Coach Donnell Hamilton started the Indy Steelers youth football team 15 years ago. His goal was simple: Mute the echoes of gun violence so children can learn a better way.
Their beautiful young faces made me smile, their laughter made me laugh and their friendships warmed my soul.
I couldn't stop crying when I learned that 10-year-old Deshaun "Little Man" Swanson had died from random gunshots while he was at a family member's memorial. These kids – every one of them – has had to dodge gunshots at the park where they practice football. Some of them have lost their mothers to drugs.
After my tears stopped, I was so incredibly touched and thankful that Mykal McEldowney and Suzette Hackney didn't just see this as a story that they told after attending a couple practices.
Instead, they spent the time to take a very real and authentic look at the Indy Steelers, their coaches and mentors, and what far too many kids face here in Indianapolis.
Everyone counted these kids out: But this 38th Street football team defies expectations
To me, this work is the real story behind all the crime stories we write throughout the city.
This piece explores solutions. It made me feel inspired and hopeful because of all of the coaches and mentors and parents who are teaching these kids that they are important, that their circumstances won't dictate their future despite all their setbacks.
Think of that, as you watch and read McEldowney and Hackney's moving work.
I promise you won't regret it.
Our newsroom aims to shine a light on the good in this city, to spotlight the inequities, disparities and hurtful policies that impact our community.
Kids on 38th Street: Don't read this story. Watch the documentary, and believe the story
We set out daily to make our communities better and to bring us all closer. If you see nothing else in this remarkable work by Hackney and McEldowney, I hope you see that they poured their hearts into this work for that singular purpose over the course of years.
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