10 Things You Don't Know About Chicago Teens

This list is not about teens shooting or killing each other. This list is actually about the thousands of teens that call Chicago home.

1. We're not all gang members who want to shoot each other

Via idph.state.il.us

According to FBI national arrest statistics, the arrest rate of juveniles for violent crime (murder, robbery, rape and aggravated assault) peaked in 1994 and has declined each year since then.

2. We welcome employment opportunities

Via onesummerchicago.org

One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based

organizations and companies to offer over 22,000 employment and

internship opportunities to youth and young adults.

3. We love poetry

Via en.wikipedia.org

Louder Than a Bomb is an annual youth poetry slam in Chicago every spring. It is the largest youth slam in the world with over 70 teams competing.

4. We dance and turn up

Bopping is a west-side dance movement that spread all through Chicago. Dancing brings unity across our city. Bopping is a way we celebrate the accomplishments in our lives- getting an A on our test, scoring a touch-down, raising our test scores, and graduating from high school.

5. We are rappers

Via xxlmag.com

Chance the Rapper is one of the most talked about young rappers out right now. He attended Jones College Prep.

6. We are activists

Chicago is home to a growing youth activist movement. Young people fight and advocate for change in their schools, community and city. We are a part of organizations such as Mikva Challenge, VOYCE, Build, Immigrant Youth Justice League, Chicago Freedom School and many more.

7. We are survivors

Despite all the negative media name calling our neighborhoods are more than just violence. They are places were we have friendships, we have families, we have faith, we have hope, we have BBQ's, we have block parties and we have love.

8. We are a city of open mic's

Youth open mic's are hosted all over the city. They are places were we can showcase our talents.

9. We are athletes

Our high schools are home to state champions. Lane Tech, Whitney Young, Simeon, Gwendolyn Brooks, Walter Payton and Curie high school have all been recognized for athletic achievements.

10. We love our City

We are born here. We are raised here. And we will always call Chicago home.