Diane Latiker

 Heroes are perceived in the world as people that wear tights or a uniform , and have super human powers that gives them in ability to do extraordinary things. However there are none of those heroes in real life but there are everyday heroes:  the policeman, the firefighter, the soldier, and many more. Even though there are many everyday heroes, this story is about a very special hero - one who is from Roseland, Chicago. Her name is Diane Latiker, a mother with a eight children, and a grandmother of thirteen children. Her amazing story started out with her own mistakes, as she calls it "young and dumb" (Diane Latiker), by dropping out of college and having seven children by age twenty-five. Yet, later in her life at the age of 36 she turned her life around by getting re-married and getting her GED. During her eighth child's, Aisha, teenage years Diane was worried about her daughter and her friends becoming involved with gangs for gangs were always around them. Therefore Diane invited Aisha's friends and they talked about hopes and dreams and the children each said their dream "I want to be a doctor. I want to be a rapper. I want to be a singer."(Latiker). Then Diane Latiker realized that these kids did not want to be out on the streets, but had goals and aspirations to something bigger than where they were from. So in order to help these kids get to their aspirations and goals Diane Latiker opened her house 24/7. Thus was the birth of a hero's mission or project, "Kids Off the Block". Diane Latiker's accomplishments in her own community were outstanding, however when she had six rival gangs in her house and sorted problems out that was something that impressed many. Kids Off the Block was based in her house in had about 75 kids (at one point), which used 3 of her houses rooms. In order to make room for more space Latiker sold her television to have some money if needed and dining room table to make room to buy a computer station. Then in 2008 Latiker had some potential donations from a couple of donors. The donors did donate the money and the organization bought the building next door to Diane Latiker's home. Now "KOB" is thriving with 301 members and with 30- 50 people attending activities hosted by KOB. Diane

Latiker inspires me because I am a teenager that has been blessed, yet I have seen events occur in my life that cannot be forgotten. These life lessons or wake ups to the real world makes me want to help the less fortunate of my generation learn,play, and have fun with life.