I was listening to NPR this week and they had a guest from New York who lived in an expensive penthouse. They were highlighting him because he befriended a group that he described as “ghetto boys” and ultimately allowed a few of them to live with him.

Although I would not have described the young men as ghetto boys, I do think it was wonderful that he decided to help some young men who were not as fortunate as he was.

I guess he was highlighted because in his culture it is not to common for someone like him to take in urban youth but it got me thinking about all the people in the “hood” that do it all the time.

I can think of countless women in my community where I grew up and where I live now that took in many kids. My dad took in four from our neighborhood. No one seems to highlight them. No one seems to tell their story. I wonder why.

Well, for all those like my dad, in communities like North Philly and West Dallas who have ever taken in kids who needed shelter and loving guardians, for what it's worth, Ed Franklin says THANK YOU.