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Met Jordan, I saw him chilling out near the Metra station. He was tapping away with his drumsticks when I approached him.
This is the first of a personal project for me. My main goal is to get some feedback on how people feel about the increase in crime / murders in Chicago. It seems like people are shooting each other on a daily basis.
Jordan: Has lived in Chicago for the last two (2) years. I told him that I consider him to be an official Chicagoan.
He told me about the shootings he has heard about in Humboldt Park. He was interesting in moving in that area until he heard that a friend of a friend was shot and killed on a street corner. The friend of a friend was possibly not an innocent victim but was doing a "favor" for someone and lost his life.
Jordan later found out that area he was looking to move into was considered a "Hot Zone" and that the person recommending the area to him advised him of a friend being assaulted while riding a bike. Apparently the person was hit on the back of the head with a crowbar.
Jordon currently lives in Pilsen ( 18th / Halsted ). I told him that Pilsen was where I grew up. The area has changed so much and I told him a few stories of the gang wars (shootings) that I witnessed growing up there on the borderline between rival gangs. The area has cooled down and is now very trendy with many Artists and Students. Most of the gangs from that area have moved to the suburbs.
Jordon is originally from Bloomington-Normal, IL. The most exciting thing that happened in that area was one teen that had a gun and was holding himself hostage. Jordan said that most of the teens there were wanna-be gang members and not actually in gangs.
Jordan is attending class at the SAIC ( School of the Art Institute ) and his studying sound engineering.
The obvious question was if he was in a band. Jordan said he was not but he does have aspirations on joining a Jazz Band. He is practicing in preparation for his ideal group which would consist of experienced band members in their 40s.
Jordan was a great person to chat with for a bit and he was enjoying the day. He said most of the people he saw passing by had "good vibes" about them.
Thanks Jordan! I hope you enjoy the few photos I took!
91 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at 100 Strangers