This topic is not directly related to sports and their effect on community, but a reflection on some of the leading problems that some of us face. This story is a reflection of social issues and some of the consequences that follow.
I used to live in Modesto, Ca. A small city is about 70 miles south of here. One of the reasons I moved away from Modesto, was because of the closed mindedness of its community members. I remember seeing some of my class mates teased and ridiculed because they were different. It was so hard to be “different” and accepted. Living in San Francisco, I have seen a much more open community. People are much more open to lifestyles and change compared to Modesto, Ca. This of course in my own opinion, but I know many would agree. What makes me reflect on my times in Modesto, are some moments that have changed my life forever. I want to share a story that has changed my life and that has changed me.
This story is about my old neighbor Jonathan. Jonathan was the nephew of the neighbors that lived next door. He was from New York and was sent to Modesto to get away from his parents’ divorce. Lil Jon, as I used to call him, had the most interesting style. He was always dressed in black, with accessories such as bullets, chains, and studs. His first few weeks at school were hard. I remember him bummed out on the front porch multiple times. I always told him to act tough and not to let it get to him.
Months had gone by. I did my thing and so have all the people in my life and community. I go to school, as always, come home, do my homework, eat dinner, and go to bed. I am woken by the loud sounds of sirens. My family rushes out to see what is going on as the red lights seep in through our blinds. I see a stretcher coming out of my next doors neighbor’s house. I had no clue what was going on. What had happened? Who was on the stretcher? Those questions just kept consuming my mind.
Few days passed and we knew nothing. No one had been seen at my neighbor’s home. Finally, after 4 days, my neighbor came to sit on the porch. My mother went to ask her if everything was okay and she broke down and cried in my arms. Later on, I found out Lil Jon has passed away. I was in shock and cried. He was younger than I was; only in the 7th grade. How did this happen? My mom would not tell friends, but the family and me who constantly came to visit next door, filled in the gaps. Lil Jon had committed suicide. He used his belt to hang himself on the backdoor of his bedroom.
The news spread throughout the community. It was a tragic story and stunned many. Why would Lil Jon do this? It was speculated that the constant verbal abuse and bullying at school drove Lil Jon to depression. His sexuality was speculated and constantly made fun of. I remember Lil Jon as being someone who was still exploring what life had to give. I could not believe people made him feel so bad that he felt no need to live. How could people be this cruel? The questions bottled my mind, and to be quite honest, some of the same questions bottle my mind today.
