My response to "Invisible City"

Invisible City is a documentary about the lives of two young men living in Regent Park, Kendell and Mikey. It follows them throughout their high school lives, their education, and their lives outside of school. The documentary talks a lot about the massive effect a community and the child's surroundings can affect them in their daily lives, and their education. They discuss the social and economic issues that plague these young men, as well as others living in a situation like theirs. This documentary struck a chord with me, and it surprised me as well when we got assigned to watch it one week because it is a story I knew oh so well, because I grew up in Regent Park, and knew many stories just like Kendells and Mikeys.

I grew up in Regent Park, attended school there, and had many friends from that area. I personally knew both social workers that helped Kendell and Mikey, Ainsworth and Jason. They were my workers when I attended and was helped by Pathways to Education. I felt a connection to those two boys because I had friends growing up that struggled just like they did. Dealing with negative family life, educational struggles, drug and substance abuse, and the racial hardships that they went through were stories that I saw firsthand, and the effect it could have on a person. 

Invisible City does a fantastic job of capturing the lives and struggles of youths that grow up in a slum. Their stories are not relegated to just those in Regent Park, but to the youths all over the country. It is a touching piece that I think all should watch, especially those living in Toronto.

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