Product of My Environment

By Donnell Harris

Kareem was raised in an exclusive neighborhood in Echelon, New Jersey. Trees and manicured lawns was the norm of his environment. No sirens wailing constantly from police cars or liquor stores occupying every other corner. He didn’t understand everything that his parents were telling him, but he did understand that he was going to go live with them. Both of his parents were raised in the city and wanted their only child to experience both sides of life. His mother was raised in Philly, while his father was raised in Camden. Living in Camden, he will meet his future partners in elementary school. He would run through the urinated and broken-bottle-filled alleys with them while learning to distinguish the distinct sounds of certain weapons. They shared everything together, but he was keeping a secret from them. He never shared what transpired when he went home for the summer, except that nothing exciting occurred. When backed into a corner, he revealed his secret. Who would have thought that the journey they would endure would challenge every moral teaching he received? Who would have thought he would become the product of his environment?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781728302393

Donnell Harris

Donnell Harris was raised and educated in Camden, New Jersey then migrated to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 80’s to raise his children. He was a Correctional Officer at Baltimore City Detention Center (Old City Jail) while attending Sojourna-Douglas College majoring in Criminal Justice. Working presently at Social Security Administration as a contract armed security officer.

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© 2019 Donnell Harris. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 02/26/2019

ISBN: 978-1-7283-0240-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-7283-0239-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019902334

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

PRODUCT OF MY ENVIRONMENT

(856)

Kareem (generous)! Kareem!

Yes, ma ’ma!

Get your stuff and come on boy! Your Daddy is waiting on us! his mother pleaded from the bottom of the stairs.

I’m coming his young voice shouted back at her. He scurried around his bedroom to make sure he wasn’t forgetting anything. Let’s see, he got his G.I Joe’s action figures, his hand-held arcade game, his animals and insect books and his teddy, Mack’s. This day had come upon him quicker than he had anticipated. He didn’t know if he was ready for the things that was about to transform in his young life, but he didn’t have a voice in the matter. He didn’t understand the bulk of what his parents were telling him considering he was five years old, but what he did grasp from all of their words were? You are going to live with your grandparents.

He silently wonder why he have to go live with grandma and grandpop, but they didn’t have go? Better still, what’s wrong with them moving in with us? His imagination tried to trick him, but he knew that his mother and his father loved him madly. So, he held on to that fact while ignoring the foolish thoughts that tried to infiltrate his young mind. His father had told him repeatedly that Life is a classroom, learn your lessons or fail. Just as he was about to depart his room, he decided not to take Macks and threw him back upon his bed. Macks couldn’t help him with what he is about to face. He would have to stand by himself.

Where his grandparents lived was the complete opposite of the environment that his parents provided for him. His parents owned a beautiful four-bedroom constructed from the ground up to specifications in the elite Echelon section near Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The grass around his house was kept manicured and their large in-ground swimming pool water always appeared crystal clear during the summer months. Trees lined both sides of the streets and the laughter of children running around was void. Most remained inside there air-condition homes to escape the summer heat. On clear and hazy days, he could be found sitting inside their gazebo reading his animal books or using his binoculars to stared at the varied species of birds. His environment is one that was safe, clean and tranquil. He didn’t know they had cops until they arrived at Pee-Wee house one day because somebody had stolen his bike. Most people would say his place was boring and having nothing to do. And, they would be right.

Now, his grandparents lives in the heart of the city and have no plans on moving. They owned a three-story porch row house with five-bedroom in Camden, New Jersey at 5th and State Street. Their home was well maintained with upgrades like central air-conditioning and dark ebony wood throughout. Their furniture was not expensive, but fashionable and clean. Dust was one thing that his grandmother wouldn’t tolerate. The furniture on their front porch remained year- round chained in place. There weren’t no trees on her street for several blocks and when there was one, nobody parked under it. You will get more than shade especially from the birds. When kids play, they play in the streets. They had to be mindful of cars pulling around the corner or be penalized. Like, getting hit on the blind side by a linebacker, a car leaves a permanent reminder of where you are playing. Cops are seen 24-7. Seeing drug dealers and the sounds of gun shots was his constant reminder that he wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

As he dash down the steps, his mother was waiting patiently at the front door for him smiling. You have everything, baby? she inquired kneeling down to tuck in his shirt.

Yes, ma’am.

Where’s Macks? she asked looking puzzle. He goes everywhere and does everything with Macks. He’s his sub-conscious protector.

I’m leaving him home he replied stroking her hair.

Are you sure, sweetheart?

Yes, ma’am he replied smiling as he slid past her towards his father’s SUV. Hew climbed in the back seat and allowed his mother to fasten him in his seat belt. His father was listening to music with no words, as usual. As they pulled off of their parking pad, he waved goodbye to his friends while making funny faces at the girls. His mother and father were speaking softly to one another as they drove down Rt.130. They would occasionally look back at him and smile.

So, little man his father’s bara-tone voice averted his attention from his book. Are you ready for this?

Yes, sir he replied not really knowing what he was getting ready for.

Don’t let no one chump you he instructed glancing over his shoulder into his innocent eyes.

They won’t he tried to assure him. You got to bring some butt to get some butt he stated throwing a three-punch combination into the air. His father have been teaching him how to defend himself since he could stand up.

That’s right, little man he smiled over at him.

They drove the remainder of their ride relatively quiet. They were all into their own private little thoughts. From the back seat, he watched the value of the houses decline drastically as he neared Camden. Periodically, you would see a dead rat, cat or dog that were discarded after getting hit in the streets. The down town streets trash cans were filled to the rim and some women were dress very provocative. Some of the larger allies were used as dumping site for old furniture while the smaller ones were consumed with the stench of urine or broken liquor bottles.

As they turned onto his grandparents’ block, kids were unrulily running around everywhere. Dodging in and out from between park cars.

Watch them, baby.

I see them honey.

As they pulled up and parked, his grandparents were sitting on the porch then suddenly got to their feet after noticing them. Kareem unhooked his seat belt and swung his door open on the curb side. He jump out and dash up the steps to their waiting embraces.

Boy, you are getting bigger every day his grandfather told him lifting him into the air while giving him a kiss on the cheek and smiling.

Norman, put that boy down his grandmother insisted so she could engulf his face with her kisses.

Kareem.

Yes, Dad? he asked relinquishing himself from his grandmother kisses.

"Take your stuff to your room son while your mommy and me talk to your grandparents.

Yes, sir. Okay he replied taking one final kiss from his grandmother while eluding his grandfather’s poke in the ribs. He grabbed his gear from the rear of the GMC then headed inside the house. He was thankful that his father had brought his clothes over previously. He had chosen the back bedroom about two years ago because of the alley in the back. At night when he was bored, he would watch the rats running up and down the alley playing tag. These rats were so big he actually saw cats trying to ignore them. They actually wobble when they walk from being so fat. A satisfying meal for a cat if he’s brave enough to endure the fight that laid ahead if he decides to take the chance.

He spent an hour putting all his clothes away or hanging them up on hangers. He arranged his room to accommodate him. He place his poster size picture of Spud Webb winning the slam dunk contest on the right-hand wall with a poster size picture of Kareem Abdul Jabbar patented Skyhook on the left wall. The door was reserved for Malcolm X. He placed his slippers under the bed while neatly stacking his books under the night stand for easy access. He stood by the door admiring the transformation. As he descended the steps, he notice his parents still outside talking. He spotted his father standing on the sidewalk then sprinted out the front door and took flight from the porch like a bird. Swoop. His father always caught him while laughing under the duress of his grandparents possibly catching a heart attack and his mother almost fainting. It was their expressions that brought that impish smile to his lips that resemble his father, a smile that they all understood.

Okay Kareem his mother said rubbing his head while still in his father’s arms. Come give me a kiss she requested removing him from his father’s embrace. She was trying to control her emotions, but it was useless.

Don’t cry Mommy he said holding her face and staring into her light grayish eyes. Everything is going to be okay he tried to assure her embracing her tightly around her neck kissing her until she placed him on the ground.

She’ll be alright, son he told him extending his muscular arm to him and like a money bar, he elevated him into his arms and receiving a kiss.

Giggling he asked his father, When will you stop kissing me?

Never he replied staring in his eyes.

Good he replied smiling then kiss him on the lips again.

Kareem.

Yes, Mommy? he replied as he lower himself from his father’s arm.

Be good.

Aren’t I’m always he replied unable to contain that impish grin which caused everybody to burst out laughing. What? he replied staring up at them confused.

Yeah, he was a good boy. Their neighbors had confessed that to them on numerous occasions. He was always respectful and polite. She hope they were doing the right thing for him and her only child. She had never allowed herself to be apart from him no more than two days. Three days was the maximum. Now, she was allowing her child to experience another side of life and not the sheltering one he was familiar with. She could only pray that nothing happens to him or it would break her heart and fuck her up psychologically.

Mom, Pop his father called to them. We are going to bounce.

We got this his mother told him. We raised you, right?

Yes, ma’am.

Then, we got this she smiled down at them from the porch as Kareem came to stand by them smiling.

He watched his father grip his mother’s fingers as he always done then escorted her to the SUV. He watch as he open her door then closed it once she was seated inside. He walked back around smiling up at them then climbed in behind the stirring wheel. Starting up the engine, another song with no words filter through the windows and sunroof. As he slowly pulled away from the curb, he stood watching them until they turned the corner. He averted his eyes then took a seat on the steps staring out at his unique environment. There were several unusual games being played by the older kids with a bottle cap and lines drawn in the streets. They would play this game for hours. Another strange game that is played strictly at night but easier to follow was Jail Break or Kick the Can. You have a can inside of a circle and somebody is a jailer. He venture the block looking for other players that were hiding. When he saw one, he sprinted back to the can tapping it while indicating where the person was hiding. You could have almost everybody caught when someone sneak behind you and kick the can causing a jail break. Kareem wouldn’t want to be the jailer. Most could run fast, and they make the best jailers. What really intrigued him was watching the older guys, teenagers especially playing basketball, but using a milk crate with the bottom cut out as the rim attach to a stationary object like a tree or an empty garage doorway. Un-conventual, yes but you could see the improvement of their shooting ability on a real basketball court. In the coming years, he would grow to be good in all these games and one of the best jailers ever, but for right now, he was an outcast. Although he frequent his grandparents’ house over the years, he only spent the weekends. Now, he was a resident. As his eyes scanned the area, they fell upon a group of boys staring over at him. So, he naturally stared back until one of them said something causing them to burst out laughing then walk up the street. He never smiled just slightly harden his eyes as they turned the corner.

School would be starting in two weeks and he still haven’t met any of the fellas. He knew a lot from recognition but that was all. He did know three girls though. For some strange reason, they would buy him cookies and candy. His grandmother used to smile when she came out on the porch to watch them interact. Tweety was the one that stepped up. She would come around and sit outside in the morning with him talking for hours. When they started first grade together, she was the only person that he knew although he saw a lot of the guys from around his way especially Jake, but they never interacted. Jake was the first bully that he experience. He would take other guys pillows during nap time and dared anyone to snitch. Eventually, he became bolder and more aggressive. He started strong arming guys chocolate milk and cookies. Here is where Kareem remember what his father told him, They are all bark but no real bite if you are willing to endure. He decided to test that theory because it was only a matter of time before he came his way.

What are you looking at Ka-Reem? he asked devouring a guy’s cookies.

If you ever try taking something from me, its on and popping he told him staring in his eyes.

Oh, yeah he replied taking a sip from his milk.

Oh, yeah he assured him mocking his words. If you think you are so tough, come take something from me he invited staring coldly at him. Jake saw what was behind those seemingly timid eyes. He was someone willing to fight. His challenge was heard by all their classmates, but Jake never made a move or said anything. It was after that incident that some of the guys from around the way started introducing themselves. The first were Isaam, Black, Fubu and Smooth.

Starting second grade together, they were posted up near the flag pole when Kareem couldn’t believe what he was staring at. He whisper to his partners and pointed out the guy he was talking about. As they fanned out, Black was the first one to impeded his movement. As they exchanged stares, his peripheral vision caught three more guys stepping up. He dropped his book bag to the ground and stared at them closely then he spotted Kareem broad smile approaching.

Not funny, man he told him tapping his knuckles while staring at the three guys.

Yes, it was he giggled. Fellas, this is my cousin Semaj (James backward) he introduced them.

What’s up fellas? he asked smiling while picking up his bookbag.

Maj, this is Fubu, Black, Isaam and Smooth he introduced them. My father said I was getting a surprise, but he didn’t say you.

My father kept me in the dark also he admitted laughing.

Before long, he completed second grade, third, fourth and fifth grade. Time was zooming past for him. During the summer after graduating sixth grade, he did eventually fuck Jake up for tapping Tweety on her ass. The neighborhood seem please by his actions but not his grandmother. She never said a word, but he could see it in his eyes. In the past couple of years, he had pack on a few pounds of muscles to go with his steadily increasing height. He was playing basketball when his father uncharacteristically showed up. He was so engrossed in the physical game, he didn’t know when her arrived or how long he had been sitting on the steps watching him. When their eyes finally met, he methodically walked away from the game.

Take my spot, Teddy he said smiling as he approached. What’s up Pop?

Oh, its Pop’s now, huh? he asked getting to his feet then embraced him and kissed him on the cheek.

Sorry, but I’ve out grown Dad he replied slightly smiling then taking a seat next to him.

Yeah, you are definitely shooting up he admitted returning his eyes to the game. How are you son?

Things are good. What brings you to the city?

Can’t a father come and see how his son is doing? he asked staring into his eyes.

Yeah.

You mean yes, right?

Yes, sir he slightly smiled. What’s on your mind Pop’s? he asked with a stern expression while cupping his hands like his father does instinctively.

His father unintentionally smiled at his posture. Your friends have been wondering why you didn’t come home last summer. I think they miss you bringing games out there to them.

I spoke to Scotty and Mookie about wanting to spend this summer in the city again.

You might have but they are disappointed that you’re not coming home, and I think Honey is also.

Maybe but they will get over it he replied nonchalantly while watching a group of girls turning the corner.

I know your mother misses you and wish you would change your mind?

Why, Pop’s? he asked taking his eyes off the girls and staring in his eyes.

Because you’re growing up so fast, Kareem.

I miss both of yawl too, Pop’s. I really do he confessed grinning then slightly hardening his eyes. I gradually figured out why yawl sent me to live with grandma and grandpop. We are blessed to have the things we have, and I see that now. The experiences I’ve witness and had couldn’t have been obtained at home. Besides, I get away with murder here he burst out laughing then gradually gaining control. If I had went home last summer, I would have missed Jake breaking his arm trying to impress Baby Doll by doing a wheel-ley he snicker. And, my man Coochie finally hooking horns with T-Bone. I knew T-Bone was all bark and no bite he smiled up at him.

You know son, you can start junior high with your friends.

I will Pop’s, with my friends right here he replied trying to read his father’s expression and not liking what he see.

Relax son he suddenly chuckled. We aren’t going to force you to come home, but we wish you would he explained not liking his son’s apprehension.

Thanks he suddenly sigh. I’m going to graduate from a city school like you and mom did.

I can’t promise you that he informed him. Your mother wants you to graduate from a county school.

Have I ever miss the honor roll?

Not once he admitted grinning. You would have to convince your mother on that he informed him. Is there anything that I could bribe you with to bring you home this summer?

Na, Pop’s he chuckled. I like living with your grandma and grandpop. I keep them active. They wouldn’t know what to do without me he shared watching the group of girls stopping to talk to his partners then looked across the street at him and waved him over.

Alright, son he said getting to his feet. Go on and enjoy yourself he told him embracing him again and kissing him on the cheek before releasing him. His son was looking more and more like him each year. He watched him glide across the street then nudged one of the girls in her ribs and quickly escape the playful punch she threw. She had a honey complexion with developing hips and breasts. Just by observing their interaction, they had a long friendship or were boyfriend and girlfriend. Look at him, trying to be a little player and not a worry in the world.

Although only twelve, many things would mold him into the man he would later become. Although he had defended himself against many knuckleheads in school, he never really had a street fight. Do you know the difference between fighting and street fighting? If not, you need to know before partaking. Pop’s have always mentor him and advised him to use his head before using his fists. There have been several occasions where using his head and slick tongue have ended beefs with a person simply by them smiling at what he might have said. He didn’t know if it was his constant reading or the way he twist a person’s word back on them, but he had a very slick tongue. Sometimes words can win a fight but other times, more is needed.

His father had brought him a mountain bike for graduating fifth grade. After dropping it off and leaving, his little crew came over to admire it. This older guy name Monk was at least fifteen and got his jollies off by fucking with the younger guys. He was across the street whispering something to Big Mike that he wasn’t feeling. He kept shaking his head no, but Monk had other ideals. When Monk looked up and stared across the street, their eyes met. I don’t know what he thought he saw in Kareem’s eyes, but he got to his feet and headed towards them.

Here comes drama he whispers to his partners putting them on point.

Hey Kareem he greeted wearing a phony smile. Let me get a ride.

Na man, I don’t know you he replied returning is stare.

Yeah, you do. You see me out here almost every day.

That may be true, but I still don’t know you.

What the fuck you need to know? he suddenly barked at him trying to intimidate him. He turned and holla across the street. Yo, Monk! Tell this guy who I am!

He’s Monk, but you already know that! he shouted back across the street. He didn’t particularly like Monk, but he had to admit to knowing him. Every time he came around, he brought that same old dumb shit with him. He never fucks with guys his own age, he prefer to bully the younger guys as though he got it going on. Well, if his intuition about Kareem was right, Monk will get a wake-up call today.

Now can I have a ride or what?

Nope.

No! Man, nobody is going to keep your fucking bike!

That, I already know he replied calmly while staring deeper into Monk’s eyes.

Then, give me a fucking ride! he insisted pulling on the handle bars and as though a second thought, he said Or, I’ll take a ride!

When these words filtered through Monk’s lips, Kareem’s partners suddenly took a step back giggling confusing Monk. They knew what those word implies to Kareem and the transformation it induces in him. A switch seem to have been turned on and you was suddenly dealing with a completely different person. The usual humbling, fun loving intellectual with a quiet disposition is replaced with a cunning carnivore.

Take he repeated snatching his bike free from his hand and allowing it to hit the ground then stepped to him. I’m not worry about nobody taking nothing from me especially someone like you. Those young brothers that you constantly come around here harassing, well I’m not one of those brothers. I’m a different breed. Remember, it isn’t the size of the dog, but the fight up in him he told him slightly snarling while staring in his eyes. I’m not Turtle or Boo-Boo and I’m damn sure not Little Tony. I thought you was a bitch ass motherfucker when you started kicking him while he was in a fetal position. So, you can drop the tough guy routine. I’m not impress he told him.

Monk stood there stunned hearing what was just said. You could see the anger leap into his eyes as his rage suddenly exploded. He tried throwing a sneaky right hand that would have decapitated Kareem’s head from his shoulders. He threw the punch with so much force that he lost his balance bringing his momentum straight into a vicious right to the mid-section follow by a left uppercut to the chin and a straight right causing him to stagger backward then fall into the street.

Oh, shit! Did you see that? big Mike asked laughing.

Once he recuperated slightly, he charged again running straight into a double stiff jab and a vicious right cross that took him off his feet again.

Oohhh’s and aaahhhh’s could be heard from across the street as they leap to their feet.

Motherfucker! he scream spitting out blood as he curried to his feet charging like a raging bull.

Bit, Bit, Bit. Three straight jabs stop his assault and straighten him right up. His mouth and nose was bleeding profusely. He spit out more blood then came back for more. A five-piece