It's So Hard to Say Good-bye

This was my last day in Los Angeles. Over the past 10 days, I've met so many wonderful people that at this point it's hard to leave and say Goodbye. This trip has turned out better than I could have imagined and not only did I learn and retain information for my research but I also gained friends, confidantes, and protectors in the process. In the future when I produce my thesis and further articles and chapters, I will make sure to accurately portray my experience and knowledge gained from this trip. I will not disappoint  those who opened their homes, neighborhoods, and hearts for me to see. The media has typically viewed certain areas and communities in a negative light without showcasing the positive attributes these same communities also have. Well, the stories and information I've gather will hopefully give a different perspective than what has previously been given. Although there is a danger element in certain communities of Los Angeles, this applies to any environment a person is unfamiliar with. There is not a greater or extreme caution needed when entering this part than any other neighborhood in the world that someone is not from. This trip has taught me so much but especially about "assumed" danger and "perceived" safety environments.

When I told family, friends, and colleagues about my study and trip to Los Angeles, everyone was worried about my interaction with (former) gang members and being in South Central. There was an assumed danger and that I needed to be careful. In all honestly, being around the former gang members and in their neighborhoods was where I felt the most protection and comfort. At the same time, I would not enter these communities alone or without the assistance of the area. This past week, I also had an encounter where I felt extremely uncomfortable and in danger. Where was I? Not in South Central, but in the Suburbs of L.A. (This was my weird, strange encounter I discussed earlier). Where it was perceived to be safe and protected, was where I was most confronted with uneasiness and fright.

The reason I give this inclusion into my trip is not to say I am naive of the danger surrounding LA Black street gangs and their communities, but to show endangerment even in the "safest" environments. There are people who are out to commit wrongdoing and crimes everywhere and in all parts of the world. There are also positive people committed to making a change and impact in their community everywhere and in all parts of the world. Even in South Central. And I will soon tell their story.

Got a plane to catch in the morning. Goodnight and Sweet Dreams.