TESTIMONIALS

The Marathon Continues: Project 43

     As a longtime resident of the Crenshaw district of Southwest Central Los Angeles, I

realized very quickly that I was in an urban landscape that went by a different set of rules, quite

opposite of those rules just a 20 minute drive away in Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. Adaptation,

being a step ahead, learning from the experienced veterans is what kept me alive. Traps were

laid but I dodged them. Being shot at, false charges by crooked cops, among other things were

a few of those traps. By frequenting the local mosques area, as well staying focus on sporting

activities I tried my best to keep my feet out of the mud. A beacon of hope arose from the ashes

to help revive the area. Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” worked tirelessly to make the Crenshaw district

into an area which the energy directed into the streets, would be directed into financial literacy,

technological know how, and ownership of the area by the inhabitants of that area. Unfortunate

circumstances would lead to his early demise at the hands of the establishment. However his

spiritual presence is still here. The baton has been handed to a new grassroots development

called Project 43.

     Located on the Crenshaw & Florence section of South Central Los Angeles Project 43 is

a ground up project which will insure that the future generations can navigate in the different

facets of American society. Black minorities can agree that the way America is set up you have

to learn how to play the game even when it is a dirty game we are playing. In light of the recent

events that have occurred now more than ever is it crucial for us as a collective to fight fire with

fire. The way to do this is not necessarily through force of arms. The best way is through what

project 43 is trying to do. Once constructed Project 43 will offer many avenues for the youth.

One thing about having a successful movement is that everybody has a roll to play. Most often

times than not people will play their positions organically if the means to do so are available.

Project 43 intends to have a section to learn music, a section to learn sport, a section to learn

computer programming, a section to learn the ins and out of the workforce, and a section to truly rehabilitate individuals who fell victim to incarceration. In other words the essentials will be at the disposal of the generation to come.

     I recently had the pleasure of visiting Project 43 and taking a tour of the facility. What I

saw resonated with me so much. There was the “do it yourself” attitude in full effect. It’s safe to

say that we will be blue in the face if we continue to wait for others to give us handouts. I am not

against reparations, or the like thereof. The fact of the matter is though, none of these politicians

or corporate elites understand or know what it is like to walk in our shoes. Even the individuals

who do share our color, and come from where we come from become infatuated with tiny piece

of the American pie that has been allotted to them. When we look at our city officials, our council

people they just follow the suit of usual crooked politicians. Mismanagement of funds,

outsourcing of employment, to the outright looting of funds is the norm. With Project 43 the don’t wait for no one effect has made me a bit excited about what’s to come. I had to really find out who is the mastermind behind such an operation?