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The chapter “Things Done Changed” in my memoir, Change The Game, is inspired by The Notorious B.I.G.‘s track on Ready to Die. Just like Biggie’s song, this chapter digs deep into the evolution of the streets, the destruction brought on by the crack epidemic, and the resilience of communities under siege.
The Birth of a Monster
The year was 1985, and I was just a five-year-old living in the projects. The streets were alive with kids playing basketball and neighbors sharing laughter. But in the shadows, something darker was brewing—something that would change everything. That was the year crack cocaine began its rampage through my community.
I remember my first time seeing a crack vial, on the sidewalk in the projects. Even as a child, I could sense the danger it held, though I couldn’t grasp the full implications.
From Joy to Chaos
The 1980s transformed the streets. Crack turned neighbors into shadows of their former selves—hollow-eyed, desperate, and unrecognizable. Playgrounds that were once filled with laughter became silent, and the joy of everyday life was replaced by gunshots, sirens, and screams for help.
Crack tore families apart and ripped the soul out of entire neighborhoods. The projects became a warzone where survival meant hustling, hiding, or becoming invisible.
Biggie’s Voice of Truth
The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Things Done Changed” captured this shift perfectly:
“Back in the days, our parents used to take care of us; Look at ’em now, they even fuckin’ scared of us.”
The track reflects the reality of communities under siege by addiction, violence, and systemic neglect. It gave voice to the despair and resilience of a generation, just as this chapter does in my memoir.
Lessons in Resilience
Despite the chaos, my community displayed an unbreakable spirit. We carried scars and memories, but also hope—hope that the cycle could one day be broken. For me, the crack epidemic wasn’t just a backdrop to my childhood; it was a harsh teacher. It taught me about the fragility of life, the strength of survival, and the importance of breaking free from the systems designed to destroy us.
Join The Movement
The crack era may have been a dark chapter in our history, but its lessons endure. Dive deeper into these stories and reflections in my memoir, Change The Game, available at www.tmjefferson.org
For those ready to tell their own stories, my CTG Writing Mastery Course provides the tools and guidance to transform your experiences into a powerful narrative. Together, let’s change the game.
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