Comments on “Who’s Going to Run This Town?”

Bob Meeks: As far as I'm concerned, Derrion is a tragic test of our community's resolve. Either we are going to stand up and save our children, or, we are going to continue with the same old-same-old. Talk, marches, preaching, meetings, radio talk show hosts blabbering but no changes. Then, when the media coverage disappears, so will our interest until the next Derrion comes along, then the whole process starts over again. This is our pathetic pattern. To make matters worse, our ability to fix the problems diminishes with each incident. It's just going to get worse & worse until some of us find the guts to get out here & save our kids. I applaud the efforts of the Bronzeville Metropolis to speak the truth and wish our men had the same courage. Keep up the great work!

Jeff P.: Great article, Leila. We need more people to speak Truth to power. You're absolutely right, there is an identity crisis within the community and there is a solution: knowledge of self. These kids have no opportunity for self-discovery b/c the after-school activities aren't available to them. Lets get some stimulus money into these underserved neighborhoods so we can redirect the restlessness of these youth.

Phil: I am speechless. My mother is so happy to read your column, she has a tear in her eye. Thank you, you speak the truth no one wants to or is afraid to speak. Instead of building new mega churches apply for a charter to open a bank in our community. You know that have cash flow.

Chukwu: Leila, you are absolutely correct! Knowledge of self (coupled with TRUE knowledge of GOD) induces self and group constructive behavior instead of the opposite. It produces inner strength instead of tough shells to hide inner weakness. In the end true knowledge of self produces true love of self. And from this everything else positive germinates.

Attia: One of the most powerful pieces I've read on the subject. Really great!!!

Joann: AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!!!!!! Excellent observation and assessment!!!!! We all need to come together and help our children. The comments about our religious and politial leaders and the community, right on target. We should all be asking "What would Jesus Do" we should know, Almighty God has his back. I hope all that read this article really take to heart what needs to be done in our community, right now and do something about. Mentor a group of young men and women and if you don't want to do it, sponsor someone else to do it. You can find someone who can carry out that task, definitely with oversight in the mix, to make sure our children are being mentored.

Reg: Here is another example of our WOMEN stepping up to SAY and DO what us men have failed to say and/or do. Its time for us to take the reigns of Responsibilty and Leadership in our own communities and stop begging SOMEBODY ELSE to do it! Look at the MAN IN THE MIRROR and TELL HIM TO CHANGE HIS WAYS, before troops are shooting at ALL of us, including the so-called INNOCENT ones among us! Thank You Leila for making the Bronzeville Metropolis the modern Pittsburgh Courier.

George: Leila, this article is hard, but it's fair! Thank you for stepping out and being the voice for those who are reluctant to speak out at this time.

Jim: It is clear that this exquisite stylist named Leila, is serious in her pursuit of a minimal-perhaps even a universal mode of expression for the emotional experiences that define our lives as humans. Her personal experience is at the center of each piece she writes, but none is solipsistic; the tone is understated and ironic, and all of her essays contains a hard-won glimmer of insight. Leila's essays come up on you quietly, but with a big Bang, and haunts you for days. Metropolis keep-up the outstanding work!

Matt: Wow! You said it clearly...like no one really wants to! Congratulations on the re-launch of an undiluted paper! I'm at your service.

Rev. E.: God has truly touched you. Your glowing!!! Pregnant with purpose, ya feel me.

Rev. J.: GOOD STUFF!!!

Vanessa: Oh My God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Girllllllll!!!!!!! You sho said it and set if off...I don't know why I clicked on that link this early in the day! How the heck you gon go off like that and not give the heads up? I shoulda known when you said "I ain't offering no apologies!" Yeah, it's yo paper and you have definitely said what the hell you wanted to. Next time prepare a sistah.

Tony: I love it - what you wrote. You spoke the HARD TRUTH. We as Black Men and people need to hear it each and everyday until it clicks. Peace & Blessings on you my Sister for you spoke the truth. It is time to roll up our sleeves and prepare to get dirty Learning Knowledge of Ourselves.

Keevin: Socrates stated that "the prerequisite to life is to know thyself" since we don't know who, why and what we are as a people, we now live this savage lifestyle of depravity. The scripture talks about a good people who had the mark of the beast on their forehead and in their hands. Look at how demonic we think and then we manifest those wicked thoughts on each other. If we knew who we were, we would not do to each other what we do. It is sad that some fear retribution for teaching our children our great history. GOD is angry with us today because of our refusal to get up and do something for ourselves. To those of you who read scripture, the bible is literally walking off the pages today. We don't believe that GOD would come and save us...Thank you Leila for being the warrior you are today. It is sad that in 2009, one sister has to say what men should be saying and doing. "GOD HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES."

Chris: These clowns JUST DON'T GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S A NEW DAY!

Kevin: Have these fake reverends heard that WE HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT????????????? EVERYBODY BETTER STEP THEIR GAME UP - AIN'T NOBODY PUTTING UP WITH THEIR BULL**** NO MORE!

Denise: I love all that everybody has to say and it begins with I. We ought to stop criticizing because everybody is doing something about what is happening and doing in their own way. We must not let the rest of our society breakdown while this is going on because if we do then the ones that do not fall through the cracks will have no where to go. Let's all keep doing what we are doing, do it stronger and louder and with more conviction and with more dedication. The police and the mayor do play a role in this we did not get this way alone remember that. The Word tells us that ONE CAN CONQUER 10,000, so let's keep true to what we know and keep pressing toward a solution. LET'S NOT KEEP PUTTING EACH OTHER DOWN. THAT'S ANOTHER TRICK OF THE ENEMY. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE CORRECT. THAT ONLY ADDS FUEL TO A FIRE THAT'S ALREADY BURNING OUT OF CONTROL.

Rev. E.: I totally agree with you [Metropolis]. We need more people to open their eyes to the real truth! We need more warriors. Come to are meetings on thusday evening at Woodlawn Health Clinic located 6337s Woodlawn from 4pm til 7pm. Our organization is called, PROJECT BROTHERHOOD!

Bronzeville Metropolis: Denise, with all due respect, isn't the book of Revelation all about the destruction of the wicked? Including churches and money-changers? The question is - do you or do you not believe in Jesus the Christ? Jesus condemned the wicked and REAL Christians should be doing the same thing. The wicked IS YOUR ENEMY. Even wicked churches. Jesus also said that he wished you would be hot or cold. But, because you are lukewarm, I spit you out of my mouth. Stop giving evil and mediocrity a pass. We are at war and our children are the casualties.

Reda: this is a very good website for me to start looking at for information, I like what y’all is doing with this it is very interesting to and have all the news that I'm looking for…this is what the world is looking for.....

Green: Will the Real MEN stand up! Chicago is tired of all these FAKE bought off so called Leaders! There is only one true leader and that is GOD! Karma is a Law.

P.: I can't get over this article! I printed it for everyone in my office and emailed it to everyone on my list.
Danny: Thank you, Thank your publication for helping us maintain some sense of human endeavor and a moral/political navigation system. Stay focused, stay rooted. If there is anything that I can do to contribute to the continued success of the spoken word; contact me. I like the publication and will continue to look forward to the input. Thanks again and may our living God continue to bless. KEEP-SMILIN

Tanya: How can I hear/see more of you? Your perspective fills a great void in our community. We are off-balance and this article knocked some sense into my head. I didn't realize I was following these clowns into a fiery furnace. I want pure, unadulterated truth. These reverends all have their own agenda. It's all about - me, money, and media. A huge injustice has been perpetrated against the little man by these preachers. They have bargained us off to the highest bidder.

Steve: Your article titled WHO'S GOING TO RUN THIS TOWN was on time. Even me as a single father of an 11yr. old boy, I have been guilty of thinking thinking about other's who I can call instead of looking in the mirror at myself. Keep bringing good articles like these, we need it. Great Job.

J.: I went into Bronzeville Coffee House and everybody at every table was reading the same newspaper. I asked them where did they get and ran to the table to get me one. NOW I KNOW WHY! Oh MY GOD! You go girl!

David: My Sista, your insightfulness should be what every Black Man wears on his sub-consciousness. It still confounds me as to why WE ( Black Men) still play games with the power that God has built into us. Your truth is what should be the daily motivation that is a catalyst for change. When our Leaders sic. learn to act on and in truth, maybe then can the peace we so desperately need in our community will make itself apparent. Peace D.M.L.

Rev. Glenn: Even though I am a Preacher I could not have said it any better myself. u speak da truth. Brother preachers if u ain't one of the bent over punks stand UP. I've always been told if u don't stand 4 something you'll fall 4 anything.

Reba: This is a wonderful outlet for neighborhood issues. We need to empower each other as neighbors in order to build a strong community.

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