Interview with Jimmy Dasaint

James ‘Jimmy DaSaint’ Mathis was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Being born the eldest of his mother’s five children, Jimmy, at an early age had to take on adult responsibility to assist in the survival of his welfare stricken family. Growing up in the Manta section of west Philly, know as ‘the bottom’ because of its violence, dilapidated buildings and so many families living far below the poverty level, Jimmy quickly realized the negative effects that the ghetto has on a young person. At the tender age of 12, Jimmy was introduced to the dangerous life of the shameless and cruel streets. By the age of 15, he had been arrested numerous times for burglary, trespassing and fighting. After numerous run-ins with the law, Jimmy determined to make his mother proud, focused on his academics and graduated from high school; the first in his family.