The Swamp logo

Unsung Heroes Always Sing

The Legacy of Kenneth McCullum

By Dillon BradyPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
1
Unsung Heroes Always Sing
Photo by Nsey Benajah on Unsplash

This isn't about a kid who started with a dollar and a dream and struck it rich, however this man has brought us diamonds and gold. This isn't about a photographer who captures breathtaking images of his environment; this man shares beauty by lending his eyes. He doesn't paint fabulous murals but instead hands the paintbrush to those in pain and whispers, "reveal yourself."

He is no scientist but he is engineering a revolution.

With a beautiful balance of humility and swagger he walks among his people. His pristine sneakers stay clean, though he trudges through the mud. He treads lightly, though he carries the heavy burden of his past. He bears witness to the heart-wrenching trauma of the communities of Watts, Los Angeles.

A proud and confident black man sprouted from this neglected garden, he aims only to spread his roots and nourish those around him.

He works for an LA-based non-profit that is aligned with LAPD and the mayor’s office to offer services to those in need. “Gang Reduction and Youth Development'' is his charter and helping the people of Watts is his mission. Yet, this all seems nonconsequential to those fortunate enough to be close to him, to witness his nature.

He has helped countless youth via his innate curiosity.

He has helped countless adults via his natural wisdom.

He has helped countless gang members via his terminal loyalty.

He is a lieutenant in the growing army of hood heroes. Heroes not for the music they make but for the symphonies they witness in the souls of the impoverished. Heroes not for the cars they drive but for the people they stop and pick up along the way. Heroes not for the things they do but for the things they show us that we can all do.

If you stand on the corner of 103rd and Compton and quiet the street-food vendors and knock-off Fendi peddlers, the Obama-phone hucksters and bus-stop preachers, take a deep breath. You will notice out of the infamous LA smog rises the gentle perfume of his work.

I believe his ministry began long before it was his profession and will continue long after he is gone.

From the Nickersons to Imperial, from Jordan Downs to Gonzaque, from the Bounty Hunter Bloods to the Grape Street Crips, nowhere is he unwelcome. No badge need protect him and no OG need vouch for him. He is protected by his past and unknowingly, his future. He has touched brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles and aunties.

If you ever find yourself moving through the infamously violent and secretly beautiful streets of Watts, you might think to yourself, “this isn’t so bad.” But it doesn’t stay peaceful by accident. Dig deeper and you will uncover him and people like him holding it all together. Out of the clamor of gunshots, he offers the quiet of healing. Out of the eruption of revenge, he offers the cool waters of understanding.

You don’t have to go far to find some perspective, especially if you live near LA. You don’t have to go far for inspiration either. He isn’t waiting for your approval and he doesn’t care if you notice. He isn't driven by the need to be validated like the rest of us. In that way, he honors the ones who came before him. He proves that they didn’t endure for nothing.

He chooses to live free. No wonder the unsung heroes of the world are always singing. They sing the songs of free men to the music of their enslaved ancestors.

Oh, and want to know the best part? He is just getting started.

activism
1

About the Creator

Dillon Brady

an observer compelled to describe

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.