think you are! Justice means making things fair for all people not just one class.

Christy Atwood 2003

Wow. The things that go on in one city (Over the Rhine, Cincinnati) are amazing. I don’t know how we as a nation could put people through the things that we do. I wish there was someway we all could come together to make the communities better, not just for “looks” but for people as well. No one deserves to be put through the things I’ve just learned about. So if we all take a stand then maybe our country, not just one city, could be united as one. Although, they say we have freedom, I honestly don’t think we do. If one person has freedom and others are in poverty then no one has freedom.

Judy Nesselrotte 2003