Congratulations, Lost Boys

An historic event is happening on the other side of the world that is of huge importance to a small and vibrant part of the Rogers Park community.

Today, Saturday, July 9th, after years of tumultuous warfare that claimed the lives of two million of its citizens, the African continent is giving birth to its 54th country, “The Republic of South Sudan.”

In January of this year, nearly 99% of southern voters chose to form their own country. Festivities this weekend attended by many world leaders commemorate the occasion.

Of course, the hard work will begin immediately after the celebration. The fledgling new country faces enormous challenges, as it faces malnutrition, tribal warfare, and other challenges of inconceivable proportion. Per the July 8, 2011 New York Times, more than 10 percent of the children do not make it to their fifth birthday; the country struggles with 75 percent illiteracy; nearly 40 percent of the population requires food aid to survive. Yet, the land contains large-scale deposits of oil (producing 375,000 barrels a day), and other natural resources. Of course, the country’s most important natural resource is it’s remarkable, resilient and courageous people.

What is the Rogers Park connection?

Over ten years ago, government forces from the north were brutally attacking the inhabitants of southern Sudan, mostly Christian, forcibly separating them from their homes and from their families. The United States granted political asylum to around 250 people, mostly men under the age of 25, and due to the generosity of area churches, many settled in Rogers Park. The young men soon became known as “The Lost Boys of Sudan,” demonstrated tremendous vigilance and bravery as they settled in their new homeland. The Lost Boys have enriched our community ever since.

On a Saturday afternoon over ten years ago I was at a meeting at St. Jerome’s Church on Lunt and Paulina. As the meeting ended, the church’s pastor, Father Tom Bradley, asked if any of us wanted to meet our community’s newest residents. He ushered us into the church’s kitchen, and there, sitting around the table, were over a dozen notably tall and rail thin young men, varying in age from 16 – 26, all with the darkest and most beautiful skin I have ever seen. Father Bradley shared with us their stories: how their oppressors from the north extracted them from their homes and murdered their families; that the men hiked for years through the jungle, along the way losing many of their compatriots who were gunned down. (I remember hearing one young man describe how he saw his friends being shot down as government forces chased them to a river, forcing them to cross, though most could not swim.) Finally, those who survived the lengthy ordeal settled in refugee camps in Kenya, where they lived for years, until America granted them asylum. The story astonished me, and as I tried to communicate with these men, I could see that their teeth were in horrible condition, as a result, I imagined, from malnutrition and unavailability of dental care.

Local churches, including St. Paul’s By the Lake, took in many of these young new immigrants, and showered them with supportive services. The men found lodging, often crowding into small apartments. With a sense of urgency, nearly all of the young men became engaged in their new lives,  combining school (many attending Truman College), work (many worked at area hotels and at the airports), and attending church. The men carefully monitored the status of the wretched conditions in the South of Sudan, not to mention the events in western Sudan region of Darfur. Later, I learned how a couple of the men were able to reestablish connection with family members, joyously reuniting with sisters, parents, aunts and uncles over the phone.

We were impressed by their work ethic, and how much they appreciated the opportunities they received here. Their attitude spawned greater outpouring of generosity by Americans whose lives, like mine, was touched by their spirit. I remember the story about how a group of these young men, while hanging out in a local park, were accosted and attacked by local gang bangers. As the police took them to the hospital, the boys showed no anger or resentment towards their oppressors. Their stoicism is incredible.

Some of the men have achieved a level of notoriety and fame. Of course, most Chicagoans know of the Bulls star Luol Deng. Rogers Park is home to an exceptional young man named Peter Bul, who we have featured once before on this site, who is presently working to develop a school in his newly created country.

I can easily recognize these Southern Sudanese. They are tall, with very dark skin, and when I see their eyes, I sense their aura of warmth, humility and the inner strength one can only obtain by dealing with harsh adversity. When I encounter them on the street, I always feel comfortable approaching them and asking if they are Sudanese. When they confirm that they are, they seem genuinely appreciative that someone recognized and approached them. In more recent years, when I see them smile with straight, glowing white teeth, I become heartened and proud that we Americans have offered these men a new home – or, a temporary haven now that they have a brand new country to which they may return to build.

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