Mother kicks 15 year-old boy out of the State  

INTERVIEWER: Anthony Speedwell
INTERVIEWEE: Thomas Strong
DATE OF INTERVIEW: June 7, 1999 

What is your full name?

My full name is Thomas Malik Strong.

What is your nationality (race)?

I am an African - American.

What is your date of birth?

I was born August 17th, 1979.

Where were you born?

I was born in Connecticut and I stayed for 14 or 15 years.

When did you move to Philly?

I moved to Philly around 94-95 in the month of June or July because it was in the summer.

What kind of education did you have before you came to Philly?

I was in the tenth grade in a private school, but I don't remember the name of the school.

Why did you leave your former place of residence?

The reason I left is because I had problems with my mom and I was kicked out.

Why did she kick you out?

Because I didn't like the way she treated me and my sister's so she kicked me out.

Why did you choose Philly?

The reason I chose Philly is because my father lived here.

How did you travel here (what type of transportation)?

I came here by plane - it took about 30-45 minutes.

Did you know anyone in Philly besides your dad?

My father's sister but she pasted away a week before I arrived at Philly.

With whom did you travel?

I had traveled with my grandmother to New York where I stayed for a few months.

When you came to Philly how did your life change, contrast the two places?

In Connecticut it was a little more quiet. They had the same problems though: drugs, weed, disease and violence.

What did you expect Philly to be like?

I expected it to be hostile and brutal towards newcomers.

Did you leave anything in Connecticut?

I left my dog I had since I was eight - my mom probably had it put to sleep because she never liked my dog and my sister's. I left all the clothes my mom brought me, all my chains and rings.

Did you go through any problems during your traveling?

Yeah , this guy kept kicking my chair in the plane and touching me, smiling. I think he was gay or retarded.

Do you ever regret moving?

Yeah, a little back then.

Why?

Because I missed my mom, I grew up with her for so long it didn't seem right without her.

How did you get the money to move ?

My grandmother and my father sent money in the mail.

Do you have anything else to add to this report?

Yes, the women in Philly are so sexy I can't live without them.