Father, Scholar, Peacemaker: A CPS Student’s Astonishing Transformation

More than any other group, the high school graduates of 2024 faced unforeseen challenges that no other students in recent memory have had to face. They had to contend with the specter of the pandemic, the unfathomable loss of friends and relatives, either from Covid or other causes, and George Floyd’s murder and the subsequent fallout. They had to adjust to virtual learning while facing the threat of learning loss.& Amid numerous and nefarious challenges, many of these 2024 high school graduates persevered and managed to walk across the stage and earn diplomas. They are now bound for college, trade schools, work, or other post-secondary arrangements. The Chicago Defender recently spoke with Black Chicago Public Schools graduates who epitomize resilience and tenacity. What follows is the story of Gregory Cooper, a Roberto Clemente Community Academy graduate bound for Southern University. *** Gregory Cooper’s high school journey was anything but smooth. “At first, I was a troublemaker,” he admitted. “I was always into the ladies, around the ladies. Some guys didn’t like that. I’d get into a lot of altercations, fights and everything. That was during my sophomore year.”& The constant turmoil made him want to give up on school.& “I...