Chicago pastor vows to continue work despite shooting at new South Side center
Someone shot a hole through a window at the new Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center on the South Side, an incident Chicago Pastor Corey Brooks described as a sign from God to keep stepping forward. Brooks stated that the building, which houses job training, classrooms, and violence prevention programs, is one of the first new constructions in the area. He described the incident as an attack on the institution's mission to provide a safe environment for children to grow into resilient adults. Brooks noted that the structure replaced a motel notorious for crime on a block previously known as America's most dangerous. He confirmed that this is the third window pane broken at the facility and that the organization will replace the glass, acknowledging the cost involved in the repairs. Brooks emphasized that the target was a center designed to steward young boys and girls, not a vacant lot or liquor store. He expressed anger and upset over the violence but maintained his commitment to the work. Brooks recounted an interaction with an 11-year-old boy who attended programs at his organization. The child told a young man that he enjoys spending time with the group because they feel like uncles. However, the boy later admitted to feeling sad because his father never wants to talk to him or see him. The child asked why his father does not like him, a question that caused the young man present to cry. Brooks described the boy as good to his mother, diligent in school, and protective of those around him. He argued that adults must step in to guide such children before negative influences define their manhood. Brooks criticized the tendency of society to react only after tragedies occur, such as shootings or arrests, rather than building up young men proactively. He defined manhood as discipline, responsibility, accountability, and faith, qualities he believes are learned from men who stay and demonstrate them. Brooks stated that government funding alone cannot manufacture expectations or provide the personal guidance an 11-year-old needs. He viewed the shooting at his center as a sign from God that he must continue his efforts to support these boys. The pastor said his goal is to ensure that children like this one grow up to be strong fathers themselves, fulfilling a role they may never have seen modeled in their own households. The Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center continues its operations despite the damage.
Someone shot a hole through a window at the new Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center on the South Side, an incident Chicago Pastor Corey Brooks described as a sign from God to keep stepping forward. Brooks stated that the building, which houses job training, classrooms, and violence prevention programs, is one of the first new constructions in the area. He described the incident as an attack on the institution's mission to provide a safe environment for children to grow into resilient adults. Brooks noted that the structure replaced a motel notorious for crime on a block previously known as America's most dangerous. He confirmed that this is the third window pane broken at the facility and that the organization will replace the glass, acknowledging the cost involved in the repairs. Brooks emphasized that the target was a center designed to steward young boys and girls, not a vacant lot or liquor store. He expressed anger and upset over the violence but maintained his commitment to the work. Brooks recounted an interaction with an 11-year-old boy who attended programs at his organization. The child told a young man that he enjoys spending time with the group because they feel like uncles. However, the boy later admitted to feeling sad because his father never wants to talk to him or see him. The child asked why his father does not like him, a question that caused the young man present to cry. Brooks described the boy as good to his mother, diligent in school, and protective of those around him. He argued that adults must step in to guide such children before negative influences define their manhood. Brooks criticized the tendency of society to react only after tragedies occur, such as shootings or arrests, rather than building up young men proactively. He defined manhood as discipline, responsibility, accountability, and faith, qualities he believes are learned from men who stay and demonstrate them. Brooks stated that government funding alone cannot manufacture expectations or provide the personal guidance an 11-year-old needs. He viewed the shooting at his center as a sign from God that he must continue his efforts to support these boys. The pastor said his goal is to ensure that children like this one grow up to be strong fathers themselves, fulfilling a role they may never have seen modeled in their own households. The Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center continues its operations despite the damage.