The Rockwood files: tales from the hood

The Rockwood Files is a collection of inspirational short stories that tell how several courageous inner city residents struggled to rise above the obstacles they faced in search of a better life.

Visit the fictitious neighborhood of Rockwood Square on Chicago’s West Side, and, with the Johnstone family, experience its transformation from a white, working-class neighborhood to an all-black, impoverished community.

Through the eyes of Jay Roberts, meet and root for T. Bates, an ex-junkie struggling to overcome his drug addiction and live a meaningful life.

Weep with Belinda Carson, a young attorney who enthusiastically joins a prestigious, all-Caucasian, all-male law firm only to discover she was hired temporarily for the sole purpose of disguising the firm’s discriminatory hiring practices.

Rejoice with Queeny as she meets Jesus Christ and leaves a life of prostitution to raise her younger sister and brother while attending college.

Mourn the misfortunes of Tony Bates, a former gang member who turns his life around in prison, only to suffer the brutal consequences of “street justice.”

Discover how two unlikely heroes enter the lives of Leroy Butler and Benjamin Carter and help them succeed in dealing with critical issues each faces.

Keywords: urban life