Big Michael Cummings Essay

Communities around the world face numerous challenges related to structural racism because it is ingrained in the social, economical, and political systems of society. Poverty continues to perpetuate through these communities due to income inequality, lack of access to affordable housing, and insufficient social safety nets. Dating back to the historical roots of slavery and segregation, redlining and other discriminatory practices created a very difficult lifestyle for people to thrive in. Children in these communities grow up surrounded by structural violence due to the lack of resources for their basic needs. Moreover, individuals in these communities face limited access to healthcare, education, job opportunities, as well as inadequate

Challenges of educational, health care, and incarceration disparities are all interlinked with poverty and the generational consequences of racism and violence. However, through all this noise, communities continue to bounce back and grow stronger. Elder Michael Cummings, is a prime example of an individual whose work serves as a beacon of hope for the community of Watts. Elder Michael Cummings, also known as Big Mike, is a pastor and gang interventionist dedicated to supporting the youth in Watts. Elder Cummings grew up in Watts and was taken out of private school at an early age due to financial shortages. From his very first day in public middle school he was forced to join a gang in order to maintain his own safety against other students. Joining a gang provided safety in school against other students and when commuting due to different gang territories all across Watts. For Elder Cummings, joining a gang was a form of survival. He then went on to attend Southwest Community College and played

Although outside experts and assistance can help bring resources to the community, actual change must come from lifting leaders within the community who have been raised and affected by the structural racism and violence. The communities typically will listen to, believe, and trust the leaders because they were once victims of the system and are showing great effort for change. These leaders are the experts of the communities and can reach out to people like Professor Jorja Leap for additional help in gaining access to the specific resources needed. Elder Cummings and his work is a prime example of how the actions of a single person can serve as a beacon of hope for the entire community. Through the various projects previously mentioned, Elder Cummings is making positive changes in the community. Project Fatherhood has been instrumental in addressing many challenges faced in Watts. First, the organization helps create an environment for families to thrive, even in non-traditional manners, and educates the fathers on responsible fatherhood and family engagement. These practices will help more children in the community grow up with a father who can guide them as positive role models and away from the cradle to prison pipeline, thus raising their own children successfully. Additionally, Project Fatherhood also provides access to economic