If a picture can express more than words, than the site of an empty drug peddlers’ corner at the Hollywood Courts Apartments in Atlanta says it all.

This spot near a recent Section 3 work site is unusually clear of its usual occupants, the “Drug Boys”. Normally this spot by unit number 68 is a hot bed of illegal activity with the sell or trade of drugs and prostitution 24-hours a day. On Monday morning, after a quiet weekend in the middle of August, my phone rang with a frantic saying, “bring your camera”. I didn’t understand the message or recognize the caller so it meant nothing to me until later that morning when I met with Ms. Wright for our scheduled 10:00 appointment. When she immediately asked if I brought my camera, it all made sense to me. Ms. Wright was so excited about the obviously missing drug boys (absent since the last job readiness/motivational session) that she wanted the moment documented for all to see.

According to Ms. Wright, she held a conversation with one of the young men that stated, once he gets a job he plans to take care of his children and mother. Clearly, this man understands the value of a paycheck over fast and deadly money. We all know that there will soon be new drug boys to assume the position at this spot. However, we selfishly celebrate the fact that a life may have been saved, children may have a father and a mother may have her son a little longer thanks to a section 3 business.