*ongoing*

Chicago has long been understood to be disproportionately affected by gun violence compared to other American cities. The violence is highly concentrated in south and west side communities, reflected in the lowest life expectancy numbers in the city. A 2019 study by the NYU School of Medicine suggested the life expectancy gap is as much as 30 years between Chicago’s most-affluent neighborhoods and the poorest—the largest gap in the nation. UChicago’s Center for Youth Violence Prevention mentions homicide being the leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds in the US. 86% of these homicides involve firearms.

In the summer of 2021, during a short-term contract I wrote for myself with the non-profit ECCSC, I began photographing in this context. Some images from that period became the starting point for this work, which has since developed into an independent project documenting the effort to mentor children in marginalized communities. Having been inspired by the work of other Chicago-based photographers documenting violence, I wanted to contribute to that tradition.

In Chicago, various groups exist with the goal of offering a pathway for vulnerable age groups to gain life skills while circumventing the negative pressures of their neighborhoods. But there are barriers to entry for youth including a lack of trust towards the organizations.

Jeremiah Hinton, an Englewood community member engaged in individual outreach work, understood these blindspots. “It’s because [group leaders] are either too far removed from the streets or they’re too far into the streets, where they’re showing no discipline and they’re not giving the energy of a trustworthy being.” He had been keeping tabs on the youth on his block in Englewood, and members of other blocks he had made connections with through outreach efforts. I began following Jeremiah’s day-to-day to understand his approach to preventing violence. As a professional boxer, Jeremiah used the gym to mentor and provide an avenue for discipline.

Nathan Olsen

Touchstone / Graphics / Mentorship in Chicago / About

Nathan Olsen

Touchstone / Graphics /
Mentorship in Chicago / About