You got to be a strong-minded person to go through what I went through in life. This story, the struggle, was real.
But I had some awesome times, too. Let’s start with the past: I grew up in D.C., lived in some of the best neighborhoods and some of the worst ones. But my favorite was Park Chester by the Barry Farms rec center in Southeast.
My mom used to make me say my address, 2639 Birney Place, SE, every day before I left to go to school — just in case I got lost or stolen. Even though if you stole me, you would bring me back in a heartbeat. I was one of the bad but respectful kids. I’d smile and grin in your face and be the devil behind your back.
I stayed in trouble, like this one day I remember bumping into my friend Keith:
“What’s up?” “S*** man, chilling.
My mother looking for me, she trying to make me take a bath!” “Aw s*** man, I seen her earlier.
She asked me to have I seen you and she cursed when I said ‘no.’” I pounded him up, kept on moving, coming down the back stair in Park Chester. Coming through the building. Guess who grabbed the back of my shirt?
Ma smacked my head and said, “Caught you, little bastard! Get your a*** in that house and take a bath!”
And that’s how life started for me as I can remember. I laugh now. I wouldn’t change s*** for the world. My life.
