Chicago's Hometown Hero

Chicago's Hometown Hero Diane Latiker

Gwennetta Bell

DeVry University

A person not afraid to stand up for what they believe in is my definition of a hero. Diane Latiker, previously a cosmetologist, quit her job to pursue her passion, combating the rising violence in her community; she is my Hometown Hero. Growing up she lived in a low income environment, got pregnant at age 16 but continued her education. Today, Diane lives in one of Chicago's most violent neighborhoods, Roseland.

Diane is a petite brown skinned woman with a big voice. She chose to take time to speak with the children in her neighborhood. She realized most of them had vaster dreams than being part of the local gangs so she in July of 2003 decided to open her home to them. Diane stated in an interview with CNN, "We had six different gangs in my living room at once", her home was a safe place, and they respected that.

Diane would allow her daughters friends to come over after school for tutoring. It began with 10 children, quickly turned into 20, and there on. Her home was a modest three bedroom two-flat and room was not huge, but they made it work. Diane even took the initiative to help some of the local gang members change their lives by helping them find their sense of purpose. This is a quote from one of the former gang members "She helped no matter where we came from or what we have done".

If you entered her home after school, you would smell crisp baked bread with warm melting cheese and sweet rich ripe tomato sauce; the smell of pizza, which was often served to the kids. You also heard the sound of pecking on the computer keyboard keys; as well as, students brainstorming on their assignments. They chatted, but never got too loud because they respected her home. Diane's home quickly became refuge for children in the neighborhood who had nowhere else to go or had no other resources for help with school work. Some of the kids just wanted another option besides being on the dangerous...