The lost streets of Chicago - BBC News

True story. Chicago was our home. I raised my son in South Shore then relocated to Woodlawn. When he turned 15, he started hanging out with the wrong crowd and being in areas he knew were forbidden by me. I was a single Mother. Worked multiple jobs most of his life. Every day it was another child’s picture on the SunTimes that had just got murdered. Many of my friends had children who had been shot. Some died. I made a decision. I got my tax refund. Put in my 2 week notice, ended my lease, sold all my belongings, packed 4 suitcases of or necessities, and bought 2 one-way tickets to Georgia. We were homeless the first few weeks. Georgia is slow and boring as hell. But my son just turned 21. He is alive and well. Many of his friends have died or are in jail. Many call him daily begging to him to assist them with moving here. I haven’t even allowed him to go back and visit. I love Chicago, but we ain’t gone die for it.

Watching this makes me very thankful that I live in a safe place and my parents raise me well.

“Chicago PD ignored our request for an interview”. Those are the loudest words spoken in this whole documentary

When he started crying and talking about wanting out. Just needing a gun to go to the beach. That just broke my heart.

"When u forced into a way of life how else can u live?"....that hit home...

Not a huge fan of BBC but this was good. No opinions from bs reporters just what's happening from the mouth of those living in it.

Reading through some of the comments and watching this documentary one thing jumps out to me. We MUST quit labeling individuals by the color of their skin. We’re ALL humans regardless of our skin color. We’re defined by our character not color of our skin. Life posses problems/struggles for everyone. Unfortunately for others the problems/struggles are MUCH more difficult. We need to quit making excuses for our own choices regardless of what choices we make. In order to solve any problem we must first acknowledge/accept the problem and then we can begin to look for solutions. Economics plays a major part in all of our lives. Look for the areas where crime is the highest and what do you find? Economic downfalls. We as people aren’t born with the ideas of wanting to hurt others or commit crimes, but society forces that upon certain individuals. It’s called survival of the fittest. Before you look to judge those running in gangs or committing crimes ask yourself why are they doing this. You may just realize they’re simply trying to survive. Another major problem in today’s world is lack of fathers in the home. We as men need to step up and do our jobs as men. Any fool can make a baby, but it takes a man to raise a family. We need to start looking at Govt. Officials. It needs to start at the top levels of Govt. within these cities. Our Govt. Officials are responsible for decisions that directly affect us. Stats don’t lie friends. Democratic run cities are some of the poorest most crime riddled in America. Chicago has been under the rule of Democratic Leadership for years and look where you’re at. What do you have to lose if you vote Republican? Look at states/cities run by Republicans. These are places many of Americans are running to as we speak. They’re fleeing their Democratic run state because they can no longer afford to live there. It’s time we quit running and start voting to make a change. God Bless You All

This is so sad, God bless you all in Chicago every single life is precious. It opens my eyes to more to what men have to go through on a daily basis the pressure must be so intense. I hope you all make it out safely

This is really sad and especially when he started crying and when the guy said I love you to everyone everyday was really heart touching it’s sad how our fellow African American brothers and sisters have to go through

8:27 cameraman prayin for his life

This is an eye opener. I live in a city of 30,000 people. And the violence for the population is getting terrible. 6 people I grew up with have been shot or stabbed for senseless violence. But what you guys have to deal with is crazy. And I hope the ones trying to change keep going.

I aswell live in chicago, it's honestly hard living here, I am a 12 year old boy I would say I live in a decently safe area, but I still hear gunshots every night and during the day aswell. When I was about 9 or 10 I was walking home from school when shots were fired in my direction it is very violent in chicago, I see gangs where ever I go
But it's still my home and I love it I have many friends, and I'd say it's kinda fun and nice living here I have a good nice house and nice good family
Right now, we are in a very dangerous state in my city recently somone that I knew and was very close to me died and there are police patrolling every were i go due to the amount of violence there is right now, I'm always hearing ambulances and police cars and even police on bikes motorcycles etc.

I’ve just never understood why in interviews almost every person will say how many people have died and how terrible it is, how it needs to change, yet almost all of them make songs about killing and drugs. I want to see someone out of Chicago with a positive message. I understand most of these young men have no choice, there’s very limited ways out, if there is a way out at all. Negativity only spreads more negativity. Misery loves company. Having a gun and senselessly killing isn’t being tough or being a man. Taking care of your family and loved ones around you is being a man. Helping people around you is being a man. There has to be a change from within. The original goal of these gangs back in the day was to be an organization. To be united black people and succeed together against the powers that be. It’s unbelievably sad how it is now.

When he said that he can't even teach his kids how to ride a bike cause it ain't safe that hit me .

Honestly, I'm proud of everyone who made it out of this trash ass place.

I respect this guy for even going here to film this

This makes me so sad 😞😢 I hope this senseless violence ends.

I feel bad for those who have no other option but to carry guns and be part of gangs just so they can live and protect their families what a sad sad world 😞

So sad to see how trapped people are . I pray we all make it out this matrix 💯

I'm feel devastated to see my African brothers and sisters in this situation... it's so hurtful to see them suffering in the US for a time memorial.. they are lost to the knowledge of them selfs and their history and background ,culture, true identity and so on....yet giving all the suffering they face everyday and they're not willing to do anything about it!!! This bothers me alot... seeing them currying guns. .cursing..doing gang music..drinking alcohol.. and worse of all they kill each other off!!! I blame it on the western savages colonized my people all over Africa but on the same time I blame my people by allowing it to happen for already so long!! I just hope one day all my people will come together and get rid of this foolishness and change this miserable condition that they are in and start rising above all this negative characteristics ... I hope you feel what I just said!! Big love for all my African brothers and sisters all over the globe. .. it's your brother faisal from Sudan #Africa

Gosh this breaks my heart. I wish there was something I could do.

CTC Duwop, Thank you for your service! 🥰🇺🇸 So much lost talent. It’s so sad. South Side, and West, you deserve so much better than this.

“It’s like someone’s droppin crates in everybody’s hood.”
PUBG Chicago

Wow. That’s insane. I pray God to keep them safe. This is why I always tell my families. Be grateful.

It is sad if you have to tell your family every day that you love them because you don’t know if you’ll see your family alive tomorrow

I’m not in no way comparing my city to chiraq, I lost mad homies so I know the feeling but looking at this is truly lowkey depressing tbh

Unfortunate. So much heart these kids have and this is wat they do with their lives. If only they could direct their energy into education

I love Chicago the food the people the vibes the skyline wish it wasn’t so violent it’s a beautiful city

This is so sad I wish someone could just donate alot of $$$$ to the hoods save the city and build it up. Open more schools, more programs about nonviolence. Idk how all the guns got there smh. They're all humans I wish them the best. 12:48 broke my heart 😓 I feel his frustration.

Im so glad and thankful I live in a small safe town were I can walk down the street to the store to by something God bless these people

"Paying you $8 an hour, then you're gonna go have to sell some drugs. The shit all is a maze..."
I feel really sad about Chicago. How a community can go on a vicious cycle...

Praying for him and others

So sad rest in peace to all the dead ones out there😔🔫🔫⚰️

The man at the end I pray he survives he has a good heart ❤️ & really wants change pray he gets out of there

🙏🏾for all the family and for you bro and your people, change gonna come✌🏾

The cameraman must have the balls to record this video, if I were in his position, I would have sh!t my pants

Heart breaking 💔 can't live in a war zone too much gun fights and no peace. I would never live in Chicago

2pac - Meet me at the cemetery, dressed in black
Tonight we honor the dead, those who won't be back
So, if I die, do the same for me, shed no tears
An outlaw thug livin' in this game for years
Why worry? Hope to God, get me high when I'm buried
Knowin' deep inside only a few love me
Don't rush me to the gates of Heaven
Let me picture for a while, how I lived for my days as a child
I wonder now, how do we outlast?
Always get cash, stay strong if we all mash; hold ya head!

Being homeless is nothing compared to watching your back everyday some of these dudes just need to take their family the f*** out and then worry about getting their life straight even if they're homeless on the street someplace else out of Chicago.

8:00 is the problem right there. Rapper says he ain't glorifying the hood, just wants to get out. I understand, but you are glorifying the gun culture. Your ticket out is based on the suffering of your own people.

you gotta have titanium balls to be a drill music camera man. having a bunch of guys point guns at you is a dangerous job.

When I told my dad bout how I wanted to move to Chicago, he always told me to rethink bout my choice and stay safe cause it’s dangerous out dere, but I never thought it would be this dangerous fr...

That was so amazing at the end when he cried. Reality is hard hitting when he said ' it ain't normal bringing a gun to the beach'

Honestly, if I was in this kind of neighbourhood, I wouldnt bother making children.

God bless the kids please protect them.

Respect for the last guy who was interviewed for being honest. Really true that the place is like a third world country and the government doesn't care much about. Not hating on the police in general because there are good police officers out there and the hospitals save people. It's about the politics and not caring.

PLEASE DONT JUDGE THESE KIDS..........its all in the upbringing that shapes your values. It doesn't matter how you are educated or where you live. These may be in the best country, but they have been broken from the day they were born and still being broken in their homes. schools, prisons, streets. You have to consider all the circumstances before measuring or judging your achievements with other people's challenges.

What these boys need are their dads. Their dads need to stick around and stay true and provide and be a positive role model and take the boys to church and teach respect for others and themselves. Nothing else is ever gonna fix this short of a miracle from Jesus.

The fact they can do nothing but stay in this life makes me wanna cry

I never thought I would see a time when our people were living a life that is worse than the days of slavery.

It’s sad to see that men and women that fought in wars and have seen friends die have to come back to see the same shit happening in the towns they tried to protect.

Yea this was a hit video!!! I’ve seen a lot of videos on Chicago violence ect. But this one was real good. I like the guy Duwop! Him n his boys are actually good rappers. I fell apart when Duwop was crying talking about trying to break the cycle. This is sad.

2:23 Bruh I know I’m not the only one who got scared when he pulled that gun. 😭🥺 scared the crap out of me

i live in one of the most dangerous city of a developing nation,as reported by the media outlets. and yes life isnt that easy but the way things are showed in this documentry i feel more safe in my current place of stay.
we got mugging issues , target killing was an issue, terrorism and what not and yet when i see the circumstances shown here i feel fear going upto this part of US.

I really hope this man "duwop" made it out and alive with his family.

A lot of close minded people in the comment section. I never grew up in he hood but I’m sure people who grew up in streets like these live the way they do because that’s the only thing they ever knew growing up. This is the only thing they see when their kids so their brain adapts to this kind of lifestyle.

Ok so this whole thing sad but, the kid in the back who said “you got games on yo phone” I started to die

There are those who feel powerful from listening to someone esles music, and theres those who create their own music. Some people take another's music, using it for strife, using it for contempt, and violence.

may god help you and bring y’all back home to the motherland

You can take my taxes, send me to war but can't feed me
It's so easy to regret thangs after they done
Babies catchin' murder cases scared to laugh in the Sun
The tragedies that we all need, love in doses
In times like these we feel closest the good die young - 2pac

You gotta love how all these people have the same story about how dangerous that place is, yet they all choose to remain there. Some may not have the means to get out but these rappers can certainly get out but don't. Its like they have some sort of Stockholm syndrome

I remember when I didn’t want to live in a bad environment. I moved.

So bizarre to live in Chicago and know what he's talking about and then seeing these outsiders be so surprised by everything. But like for me it's just how it is

Man this makes you grateful for what you have

I know that reporter was scared for his life😂😂😂shit I would be too

I grew up in a slum, 3rd world country poverty. Im a first generation immigrant ‘86. When I first came to America I was baffled how Americans who claimed they were poor but owned cars, tv, phones, microwave etc.

Was raised in Chicago for 22 years now I’m moving to Texas it’s dangerous out in Chicago

I feel sorry for this young man . .I lived in Chicago 8 years. The suburbs are better than the city . But what he needs to know is that the way out ! Is Jesus ! You have failed to sincerely want to know he is your help and that he exists. And that he can turn your situation in a flash. ( if ) you turn to him .

Chicago also has a lot of wealth due to having one of the strongest economies in the world in terms of GDP. So it’s like any other major city. It has it’s good area’s and it has it’s run for your life area’s.

Man, this is just sad. A city that I live in.

11:30 that poor woman... oh my god her daughter got shot... man... if i would be the father i would go rampage and i dont even have a gun... i would kill them all i swear... i feel with her... i really hope that she will get to a better place for her family...

It’s sad like frfr that people gotta live like this by force

My dad lived in Chicago. Now to see his favorite city become a shitshow. How sad.

May God bless you and your family!... I wish you only the best from the heart!🌞🌞🌞

part of the issue is just a gradual dumbing down of the culture and the trivialization of certain aspects of life. their grandfathers started the gangs to protect themselves from police violence, their fathers turned it into music and art to escape or shed light on their environments but now all that's left are the kids who glorify the more brutal aspects without any of the meaning behind their initial inclusion

These guy are the second backbone of the second amendment, the first being the patriots in gun friendly states, I'm hoping to get them to stop fighting each other, and finally begin a peaceful fight, unified, against the unconstitutional gun laws that ruin our country.

I fought in iraq as well, born I Gary, Ind. You only stay where you want to be apart, move out, so your children are free, sacrifice your dreams of glory and fame and move get a job and be father, give your children a head start on life.

Enjoyed this video very much..thank you

That little girl that got shot is a blessed little lady

Chicago always been a crazy city and gang culture been deep there for a long long time but now its something different. It done changed so much and in worse way its sad fr. It seem like ever since 2009-2010 shit just went wild.

This makes me realize Africa is the best place to stay, 10 years can pass without hearing someone shot ..
Especially my beautiful Motherland Namibian

Came out 4 years ago some how I still enjoy watching it over and over again

I was at a gas station near my house in a bad neighborhood and some man was mad and he had a gun and my mom called the police and they came seen what part of the neighborhood they were in and drove off like they aint doin shit

Went to Iraq for practice came back to Chiraq for war👿

this made me have a whole new view on America and gangs

Imagine thinking you’re cool for having a gun and blasting rap music yet you probably don’t even know where the safety is.

every body needs to listen to the old man he bein around very long seen and done anything to keep on livin

My uncle was shot dead here at Chicago, and he was still in school and just had a baby and this was just 2 years ago

So many wasted lives.

The kids that are growing up there should sign up for the military or army! They should open more recruitment centers especially in the hoods! Recruit the young kids before the gangs do.

My hubby just spent one night on the Southside of Chicago by Humboldt Park. I see this now and I'm thankful he came home alive.

Sad to see my black brothers like this

When you factor in jail time and legal fees even if you do survive, selling drugs is less than minimum wage

Sad, very sad... Very, very sad to see stuff like that happening in Chicago.

When we talk about gangs it’s really about light and darkness

Chicago a real life GTA server, I hope the situation changes for everyone living in the parts plagued by ignorant violence, hopefully it starts to get better

I feel his pain at end for real.Nobody want to live that shit of looking over your shoulder, but you have to protect to protect yourself.

See how dude takes his arms off the drivers window real quick 😂😂you damn well he told his ass about it before or he would have kept them there

9:57 I died when he said shut up to the dog XD

pff the guy that edited the sound in post did an awesome job, unbelievable good. you can barely hear the steel balls of the cameraman clicking.