A now thriving commercial area on the West side of Chicago, that was once known as the South Lawndale area, stands the community of Little Village. A neighborhood that hasn’t changed much since the ’90s.
The entrance of the area begins at 26th St. and Kedzie Avenue. A big pink arch, with a clock in the center and two Mexico flags on either side, serves as the gateway to the neighborhood. Continuing down the never-ending street, stores and restaurants line each side, giving anyone who passes through a variety of choices to shop and eat. At night, lights are turned on to encourage shoppers to continue their spending.
“Cruising” down 26th St. was not something uncommon for Thomas. Seeing his silver Buick LeSabre shooting down the main street that led from one side of Little Village to the other was nothing out of the norm.
Riding around with both windows down and his left hand hanging outside of the driver’s side window, making sure to make eye contact with anyone that he passed by. He was sure to show off his gold shirt, to let it be known that he belonged to the Latin Kings.
The car stereo blasted house music through the speakers, not caring if its loudness bothered anyone.
Some were sure to make eye contact back to show no fear, while others cowered away, trying their best to avoid him altogether. Many were afraid to look his way. He drove around with an arrogance that told the world, he thought he was untouchable.
Constantly saying the words, “The man hasn’t been born that could touch me.”
His definition of “cruising,” was different than others around him. For him, it meant picking your poison between drugs or alcohol and patrolling around the neighborhood. Driving only through streets that he knew others from the same gang would hang out. His poison of choice was cocaine.
Although he stuck to the neighborhood that was considered “safe” for him, he wasn’t afraid to show his aggressive nature. He was short-fused and always ready for a fight. Thomas started fights with anyone and everyone that was willing to fight back.
He had no respect for authority, especially law enforcement. His ongoing issues with Officer Espinoza were also well-known throughout the community. On one occasion, Thomas walked out of his house and found that his tires had all been slashed. Knowing that no one else but Officer Espinoza would dare do something like this, he went off in search of him. A big believer in the saying “An eye for an eye,” he found the officer’s car and enacted his revenge.
Thomas had very few friends and only kept people close if he considered them “loyal.” Never veering from those in his inner circle. He had planned that day to hang out with several of them, but only ended up seeing two of them in particular.
“Louie,” “Sal” and “Georgie-O” were some of his closest friends. Only giving nicknames to those he considered brothers. He was “dragon.”
He had planned to be with “Louie” and “Georgie-O” all night, but only because he was told that his ex-girlfriend would be stopping by. As the night went on, she called and told him she wasn’t coming. Disappointment crossed his face, but it didn’t last long.
He received a second phone call that night. No one knew who it was from, but everyone assumed it was someone calling looking to buy drugs.
His friends pleaded with him to let them go with, but he told them no and promised to be back.
He never returned.
The next morning, everyone received calls that Thomas was dead. Two mothers had to tell their children that they would never see their father again. His parents had to start making arrangements for his funeral.
He loved nothing more than his “gang member” lifestyle. For him, living in the present was enough and had no plans for the future.
His love for that lifestyle was the end of him.
