Businessman John “Chop”Ector Overcomes Challenges To Uplift Englewood Community

We all grow in wisdom over time as our experiences help us understand how to make better choices. For Englewood businessman John Ector, a youth filled with misguided choices led him to serve time in prison. Today he is using the wisdom of his experience to share with the youth in Chicago's troubled Englewood community. John Ector, popularly known as "Chop" in the neighborhood, opened an outdoor basketball court and initiated a program for youth to gather in a safe place and learn principles of ethical living. He also opened a bar and grill, creating a safe place for many to gather, even those who were known to be affiliated with various street organizations. But at his place, V75, there were no fights or acts of violence allowed. After years of success in uplifting and motivating youth and establishing a place where adults could relax and enjoy peace and security, Chop now faces the challenge of overcoming accusations by those who refuse to acknowledge his transformation into a community asset. Although he has received public praise, even appearing on TV programs such as Windy City Live, Chop must strive to restore his good name after television reports linked him to drug trafficking, a practice he has kept his vow to stay away from. How does a man with a record finally put the past behind him and empower the members of his community to do the same?