The Chicago Project

George O’Hare

George O’Hare, motivational speaker and a top-ranking career, business, and public relations consultant, spoke to the group.  He inspired us with his mantra to “Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative, Latch on to the Affirmative, and Don’t Mess with Mr. In-Between.”  His speech about yesterday, today, and tomorrow, implored us to live today for all it’s worth, not to dwell on the past, and not dread the future. He encouraged us to get our “BUT” (excuses) out of the way and live every day as if it were out last, and some day we’ll be right.

Marshall High School

Perceptions Before Going

“…they will stare at us.They will probably wonder what we are doing there, and may be offended…”

 Lauren McIntosh, 2006 Participant

“Before we went to Marshall High School, I was really scared and I felt very intimidated.”

  Jessica Shields, 2006 Participant

“When I just walked into the school, I was actually kind of scared …”

 Nikki Melvin, 2006 Participant

“Before we got there I thought we were going to war.  I thought there would be a lot of fights.”

 Cayla Miller, 2006 Participant

Tuesday morning we visited Marshall High School, a 99% black high school with an approximate enrollment of 1,400. Before we arrived, some of us were hesitant to go because we have never been the minority in a school before and had very negative expectations about our welcome.

We arrived at the High School at 8:00 A.M., were escorted around the metal detectors, and waited in a conference room for our activities to begin.  We sat there nervously waiting when  students began to file in and sit down next to us.  We wondered what they thought of us being there and how we would be received.  Our anxiety was relieved one by one as they leaned over, introduced themselves, and we started talking about High School stuff.  We quickly discovered our interests were very similar and we became eager to get out of this room and into the hallways! 

We were able to attend three classes, pass through the halls, and eat lunch in the cafeteria. Our student chaperones introduced us to their friends, and we asked, as well as answered, questions all morning long.  We learned two valuable lessons that day.  First, many of the images of urban schools are very negative and false.  Second, in any situation, it is important for those in the majority to reach out and extend a warm welcome to those in the minority and let them know they are welcome.

 Perceptions After Going

“When I walked into the school, I was actually kind of scared, but after a while I realized that there was nothing to be scared of.I was in the hallways and in the classrooms thinking to myself that they didn’t like me, but that wasn’t true at all…I thought that inner-city schools were just like they are depicted in the movies.”

 Nikki Melvin, 2006 Participant

““The kids looked at us first, but then they were interested in our life.They asked us about our school, music, sports, and other things we liked to do.They even said they would like to come to our school.It makes me mad at myself for thinking how bad the school was before I even got there…” 

 Lauren McIntosh, 2006 Participant

“Once I was there, it seemed like everyone was interested in why we were there and everyone I passed in the hallway said hi to me or introduced themselves to me.”

 Jessica Shields, 2006 Participant

“My experience was awesome.I went into the school thinking I’d had a lot of trouble with people, especially with bullying.What I found, however, was a lot of nice, fun, and interesting people.The people, teachers, and environment were all just respectful and fun.I think the reason we are afraid of places like this is because of the media.In movies and TV, you often see a black versus white scenario.” 

Daniel King, 2006 Participant   

Discussion with Pastor Nelson

After our “mountain top” experience at the high school, we stopped by the Greater Open Door Church for an engaging discussion with Reverend Nelson (who is also a Marshall graduate).  His questioning style was direct and at times confrontational, causing us to really think about our perceptions of this community.  He asked us about topics ranging from our motivations for coming to North Lawndale, inter-racial dating, and the status of race relations in the United States.  Most of all he really made us think about how we will see things differently once we leave this place.

"This trip, The Chicago Project, is like a time bomb.  You do not think you are affected by it until you are back home doing your own thing, when suddenly you realize, you don’t see things the same way anymore.” 

 Pastor Richard Nelson, D. Min  

“I really like the way that he went so in depth in what he was saying.  He always asks why or what makes you think the way that you do.”

 Nikki Melvin, 2006 Participant 

“…he was awesome.  There was never a time where he didn’t have my attention.”

 Ben Davis, 2006 Participant

“…he asked people questions then challenged them.  He was very good at it.  It was amazing.  He really made me think about things more carefully.”

 Cayla Miller, 2006 Participant