Chicago at the Crossroad (Poverty Documentary) | Real Stories

Im from the hood, where we need to start is stop glorifying skipping school, slanging, shooting, being a thug and start glorifying getting a job, going to school, and being there for our kids. We blame the government but dont look in the mirror.

I promise you I'm not gloating. Grew up on the southside of Chicago followed my HS boyfriend to the Air Force. Stayed in 20 years traveled the world, retired in Hawaii working from home and taking classes. It can happen!

In the beginning, I heard the guy preaching saying Chicago looks like a third world country. I grew up in Ghana, a small country in West Africa (raised in a great up middle class family) and when I moved to America, I was shocked at some communities people lived in and the misery people lived in. I NEVER saw anything like this in my life till i came to America. My point is these filthy places, all the problems are images of America and are part of the United States of America. Stop calling and describing them as "like third world". THIS IS WHAT AMERICA IS; a country of riches, poverty, crime, happy places, just like every countries. Great documentary though.

These mentors are doing exactly what they should be doing. Stepping up, not making excuses and helping out their community. Amazing.

When a 6 year old tell you to pray they make it through the summer 💔 you know it needs to stop. At 6 I wasn’t even thinking about dying. No kid should be scared of being killed.

I really don’t have an solution but I can speak on coming up in an inner city in the 80s as an only child ..... The boys and Girls club saved me, They taught us there is a whole world out here that we can explore. They taught us how to swim, took us to different states and cities... It really takes a village because your family may not know what to do, so a teacher a social worker etc. can guide the child/children to a better path

"The American dream for me is to be left alone." Amen, sister.

I am an Engineering student from Kenya 🇰🇪,I can't imagine the trouble my brothers and sisters are going through out there.Much love to those who keep their heads up no matter what comes there way.I am hopeful we shall all overcome some day.

I grew up in Public Housing. I went to the Army, got a college degree, high paying job & bought a $225,000 house. It can be done if you have a plan & work hard.

"The American dream for me is to be left alone."

I’m so proud of the progression in Edwin’s journey. The city is beautiful but navigating is rough & nuanced. I do hope that we, as a city, can come together to continue to provide opportunities and resources to build, maintain, and continue to move forward in a positive way.

That was a special moment when that young man put his suit on and chose graduation over the streets. hats off to you young man!!

That was an uplifting the way they ended this doc, I am one the kids that grew up in Cabrini & I had great teacher's in elementary school that always told us that the land we live on is worth millions & that the greens will be tore down one day & it was our responsibility to take our education serious so that we can have an opportunity to afford to live where we want! In life we all make decisions that determine our future & current circumstances. I knew I could've sold drugs instead of working at my 1st min wage job, I also knew I didn't wanna end up in jail or dead!

It all begins at home... Men who father children then leave to never return. Single mothers, alone, broke, homeless and abandoned with their children. In a world of despair, comes violence and death.

What they're doing at the firehouse is beautiful. They're giving people hope and showing them that there is another way, and that they are worth something. There needs to be more places doing this, as it can make a real difference.

Man the TV series the chi and the 61st Street was real💯

"There became a financial incentive for the father to move out..." So heartbreaking and yet so prevalent even today.

Is no one talking about how amazing the quality of this documentary is, the filming the editing on point.

I had to stop crying when I realized the 6 year old girl survived... BEAUTIFUL!!!

There's so many factors involved. I firmly believe having two loving parent households helps. Having a positive male role model is beneficial. Education & access to birth control can assist in decreasing young teen mothers. Churches used to be strong & helped provide after school activities. Poverty & low socioeconomics greatly decreases opportunities. This happens everywhere in US. 😪