Artist Statement: The name of this piece is “Rework”. Modify, remodel and revise are synonyms of this word. This is very appropriate when looking at my photos because I think it is time for this area to be revisited. What inspired me to create this piece is that I see all the potential locations and buildings in my community for youth fitness, but unfortunately they have not been used for young people like me who live in this region. There are currently discussions among our community leaders about building a community center using the former Cheney Elementary School building. Unfortunately, this topic has been in the works for some time and I’m not sure youth voices are part of the planning.
The former Cheney Elementary School in Ypsilanti Township, possible future home of a community center.
When you look at the photos I took in the Ypsilanti area, you’ll see that some places have been abandoned, like the old Willow Run Trail. I used to spend time there with my family exercising on this track. It was a short walk from my house. Unfortunately the track has been torn up and only cement remains.
The old Willow Run trail.
Currently, the Willow Run building houses sports. Unfortunately, much like the local community center, it is unaffordable for someone like me. The community center offers many activities and programs. Basketball courts are available, very attractive to children my age and in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, there is a charge of around $20 per hour. The closest basketball court to my house is the abandoned Cheney building. This location has a sign but no hoop.
A basketball court without hoops at the former Cheney Elementary School in Ypsilanti Township.
I am grateful for programs such as Community Leadership Revolution (CLR). This program gives local youth like my siblings and me a place to get fit, have fun, and learn the exercises.
The Community Leadership Revolution program at South Pointe Scholars.
I have the pleasure of having my father Melvin Treadwell as one of the coaches. He takes me to South Pointe Scholars (which is one of two sites available in the program in the Ypsilanti area). During the summer months it takes place at Parkridge Park.
The Community Leadership Revolution program at South Pointe Scholars.
I have met many young people who have expressed how grateful they are for this program. Coach Justin Harper and his incredible team provided bus transportation to youth who live near MacArthur Boulevard and the Arbor Woods neighborhood. Unfortunately, as with most programs, many youth face transportation barriers and are unable to get to the program. Just recently, my father even authorized carpooling for some young people who needed to get home.
The Community Leadership Revolution program at South Pointe Scholars.
I am grateful to men like my father and the CLR team who care for young people. We can’t all go to the YMCA in Ann Arbor. CLR meets us where we are. It’s time Ypsilanti’s “The Rework” included more for young people.
The Community Leadership Revolution program at Parkridge Park.
Who are you as an artist? I express my artistic abilities through drawing. I love drawing because it is very calming and therapeutic for me. I have the advantage of having my parents as my main educators. This gives me more time to concentrate on my works. Beaches, sunsets and mountains are things I love to draw because it brings me peace.
Jahshua Treadwell, 13, is a homeschooled eighth grader at Treadwell Learning Academy. He lives in Ypsilanti Township.
Concentrate staff member Yen Azzaro served as a mentor to Jahshua on this project.
To learn more about Concentrate’s Voices of Youth project and read other episodes of the series, click here.
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