Starting in 1987, Tony was referred to Blessed Sacrament Youth Center, or BSYC, a non profit organization in North Lawndale, Chicago. 31 years later, he works on the organization’s head board, spending hours after his primary work helping out the community without asking for anything  in return. And there is something else important about this man. Tony happens to be my father. Because of him, I feel grateful for bringing me to the youth center several times a week as a young child. Much of my childhood and adolescence has now been spent at the youth center. There I have seen the joy and light that BSYC gives the kids as it acts as a safe haven from all the crime and violence occuring right down the street.

By interviewing my father, I wanted to see what he had to say about his start up at BSYC and how he personally feels involved. His work at the youth center has an inspired me since I was a little girl to become a part of something bigger than myself by connecting with communities outside of my own. I deeply encourage you to listen to his interview to hear him expand on the role he plays at BSYC as well as some of the many struggles and successes the non profit has faced over the years.

 With this description in mind, most people would expect this man to fit the profile of a pretentious and privileged man who can breeze through life effortlessly without a scratch on his shoulder. However, one may be surprised to find that he stands atypical from the rest of his community. Tony McKerr is a man who puts all his spare time and change into bettering the lives of Chicago’s inner city youth.