FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago. www.wttw.com/firsthand #FIRSTHANDwttw
Brian, do you realize how eloquent and well-spoken you are.? You would do well recording audio books, doing vouceovers, being a news reader, a radio host, a motivational speaker or even a simultaneous interpreter.
Mayor Johnson's Bring Chicago Home was designed to raise funds to build affordable housing and lower taxes for 90% of Chicagoans. It failed at the ballot box due to low voter turnout.
@@kmyles8599No, it failed because it was a lousy and misguided piece of legislation. He should focus his efforts on citizens and stop throwing away millions of dollars on illegals and maybe people would be more supportive of his weak legislative agenda
He grew up in a absolutely beautiful house and neighborhood! He doesn't talk about why he went to prison many times. I wish he would've been more specific. I'm guessing drugs had something to do with it. He's well educated and not mentally ill. I hope he turns his life around forever 🙏
People have a lot of help here let me ask u why do immigrants come here ???? Why are people fighting leaving their countries to come here ??? For the freedom and chance to work and make money …. even if money is given to immigrants…. They aren’t poor for ever yet people on section 8 well fare etc will be on there til all their kids exhaust it….. my parents don’t even speak English well…. at all … but we have everything paid off home land cars money put up. Yet the ones who are born here …. don’t even have half . there food stamps here there’s housing here but it’s on their terms on the term of the government etc and it keeps you on a POOR mindset . do you know if you were to go to India or china or any place and say “ give us ur arm one arm and you will be able to live and enter America with citizenship “ do you know how many people there would take that give their arm … and still come here sbd make it. People who aren’t from here just want a chance want an opportunity to make money freedom to just stay alive… in North Korea your limited on items in your house when woman menstruate they still gotta use cloth and hay and leafs … yes even today in 2024. Your limited here in America we can buy anything we want eat everything we want love how we want NOBODY is coming to grab us sell us and force us out the house the house we own . There’s help but there’s rules ….. but think about that how are immigrants coming here ??? but don’t even speak English …. Yet have business and homes ? how
You right, and that's what I discussed when I am talking on shows, interviews and lectures at universities. That's why we are paying with this inflation.
I met a 32 year old black youngman who has no criminal backround never did drug so humble rerespectable don't rob steal or sell drugs never been too jail just homeless😢
Does he sing? He has a radio host, show host, commercial voice and a baritono voice for singing background or lead. He is the job and he's going the rightdirection period. Good luck my man.
I'm blessed to have never been homeless.... I came close once but I figured it out and dodged the homelessness. I'm inspired to get involved to help people after watching this. I will never understand why this is a problem in the country that loves to brag about how rich it is. If we're that rich then prove it!
These wonderful grassroots advocacy organizations and this fantastic documentary series, as well as the profound and eloquent people featured, give me hope for this country. 💗💗. Thank you.
Not really it took 20 years .but guess what I'm still knowledgeable and employable. I'm also the same guy who has been in the same rooms with the Mayor and other state reps. Trying to make the society you live in ,just for your sake.
I commend Brian for having the courage and willingness to tell his story. Best wishes to him and I pray that he and other ex-offenders will be blessed with a new and better beginning.
Very good short documentary, wishing Brian the best. Its a common pattern amongst black men to rely on the black woman for everything and when those resources those women provided for you are no longer there, you have nothing. He got too comfortable and thought his mom and granny was always going to be there to take him back in. Where was his father? Having a good father in the home could have prevented him from the prison system.
Cousin is standing still and solidly planted on two feet, three steps down from the entrance to her house. Defending her space. With her arms folded. Defending her person.
This brother is very intelligent and he has resources. I would HATE to see the plight of the other brothers and sisters who don’t have his educational level and resources.
Keep it up on getting up. To all the negative judgmental people we have all fallen short at one point rather it be academically, mentally, emotionally or financially we have all fallen before in one of those categories.
Brian, I wanted to share that I may not know you but I want you to know that you doing a good job please continue to do good and not give up. You have come along way from your obstacles. Your testimony is amazing and giving back to your community is truly inspiring. You would be a good motivational speaker and an ambassador for the community. Thank you for sharing your statement it’s very powerful. I also am sorry for the passing of your loved ones I know they’re watching over you and are proud of you. You will continue to do amazing things.
I'm so proud of Brian, his progress, ambition, and his heart. Brian, please stay encouraged, hopeful, faithful, and God will do all the rest. Blessings to you.
@@jacquelinefransaw6911Brian mentioned his mother and grandmother growing up. That's two generations of females handling responsibilities with no males in sight....😏
I worked the homeless in nyc for years, it’s mostly not their fault. I agree, a home is the key, it’s number one. I feel for them, it could be any of us.
This is such an enlightening episode!! I wish Brian well and I hope his movement grows across state borders because it's such a powerful thing he is doing.He's an inspiration fr💛
Yes, don't blame society blame yourself for your homeless. Most people choose to be homeless by their bad choices. So I know, I don't feel sorry for them at your choice do better? You're in a rich country with so much opportunity. You people take your life for granted.
I pray that Brian gets on his feet and gets his own permanent home. I hope he doesn't spend a lot of time hanging around his cousin's house where he grew up. I think he needs to let go of that and move on. He can keep the memories, but it is no longer his home.
You can tell he loves that home. All his good childhood memories of his loving family are there in that house. May God bless his cousin with a better house ,than that one. May God bless him with that house ,someday. He will be happy living there again. Amen
Hi Brian...Honestly...I Did face the same PROBLEMS during my 20's..(Not EASY though..coz FRIENDS n CLOSE RELATIVES are Not Helping at ALL..)..After i got married Apply for Housing even i'm NOT Financial Ready...Now in my 60's Got Roof over my Head with my FAMILY...(Only Advice is KEEP SEARCHING n Saving Money for a HOUSE..)..
Stay away from so-called friends who are telling you or making you feel that where you are in a positive lifestyle, there is something better outside of your positive lifestyle. Stay focused and positive
He sounds like my bio dad. My bio dad grew up bougie and spoiled. He said he wanted to have fun. He got hooked on H and he could never shake it. Unfortunately, my bio dad never grew up. RIP.
FIRSTHAND: Homeless is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago.
www.wttw.com/firsthand
#FIRSTHANDwttw
Amen ❤
The cousin is like, "I'm glad I looked out the window and thanks for stopping by." In her mind, "BUT you ain't coming in here!"
True I thought the same
And why would she let him in ?
Yep😂
Well, there's always more to the story but that's life, messy.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I read it all over her too
Brian, do you realize how eloquent and well-spoken you are.? You would do well recording audio books, doing vouceovers, being a news reader, a radio host, a motivational speaker or even a simultaneous interpreter.
Yep, he has a good voice.
I know your Mom and Grandma is smiling down. Keep doing well, Brian.
are
A beautiful,smart man, I wish him all the best. He deserves it
He’s a handsome humble man, I hope he takes this second chance and make the most of it.
Great to see someone getting real, life changing, assistance
This is where that 70 million dollars should have went, these folks who have been out here struggling, where's the hand up for them
Mayor Johnson's Bring Chicago Home was designed to raise funds to build affordable housing and lower taxes for 90% of Chicagoans. It failed at the ballot box due to low voter turnout.
@@kmyles8599No, it failed because it was a lousy and misguided piece of legislation. He should focus his efforts on citizens and stop throwing away millions of dollars on illegals and maybe people would be more supportive of his weak legislative agenda
That is the truth!
The mother didn't give him a FATHER
💯💯💯🙏🏻🙏🏻
Notice how his cousin wouldn't let him in her house...........
She does not trust him. He probably burned all the bridges
@@margaretmukasa2998exactly. You have discernment. As you can see people are so gullible.
It may take time to rebuild the trust that may have been lost🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I did and she said bye
Maybe did not want cameras inside?
He grew up in a absolutely beautiful house and neighborhood! He doesn't talk about why he went to prison many times. I wish he would've been more specific. I'm guessing drugs had something to do with it. He's well educated and not mentally ill. I hope he turns his life around forever 🙏
Chicago in the 80s, I'd say the call of money to the streets. Crack was profitable for young inner city men.
I am so glad for you Brian and I don't know if anyone else has said that you're a handsome man 😊. Wishing you all the best, you can be the change!
Brian is doing a great job.
Thank you,
I am so ashamed of my country. This is appalling we give billions to other countries and ignore our own people.😢
You’re so mistaken. You should do your research why as to why we give foreign aid to other countries.
People have a lot of help here let me ask u why do immigrants come here ???? Why are people fighting leaving their countries to come here ??? For the freedom and chance to work and make money …. even if money is given to immigrants…. They aren’t poor for ever yet people on section 8 well fare etc will be on there til all their kids exhaust it….. my parents don’t even speak English well…. at all … but we have everything paid off home land cars money put up. Yet the ones who are born here …. don’t even have half . there food stamps here there’s housing here but it’s on their terms on the term of the government etc and it keeps you on a POOR mindset . do you know if you were to go to India or china or any place and say “ give us ur arm one arm and you will be able to live and enter America with citizenship “ do you know how many people there would take that give their arm … and still come here sbd make it. People who aren’t from here just want a chance want an opportunity to make money freedom to just stay alive… in North Korea your limited on items in your house when woman menstruate they still gotta use cloth and hay and leafs … yes even today in 2024. Your limited here in America we can buy anything we want eat everything we want love how we want NOBODY is coming to grab us sell us and force us out the house the house we own . There’s help but there’s rules ….. but think about that how are immigrants coming here ??? but don’t even speak English …. Yet have business and homes ? how
Exactly
Idk what you mean…at least here he was set up with housing, career help and also got in a second chance career program.
You right, and that's what I discussed when I am talking on shows, interviews and lectures at universities. That's why we are paying with this inflation.
I met a 32 year old black youngman who has no criminal backround never did drug so humble rerespectable don't rob steal or sell drugs never been too jail just homeless😢
becoming the norm
Do you know how he ended up homeless?
Anybody can end up homeless. It's not about stereotypes like society says.
What is his career?
@@cortashaelam320 True especially if you lose your employment or your rent exceeds your income.
Does he sing? He has a radio host, show host, commercial voice and a baritono voice for singing background or lead. He is the job and he's going the rightdirection period. Good luck my man.
I was thinking his voice alone could be lucrative. Advertising, radio work, etc.
@@chocmilk10😅 His Voice is what you / I call a Smooth Operator 😂
Yes yes he has a good voice
Stay off of drugs, stay away from criminals! and life will see you through.👌🗣
Simple
Not true all the time
@@ChayaHampton You are 💯% right (seriously).
Hey are you a doctor, you sound good.
Yep! I'm a want to be Doctor.
I am so proud of u Brian. God is with u and he won't forsake u. Blessings to u.
Amen 🙏🏽
Keep up good work Brian
Brian keep your head up my brother! Sending love and prayers from ATL❤
I'm blessed to have never been homeless.... I came close once but I figured it out and dodged the homelessness. I'm inspired to get involved to help people after watching this. I will never understand why this is a problem in the country that loves to brag about how rich it is. If we're that rich then prove it!
😢 GREED IS A REAL ISSUE. ❤U
These wonderful grassroots advocacy organizations and this fantastic documentary series, as well as the profound and eloquent people featured, give me hope for this country. 💗💗. Thank you.
He's not on his second chance. By his own admission, this is about his 10th chance after depending on female relatives.
Brian didnt know his YOUTH would flash by!
He looks youthful and mature at the same time
Hes preserved
@@ToriDavis-n5x hes alive but thats it. Life zoomed right pas him
Not really it took 20 years .but guess what I'm still knowledgeable and employable. I'm also the same guy who has been in the same rooms with the Mayor and other state reps. Trying to make the society you live in ,just for your sake.
@@brianrodgers2445 20 years flashed by. take care
Great film , great man
I commend Brian for having the courage and willingness to tell his story. Best wishes to him and I pray that he and other ex-offenders will be blessed with a new and better beginning.
I'm glad that there is help for people who have been incarcerated
Very good short documentary, wishing Brian the best. Its a common pattern amongst black men to rely on the black woman for everything and when those resources those women provided for you are no longer there, you have nothing. He got too comfortable and thought his mom and granny was always going to be there to take him back in. Where was his father? Having a good father in the home could have prevented him from the prison system.
Now he's looking for a program or government services to give him a place. Still not looking to be self-reliant.
Cousin is standing still and solidly planted on two feet, three steps down from the entrance to her house. Defending her space. With her arms folded. Defending her person.
This brother is very intelligent and he has resources. I would HATE to see the plight of the other brothers and sisters who don’t have his educational level and resources.
Glad for you to have found a way to thrive
Keep it up on getting up. To all the negative judgmental people we have all fallen short at one point rather it be academically, mentally, emotionally or financially we have all fallen before in one of those categories.
Great job Brian . You will thrive, it doesn’t matter your years around the sun. You are making great strides with great assistance
I love this documentary series. Way to go Brian! You can do this!
Wishing him much continued success.
Prayers Up and Out for Brian . His cousin as well she seems like a generous kind lady . Taking Care of Our Own need to Be Prioritized
You're doing a great job Brian, keep up the good work.
Cuzzo was like "Oh hell naw, let me get my ass out front before this ninja tries to come up in here"!!! 🤣😂😁
May this gentleman continue his journey onward and upward and continue to bring others along with him 🙏❤️
Proud of you , don't give up,God bless.
Bro you good looking and well spoken . You can be so much more ! Praying for you
I am so proud of you Brian ! God bless you 🙏🙏🙏🤍
This man💪is a role model in is community🙏keep going on Bro🤗💜
Keep up the good work
Wishing all the best all over the world, in Jesus name Amen.
Brian good work man… you motivate me and many more. Don’t give up and keep striving.
Watching this, I wish nothing but the best for u .Brian..❤
Very articulate. I hope he understands what he can give to the world.
Thank you for highlighting these stories: 1 decision, 1 chance can make all the difference 🙏🏽 ❤️
Please stay grounded brother keep praying stay away from negative people God will assist you with helping yourself and others like u
Brian, I wanted to share that I may not know you but I want you to know that you doing a good job please continue to do good and not give up. You have come along way from your obstacles. Your testimony is amazing and giving back to your community is truly inspiring. You would be a good motivational speaker and an ambassador for the community. Thank you for sharing your statement it’s very powerful. I also am sorry for the passing of your loved ones I know they’re watching over you and are proud of you. You will continue to do amazing things.
im rooting for this man, he be putting in the work
I'm so proud of Brian, his progress, ambition, and his heart. Brian, please stay encouraged, hopeful, faithful, and God will do all the rest. Blessings to you.
God bless you Sir. Continue in you're most important work!
I am happy for this brother. God Bless Him.
God bless🙏this man💙may the Good Lord💪keep him safe💜👍🤗🤗
Wish him well....❤
I just don't hear people speak of their fathers much at all anymore.
Sad. A great male role model in his youth could’ve made all the difference.
@@chocmilk10Youth have to accept It goes both ways
@@jacquelinefransaw6911Brian mentioned his mother and grandmother growing up. That's two generations of females handling responsibilities with no males in sight....😏
This was very motivational and encouraging. Great story I wish you well, sir.
Keep doing good Brian. Love and compassion from Australia 👍
You are truly blessed listening to your gut, taking this step and finding your purpose. For this you’re are truly blessed Brian.
This is really good. Proud of Brian. I think he finally found his purpose.
Good on you Brian from Australia 🦘
I loved his story it’s very inspiring he seems so kind and well spoken and you can tell he appreciates everything..
Keep going strong, Brian! You got this, man ✊🏾💯
Sending prayers from Louisville Kentucky
This is a brilliant interview. What an intelligent man. I wish him all the best God bless you BrIan London uk
I worked the homeless in nyc for years, it’s mostly not their fault. I agree, a home is the key, it’s number one. I feel for them, it could be any of us.
"It's mostly not their fault"
Unless some major catastrophe that was out of your hands happened to you!
It absolutely is your fault!
I loved this! Brian you are an inspiration to others! Keep on the right path brother! Very Handsome intelligent man!
Change your thinking. Well said sir.
What a tremendous Blessing your life has become! Proud of you!😊
Proud of you.Sir❤❤
He's gorgeous! should go into acting or something
Handsome guy😊
Good job man.Keep on going.No turning back ok
HE IS VERY BLESSED TO HAVE GROWN UP IN SUCH A TIGHT KNIT FAMILY I DID NOT HAVE THAT GROWING UP
So proud of Brian. Keep going.
Praying for you Brian! Keep up the good work!
This is such an enlightening episode!! I wish Brian well and I hope his movement grows across state borders because it's such a powerful thing he is doing.He's an inspiration fr💛
Stay up brian ❤
Yes, don't blame society blame yourself for your homeless. Most people choose to be homeless by their bad choices. So I know, I don't feel sorry for them at your choice do better? You're in a rich country with so much opportunity. You people take your life for granted.
BRIAN you should contact a radio station or do voiceover for books comercials - it would be just right for that. Good luck👏
Brian you got this ❤
I’m proud of him 😢❤
This is eye opening
Amazing content, Very Inspiring ! 💯
I pray that Brian gets on his feet and gets his own permanent home. I hope he doesn't spend a lot of time hanging around his cousin's house where he grew up. I think he needs to let go of that and move on. He can keep the memories, but it is no longer his home.
You can tell he loves that home. All his good childhood memories of his loving family are there in that house. May God bless his cousin with a better house ,than that one. May God bless him with that house ,someday. He will be happy living there again. Amen
Trust nobody but God always.
Godbless you Brian you can do ALL things through Christ 🙏🏽 I’m proud of you 🫶🏽
Very inspiring story!!❤
Hopefully Brian is doing well. Inspiring.
Great story.
Very uplifting!!
Yep..."change your consciousness and you can change your world."
I hope the CTA program works for Brian and he gets hired. I love driving the city bus and it’s a great job.
Beautiful house and lady
Hi Brian...Honestly...I Did face the same PROBLEMS during my 20's..(Not EASY though..coz FRIENDS n CLOSE RELATIVES are Not Helping at ALL..)..After i got married Apply for Housing even i'm NOT Financial Ready...Now in my 60's Got Roof over my Head with my FAMILY...(Only Advice is KEEP SEARCHING n Saving Money for a HOUSE..)..
Stay away from so-called friends who are telling you or making you feel that where you are in a positive lifestyle, there is something better outside of your positive lifestyle. Stay focused and positive
We should judge our society by how we treat the most vulnerable (homeless ppl, mentally ill, seniors etc) individuals. How are we doing?
Put a suit on the man. He is arriculate and well meaning. He coule inspire others in waya to be stronger. Hopefully he achieves his goals
He sounds like my bio dad. My bio dad grew up bougie and spoiled. He said he wanted to have fun. He got hooked on H and he could never shake it. Unfortunately, my bio dad never grew up. RIP.