very interesting

You know... it seems more and more apparent to me that ghettos and slums were created more out out of hatred and division than from 'people who couldn't make it in life'. People ignore it and make excuses for it but it really is our responsibility. Thank you John Edwards for paying attention to this issue.

its a local and state issue more than a federal. Its time for blacks them self to stand up and get off the coat tails of the federal government. The United States dose not own Black American NOTHING! Your own black politicians have sold you out for votes from Illegals. Stop wanting to be a ward of the State and blame everybody but yourself for the disparities in your community. I know its not the "the keep it real" solution but it may be a start for a productive black community with real solutions from within instead from the feds.

Former Senator John Edwards, I live in Peoria, Il. I am the Founder of and CEO of a mentoring program called Big Dad Mentoring, Inc. It is faith-based program, but because of the sincerity of my heart and commitment to the cause; this program has been very succesful in helping re-direct youth, particular, of African-American decent. I need funding, most local programs which work with at-risk youth qualify for the funding due to their credibility and stability in the city, but they are not affective when it comes to delivering the results. What Iam asking for is the support of people like yourself to help put Big Dad on the map. I have worked with at-risk youth since 1994 and the many referrals came from Peoria Juvenile Court Services. But whenever funding opportunities are available, I get left out.
PLease feel free to check out my website: www.bigdad4u.com, now these are older pictures when the program first began, I have learned from some of the youth who survived the period of trials in thier familys' lives. Some who lived with me and in up in the prison system, or dead, some paralyzed from beig shot, it's all real sir.
I do not have the funds to get my program off the ground, once it gets up, my vison of mentoring is empowered by God but I do not force religion on these youth, I try to live so most of the boys want to follow me.
Thank you for your time sie, Pastor Earnest Rodgers, Sr.