Tens of thousands of Chicagoans attended a parade and rally honoring Jackie Robinson West, the southside kids who brought the national little league championship to a city that desperately needs something to cheer. These boys handled their time in the spotlight -- on the playing field, on the road, with the press, on stage and along the parade route -- with grace and southside style. We're all just so proud of them.
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| Grown ups at today's Millenium Park rally |
I know that the nation at large seems to believe that young African Americans on Chicago's south and west side are all gun toting thugs. Obviously it's not true. I'm so happy that these 13-year-old heroes are Chicago's ambassadors, letting the world know our young men have have class, dignity, dedication and drive.
The city was especially alive this lunch hour -- with buskers and street vendors and happy adults wearing gold JRW shirts and carrying signs that hailed the heroes.
This warm and lovely August afternoon reminded why this is where I live, and how very, very much I love baseball. America's city embraces America's game!
Wasn't this just the BEST story?!?! I was totally enthralled with these kids over the past two weeks. In fact, I cut my errands short on Sunday afternoon to make sure I was home in time to watch their last game on TV. What a great story for a city that desperately needs a dose of "feel good" right now!
ReplyDeleteThat made my day!
ReplyDeleteI love those kids! My grandmother told me that they were almost not going to get to go to the play-offs because they didn't have the money for uniforms, traveling expenses, etc, but a lot of people donated money so they could go. They're so sweet and polite... and people were asking for their autographs!
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