“This is a random thing, man. I had a couple of roses at my crib and I decided to just give them to some random chick. So, I’m just walking down the street or whatever because I don’t want them to go to waste. It ain’t nothing like that, though. I’m on my way to work, so I’m just trying to give these to someone.

I’m from the East End. My parents are from here but this is my first year living in the West End. I don’t really know too much about it but from what I know, it’s pretty peaceful over here. If you go further that way, it may be a little reckless. 

The West needs more unity. People don't realize that when blacks are killing blacks, we’re just killing ourselves. We’re kings and queens and we’re supposed to be doing something great. I think that if we come together we’ll be alright. I get tired of hearing that people I grew up with are getting killed. That’s the main thing that I think it is. People need to stop hating one another and come together. We all live in the same world.

Life’s short, bro. If you think about it, I graduated high school in 2012 and it’s already 2018. I’m about to be 25 this year. That’s the quickest timespan I ever seen in my life. Life’s short. The average black male, especially in Louisville, don’t even make it to 30. Why be mad at something silly when you can be celebrating how hot it is? You know what I’m saying? Me, personally, it’s women out here. I’m not trying to die early, over something stupid. Knowing that life’s too short motivates me. Live your life to the fullest. 

Love one another. When I was growing up in Clarksdale, me and my friends would fight, like it wasn’t nothing. We would fight but the next day, we would leave it in the past. We were kids, man. Leave it in the past and love one another. The world ain’t always sunshine and rainbows, but at the same time, that’s what the world is made of. Why not love one another and see people smile?” - Mike, Chickasaw