The best way to truly know how you feel about the ‘hood (the sides of town that Black and people densely populate) is to visit a 'hood in another city. When I first enter a 'hood, I immediately realize I have entered a not-so-good side of town by what I see - overgrown grass, dilapidated homes, sketchy gas stations, potholes every 100 feet - I could go on. The most distinctive thing is the feeling I get within seconds of turning into a 'hood I am not familiar visiting. There is an uneasiness about what can happen at any moment and a rush to navigate away from what could potentially become dangerous. I believe most people see and share similar experiences going in unfamiliar 'hoods. If otherwise, people would have rave reviews about the 'hood. If people really liked the 'hood, it would be nicer. You would see better attractions that would draw people and a thriving ecosystem where people saw more prosperity. Unfortunately, though, that is not the present case in most 'hoods throughout the United States.

The quality of the 'hood is less about the people but more about its curated environment. Many studies have proven that people are more likely to thrive in a mixed socioeconomic community rather than in a stagnant environment where they only see and interact with people who reflect their economic status. Most progressive cities attempt to create equity in housing and development by designating certain apartment buildings, condos, and neighborhoods, requiring mixed socioeconomic dwelling because it has been proven that the city as a whole benefits from a diverse community.

Evermore important for a society's youth is the notion - If what I see is limited, I will be limited in what I can become.

When I look around the 'hoods of Monroe, I am both sad and hopeful. I am sad because there has been little progress in improving the quality of life for some of the population here. Improving 'hoods is a shared responsibility. Community progression happens with collaboration. Community members, community leaders, schools, city government, non-profit organizations, and local businesses should all work seamlessly together to improve the 'hood. It is not complex rocket science but intentional action. I am hopeful that there are some decent people left in this world who want to improve this city for all its people.

I have written this once; I will write it again - Monroe will never thrive again if investment doesn't include the 'hood.