18-05-2025
"Mayor Daley had a shoot-to-kill order" - Isiah Thomas recalls the hardships of growing up on the West Side of Chicago
At a very young age, Isiah Thomas grasped the harsh realities of life. Growing up in a struggling family on the West Side of Chicago, young Zeke faced numerous challenges that shaped his early years. He still vividly remembered enduring many street riots, living in constant fear that he might one day find himself either in danger of being killed or facing imprisonment.
These experiences left a profound impression on Thomas. At the time, he used to feel a sense of urgency to create a better life for himself and his family. However, as a kid, Isiah often felt powerless to do or cause any meaningful change.
"During that period of time, there were four riots, fallout you know, race riots, on the West Side of Chicago," the Hall of Fame point guard recalled during a heartfelt interview at Seton Hall University in 2023. "And if some of you Google it, you'll see Mayor [Richard J.] Daley had a shoot-to-kill order on the West Side of Chicago if we were out past six o'clock."
"The first time I had a weapon pulled on me was by the United States government," Thomas continued. "The National Guard roll up, I lived on the Congress and Holman, they came up off the Eisenhower Expressway, I lived at 3340 West Congress, the tank pulled up off the expressway and they pointed the barrel coincidentally right at our house and you know, so, those were very turbulent times."
Admittedly, Thomas often reflects on his life with a deep sense of gratitude for the unwavering strength and boundless love of his parents. As he reminisces about his childhood, Zeke couldn't help but recognize the immense sacrifices they made to provide for him and his siblings.
Isiah could still remember the humiliating yet effective ways his parents devised just to put food on the table and keep their household running. Their relentless determination to make ends meet was inspiring and heart-wrenching for Thomas. However, as the strain of their difficult circumstances grew heavier, the emotional toll became overwhelming.
Eventually, the constant pressure led to his parents' separation, a turning point that left Thomas feeling as though their situation had transitioned from bad to worse. Through it all, Thomas' appreciation for his parents remains intact, as he understands the complexities of their struggles and the depth of their commitment to their family.
"During that period of time, I remember that we had to go on welfare and when you went on welfare a man couldn't be in the house," Zeke further shared. "And I remember the social worker or the welfare man would come by the house, and my father would have to go in the closet and hide or have to leave. And you know, that just caused a lot of him losing his dignity. My mom and my dad ended up breaking up."
Despite constant adversities, Thomas was able to gather the emotional and physical strength necessary to navigate the notorious environment of the West Side of Chicago. For Zeke, this part of the city was not just a difficult place but also a crucible that forged his character and honed the skills essential for his personal growth and aspirations for change.
Through the struggles and obstacles Thomas encountered growing up, he learned invaluable lessons about perseverance and determination. He came to understand that every hardship contributed to shaping him into the individual he is today. Ultimately, Isiah recognized that his experiences on the West Side of Chi-Town were pivotal in molding his identity and fueling his drive for success.
"To me, the West Side was strictly about survival. Every day was about surviving. How you're going to eat, how you're going to act in school. It was a test of your instincts. There were no written rules. Everything was about how well you listened, how well you observed, and how quickly you processed that," remarked Thomas in 2004, per the New York Times.
Thomas found solace in playing basketball. He was recruited by Indiana University in college and was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1981.
Despite his undeniable success, Zeke still represented the West Side of Chicago. In return, he continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Chicago natives even to this very moment. His deep affection for the people of Chicago remains evident, and they admire him not only for his legendary basketball career but also for his uncompromising commitment to associating himself with the city and its people.
They find Thomas' love for them truly fascinating, considering the challenges and traumatic experiences he faced during his time in Chicago. Today, Thomas is viewed by Chicagoans as a symbol of resilience and pride, embodying the spirit of the city. His connection to Chicago transcends sports, as he stands as a testament to the strength and love that can flourish even in the face of adversity.
