
Meet Rhasheim Rutledge
2016-03-24
Rhasheim grew up in Central Village, on Kennedy St., Onondaga Ave., and now lives on Bellevue Ave. He has been regularly attending Sunday liturgy at Brady and shares his story here.
Tell us about your faith story.
When I was young, I went to church with my grandmothers. But the event that affected my faith the most happened this summer. I was shot in my arm on June 7th at a house party by an intoxicated person who started shooting randomly. After the shooting, I lost my job even though the doctor said I could work with one arm, because my employer disagreed and fired me.
At that time all I had left was God. I healed from the shooting and I’ve just found part time work. I love to work and am so grateful! Now I’m so glad to be sitting here with you joining a community where things can be changed. I believe in God and always try to be on the right path.
What are some of their strengths and challenges of these neighborhoods?
Strengths are organizations such as Brady and O.G.s (Old Gentlemen against violence), groups of people who can stand up for something different and do what I call “being on the out instead of the in,” which means helping people get out of the problems and into a better lifestyle.
Challenges are certain people with their intentions on doing things that are harmful on the streets. Some people don’t stand up for the right things or for bringing change.
Where do you get nourishment and support for your faith?
From my grandmothers, my mom, and coming here to Brady Faith. Instantly after I was shot, I decided to come to church every Sunday. It is a big part of my faith life.
Talk about your hopes for you and your family and friends.
I hope to stay on the right path, to keep working, to stay away from certain objects, to continue to work on me, and to make music and support my kids. I hope my children become the best people in this world. I hope that they avoid all the violence and change how they see me from someone who got shot to a person on a different path.
What are you most proud of?
My kids. They are good kids who sometimes have a tendency to do their own things. They teach me a lot. Whenever they learn something new they try to share it with me.
I’ve learned to listen to them and not always be the adult that pushes something on them. When I was new to parenting, daddy was the boss and they had to listen to me. Now, I first give them the option of explaining themselves and then we talk about it.
What are your dreams?
I dream to pursue my music, live a healthy life and stay out of harm’s way. I dream to be the best father I can be, and have a nice home I can come home to with nice things. I dream to have people around me who I enjoy and who enjoy me.
What do you believe that people in the wider community can learn from your stories?
I always say people helping people. If you can reach out to someone, anyone and help them bring a change to their life than that would be good.