Urban Viewpoint Session

Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago
Saturday, February 22
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

A 2002 graduate of Barat College, LeAlan M. Jones knows pain and suffering from his growing up next to the Ida B. Wells Housing on the South Side of Chicago. He knows that children living in ghettos have to make day-to-day decisions about whether to go to school or whether to go on the corner and sell drugs. He knows that for some of these children there may not be a tomorrow. He also knows that as a society we need to find concrete solutions to the problems of the ghetto. His vision is for all of us no matter what you believe in, no matter how you look to live together in our America.

Jones is the acclaimed co-author of Our America: Life and Death on the South Side of Chicago, a book and soon-to-be released movie, which poignantly addresses the obstacles facing today's youth in the inner city. As one of the most articulate voices addressing issues that plague our nation today, Jones is a great example of the resilience of children and the need to invest in their future.