Project HOOD Bud Billinken Parade
I am happy to be a mentor for Project Hood. The 2014 Bud Billiken Parade was a success. I had a thought come to me that said, ‘Project Hood Billiken Parade’.” Maybe the thought comes from the fact that our Hood family was so deep in the parade. I don’t recall seeing any other churches in it. Maybe there were some, I stand to be corrected if there were any.
The fellowship with my Project Hood family is all love, positivity, and fun. We met Pastor Brooks early Saturday morning on Oakwood and Vincennes. Jim Oberweis, candidate for US Senate also joined us. I remember as we were walking toward 39th and King Drive to start our march, some brothers and sisters of Hood started conversations saying that they hope we can make it without anyone shooting. Someone else said, “oh no, please not.” Then a sister said, “oh no we won’t have any problems, hey Y’all let’s pray.”
One of my brothers in Hood, William Calloway asked the pastor can we pray, he said yes. We huddled and he prayed. Everyone looking on showed us much love as we walked! I remember moments after we finished, some of the family were smiling, laughing, and saying, “Yes, we made it!”
Somewhere in the parade we were saying, “Put the guns down Chicago.”
I was not happy to hear the news of the shooting during the parade. I wasn’t aware of it until later that night while I was out with my fiancé and family. We already crossed 42nd King Drive where the incident occurred.
I think the most realistic thing we can do about the violence in our community is to lead and cultivate our upcoming youth. This will be a continual effort by me, Project Hood, and all other leaders and activists. Chicago can use more people to be a part of something to help our city.
I am glad I was a part of it. I had a vision during the parade. Pastor Brooks also mentioned in church today that while we were marching, he had visions, visions,Visions for next year’s parade.
I look forward to our next one in 2015.
Nate Gray
Speaker/Author of “From Him to Us” and forthcoming, “A WinningPerspective”
Facebook: Nate Gray Zone
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