Byron

How long have you lived in North Chicago? 

30 years. 

What brought you to North Chicago? Did you move here with family?

‘85, I believe. '86 to be exact. '86. On this block we're standing on right now. 17th Street. My mom lives on this block. I don't live on this block, but I live on this block, you know?

If someone you met someone who has no idea about North Chicago, what would you tell them about your community? 

It's a great place to live– there's good people around,  you know? It's a nice place, to raise your family. It’s the people. Everybody knows each other; cousins, uncles nieces, nephews…

What do you most like about living in North Chicago?

It's my safe zone. It's comfortable, and it's home. 

So tell me about– you've got some bling on, today. 

I usually don't wear this, but you caught me today on a church day. I didn't go to church today, but I'm walking the spirits. 

So you normally would be in church on Sunday?

I just left work, actually, because I got some bad news today. I lost my close cousin today. I left work early. I'm off to go talk to my family– to see what we're gonna do. My close cousin. She tried to fight it, but God called her home. She had a heart attack. Called her home today. 23rd of October.

You mentioned you just left work–

I'm a lumber associate at Home Depot. I also do work for this other company called Akzo Nobel. It's a paint coating company that makes paint for airplanes. I've got two jobs.

What are you most proud of?

Well, me coming from this community– I'm proud to be standing here right now talking to you. 

Taking it just one day at a time. What trait do you possess that others admire in you?

Well, you know, I consider myself a positive role model in the community. You know, like, I've always been a straight up kind of guy. Never been a follower, so I'm a leader. So I would say people will look up to me for that. I've always been my own self.

Is there someone who you’ve been a role model for that may have gone down a different path if it weren’t for your guidance?

I've got two kids that are proud of me, so that's what's more important for me right now. Just don't get in line and follow suit, you know? I say role model, but I'm just trying to do the right thing. 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Well when I was a kid, honestly, I wanted to be a police officer.

And what happened to that dream?

Oh, I don't know. Peer pressure, friends, things we was doing as a teenager– tried to stray me away. I always wanted to be a boss, I can tell you that. To own company– I'm still working on that. Being a boss in your own business means you can be in charge of yourself. I love to travel. The boss has to work, but you know, but you can move around– more than the employees. I'm working to get to that point one day. That's my goal.

You mentioned that you have two kids. What do you want for their futures?

Junior, and I’ve got a daughter named Brianna. I want for them to be successful, and to treat people as they want to be treated. And live life easy and simple. And hope for the best, you know?

Edited and condensed, this conversation took place in 2016.