Ellington

Typical sixth-graders aspire to become lawyers, doctors and professional athletes, but I was not your typical sixth-grader. I was raised on what came to be known as the worst street in Jackson: the infamous Wood Street. And my goal was to be a drug dealer.

The world around me had me convinced that I was never leaving there. As a sixth- grader, I accepted the fate that was described to me by the media, government and some of my teachers. While many of my classmates planned their next big events—such as parties and sleepovers—I was mapping out my life as a professional street pharmacist. I figured if I was going to be on Wood Street forever, I might as well make the most of my stay.

I wasn't from a family of thugs. My mother and grandparents took great care of me. I was disciplined when I did something wrong, and I was rewarded when I did something right. I was actually a sheltered young lady. I was never allowed to go past Jaycee Park unless an adult was with me.

But that changed once I started middle school. Some of the boys my age were already trying to hit the block, so I wanted to do the same thing. I wasn't successful because they never let me tag along. (I later found out that they were not successful either, and their little expeditions were usually to someone's house to fix bikes). Nevertheless, I would daydream about my future drug operations. I wasn't dreaming of becoming a nickel and dime bag hustler—I wanted to be the Queenpin.

At school, I had the worst attitude imaginable, but I excelled academically. Still, because I was from Wood Street, I believed that I had to be "ghetto." My friends and I thought we ran Rowan. People called us the "Wood Street Girls," and we thought that we were bad. If we stuck together, we could all become drug dealers—maybe the most notorious girl hustlers in Jackson, I thought.

I knew drugs were bad. I knew all about Mr. Smarty Pants, and programs like SWAT and DARE. I also knew the harsh reality we faced once we crossed those tracks everyday at 3 p.m. I knew that going to college was the "right" thing to do, but the truth was many of us couldn't wait that long. My neighborhood had produced no doctors, lawyers or professional athletes, and as a sixth- grader, I felt that there was a slim chance that it ever would. I made the grades at school, but once I got home I was just another statistic.

My friends and I would rush home to change out of our school clothes, so that we could go to the park. That was our domain. For an entire week, we pretended to be drug dealers. We used leaves for money and grass for weed. Everyone thought this was a cute little joke except for me. I was really practicing for my future as a drug dealer.

Thanks to new friendships and better relationships with some of my teachers, I began to see a brighter future by eighth grade. Throughout middle school, I was a mentee of the Women of the Links. The women would come to the school a few times a month with great speakers and fun activities.

I built a special relationship with Kimberly Sweet. She was young, successful and black, and I was inspired. She allowed me to shadow her when she was an anchor at WLBT, leading me to want to become a broadcast journalist. But, deep down inside, I still wanted to be the Queenpin. As my eighth-grade year was coming to a close, I was satisfied with my academic achievements, my social life was great, and I had served as captain of the cheerleading squad and as student body president. I was even crowned Miss Sweetheart at the Valentine's Day Ball. I was graduating sixth out of the top 10.

But I still had a bad attitude. My negativity gave me a bad reputation with my teachers. I had a hard time getting all my recommendations for Jim Hill's International Baccalaureate program. All of my friends from school were going, but I could not. This was my wakeup call. My bad attitude had deprived me of something that I really wanted. I would be separated from the people who inspired me to excel. I finally realized that my "ghetto" mentality didn't help my relationship with some teachers. I ended up accepting a scholarship from the Women of the Links to attend Piney Woods Country Life School.

As a ninth-grader, I went away to one of the most prestigious schools in the country. My family was proud of me, and I was proud of myself. A chance to get out of the 'hood opened my eyes to a whole new world. While at Piney Woods, I met people from all over the world and reevaluated my life goals. I realized I was not a statistic, that my fate was in my own hands. I never looked back on my drug-dealing dream. I graduated from Lanier High School with a new attitude and a scholarship to Jackson State University.

The dream of becoming a drug dealer is real for some people throughout neighborhoods like mine. Many of these children are too young to get real jobs, so they are left to hustle (whether it's mowing yards or selling drugs) to provide financial security for their families.

Many people believe that kids can't be saved from the destruction of poverty, or that kids have to save themselves. I believe it is the responsibility of the "lucky ones" to catch the kids that fall through the gaps. For too long, we have allowed Jackson to be divided by class and color. We have failed one another.

Groups that mentor inner-city kids make a big difference in the lives of their mentees, but we cannot expect a few organizations to save everyone. We all have a responsibility to help the children who are left behind. We continue to put nothing into our communities, and so we get nothing out. If you are in a position to change one life, then you can change the future of this city.

Melishia D. Grayson is a reporting intern at the Jackson Free Press and a freshman at Jackson State University.

Previous Comments

ID

72059

Comment

I hear you, Melishia. I know a man lucky enough that both parents were teachers, Yet he still wanted to be a drug dealers. He succeeded and nearly wounded up in prison for many years. After a trip thru the wild woods and hills of Yazoo with the police following, he prayed and promised the good Lord that if he spared him from this he would change. He was saved from capture on that evening which he attributes to God, and he now works every day on a job that pays pennies compared to what he used to make. I'm proud of him and you. Good luck.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-04-19T17:19:23-06:00

ID

72060

Comment

Melishia, thank you. I think this story allows others to look inside the minds of kids who decide to become a "professional street pharmacist". I'm glad you woke up in time. God bless you.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-04-19T17:55:28-06:00

ID

72061

Comment

This column meant a lot to me, personally. Thank you.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-04-19T18:10:37-06:00

ID

72062

Comment

Thank you for that. Keep writing. Can't wait to meet you!

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-04-19T18:20:24-06:00

ID

72063

Comment

Melishia you are such an inspiration. I have printed your column out and will put it on my wall as an inspiration. Your column is what I call a success story personified. You have my support in what appears to be a very promising future.

Author

lance

Date

2006-04-19T20:01:51-06:00

ID

72064

Comment

I love the part about knowing all the options, but knowing you don't have enough time for that dream.

Author

emilyb

Date

2006-04-19T20:48:46-06:00

ID

72065

Comment

Congratulations my love, I am too proud of your accomplishments! I am so thankful for your turnaround. Hopefully, your story will continue to inspire others. God bless you, sgilliam

Author

sgill

Date

2006-04-19T21:08:55-06:00

ID

72066

Comment

Thank you for this view into your life. It is humbling to learn of how many folk (kids-->teens-->adults) who never get a chance to see outside of the world they know. For sake of discussion, since that's part of blogs' attributes, what are your thoughts on volunteering part of your time; i.e. once or twice? I ask because I realize that I have limited myself in volunteering because I feel that not being available to kids can be a detriment to them. I re-read that and say to myself that any presence is a help. Grayson--"If you are in a position to change one life, then you can change the future of this city." So very true. Melishia G., continue to pursue your goals and shirk discouragement.

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-04-20T08:32:57-06:00

ID

72067

Comment

Thank you all for your wonderful comments. This is truly a dream come true for me. I feel that through writing, I am able to be the voice of the sixth grader that I used to be. I am glad to know that you all are inspired and more excited at the idea of people actually paying attention to someone like me. I've tried to get this message out and now that it's out there I am so excited.

Author

Melishia

Date

2006-04-20T10:16:24-06:00

ID

72068

Comment

The real inspiration behind this story is the fact that many of my friends from the hood are not in school. Some are in jail and many are barely getting by. I believe that the key to fighting crime is through prevention. Locking people up doesn't prevent anything, it just prolongs the cycle.

Author

Melishia

Date

2006-04-20T10:27:41-06:00

ID

72069

Comment

Personally, I've wanted to work with Melishia since I met her at Lanier when she was doing My Mississippi Eyes. She read a poem, and stood up to challenge, the attendees of the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board that the JFP helped organize in 2004, and I truly believe she was the highlight of the evening for most people. (Several told me that later.) I was thrilled (in a selfish way) when she decided to attend JSU and not leave town, because I hoped to offer her a reporting internship. Now I'm getting my chance, and I couldn't be happier. I predict that we're going to make beautiful (and powerful) stories together. Stay tuned.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-04-20T11:23:18-06:00

ID

72070

Comment

I too met Melishia while she was at Lanier and was blown away by her wisdom. She has a way of uniting and inspiring people just by being herself. She made more sense at that town meeting than most of the grown folks in the room. Melishia- you have already made a difference in this city- at least for me- and I'm sure you will continue to challenge the powers that be and contribute to making Jackson a place where we all want to live.

Author

urbangypsy

Date

2006-04-20T12:09:01-06:00

ID

72071

Comment

...was blown away by her wisdom... That is what struck me in this article. The work ethic expressed by Melishia on the playground while friends thought it was "a cute joke" shows that her mind is on accomplishing goals. Children [and adults] who approach goals with such a serious mindset can very well reach that end. I look forward to reading more articles by Ms. Grayson and others, within and outside individual [subject matter] comfort zones. Thank you Ms. Ladd for recognizing such talent and extending this invitation for internship.

Author

lilsoulja

Date

2006-04-20T12:55:02-06:00

ID

72072

Comment

This is amazing. I am humble and grateful that Donna has given me the chance to do what I love doing. I've always been true to MY values and opinions and I always will be. Thank you all for your wonderful comments.

Author

Melishia

Date

2006-04-20T13:24:14-06:00

ID

72073

Comment

Wonderful article Melishia! Brought back some memories and almost some tears. I too graduated from Lanier High School. Melishia, in addition to your internship, have you considered speaking at some of the local middle and high schools on a volunteer basis? The students desperately need to hear from role models such as yourself. A large percentage of teens would rather listen to someone closer to their age than to their parents or grandparents. Your age and wisdom would be a viable asset in the school setting. If you have an interest, feel free to send me an email.

Author

Joerob

Date

2006-04-20T14:32:08-06:00

ID

72074

Comment

It is so good to hear about one of "my children" from Rowan get things together. I am so proud of you Melishia. Keep up the good work. GOD BLESS Mr. Speaks

Author

cspeaks

Date

2006-04-20T16:37:54-06:00

ID

72075

Comment

Milishia, you are a light. Continue to speak out for your generation and never stop challenging the system. I look forward to many more or your insightful reflections. Peace & Love and call me sometime.

Author

M.U.G.A.B.E.E.

Date

2006-04-21T11:44:28-06:00

ID

72076

Comment

I was at a lunch today at the University Club, and guess who was a main topic of conversation? Melishia Grayson. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-04-21T14:24:34-06:00