Pastor and Project H.O.O.D. founder Corey Brooks explains his rejection of the fatalism of violence and reaffirms his belief in the power of choice.

The block where I pastor on the South Side of Chicago is known infamously around my city, around America, and even internationally, as "O Block." It was gangsters who gave O Block its name. The "O" is for Odee Perry who, in 2011, was gunned down on the block by a 17-year-old female assassin named Gakirah Barnes. She soon met her violent end not far from the block.

Those deaths launched an incredible and unmatched spree of violence — 19 individuals were shot on O Block from 2011 to 2014. I knew many of them. Not one criminal charge was brought and not one weapon was recovered. What most people forget about this time was how terrifying it was for everyday working-class Chicagoans.

Yet the name O Block continues to live on in infamy. Largely because several rappers, from King Von, Chief Keef to Lil Durk were raised on the block and have gone on to achieve great fame. And........

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