Jalah

I've been here in North Chicago since I was born. Sixteen years.

What’s something you’re really proud of?

Band.

Band? Do you play an instrument?

Yeah. Bass clarinet.

At first I didn't really want to be a part of band. But my friend was— and she plays the tuba, and she made me join. I still didn't want to join, and I wanted to pick a different instrument and then I started playing the clarinet.

You’re here today at the 2023 North Chicago Community Days as a worker; what made you want to volunteer your time to this event?

I had worked at the police department at the City Hall and they asked me if I wanted to do it. At first, I didn't really think I wanted to, but then I realized that it will probably be fun to be around the community. And I'll bring us all together, so I decided to just do it.

Being here today and joining band were two things you started out not wanting to do, but did, and ended really enjoying...

I'm wishy-washy about trying new things, but I'll still do it anyways.

Let’s say you were feeling more adventurous and less wishy-washy; what’s something you’d really like to try?

Rock climbing. I've seen people do it and I always wanted to do it, but I'm too scared. That’s what I would do.

Finish this statement: To me, North Chicago is… ?

To me, North Chicago is a safe place. I've been here all my life. The community, the people— are just where I feel safe it and I wouldn't be anywhere else but here.

When some people think about North Chicago, they think something dangerous, or it's just like it's a bad environment. But it's really not. On the outside, it may look like that. On the inside, it's just one big family. And it's really just a comfortable place to be at.

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This conversation has been edited and condensed.