returns it like Devin Hester.
Andrea put the group of 30-plus women through a
one-hour workout that included dumbbells, jump ropes,
lunges, resistance cords, barbell lifting, kettle weights,
etc. ,Afterward, the group headed outside to run a timed
mile. Once again, Andrea everyone laughed when she
called out a participant for running cute. Andrea’s vibrant
personality energizes the group to push even harder.
With three minutes to spare, Andrea put the ladies
through more stretches. “I promise not to cheat you. You
will never get out of one of my workouts early. My goal
is the make you guys sore for the weekend.” I think she
achieved her goal.
Are you desensitized to crime in Englewood?
ANDREA: I’m not desensitized to crime in Englewood.
Because I’m in Englewood every day, I view things from
a different angle, not the angle depicted in the media. I
actually feel safe while I’m in Englewood. I’m not afraid
to engage with residents of the community, nor am I
afraid of walking down the street after the sun has set.
Many incidents that occur in Englewood, and other
impoverished communities, are not random. These
violent acts occur as a result of previous incidents.
You mentioned that you’d caught a case for not
snitching. Why is the “stop snitching” culture so
prevalent?
ANDREA: Not “snitching” goes back far before I was
born. I believe mobsters used to call snitches “rats.” It is
one of the codes of the streets that has not diminished,
and I do not believe it will anytime soon. Many remain
quiet out of fear, but in my situation I remained silent out
of love.
Tell me about the 5K you organized.
ANDREA: “Ditch the Weight & Guns” Englewood 5K
Walk & Run represents several communities meeting in
Englewood to promote health and non-violence. It invites
others to Englewood to observe the good in Englewood,
rather than what’s depicted in the media. Lastly, it
encourages the population with the highest percentages
of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease to become active.
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