StoryCorps Chicago: ‘A Lot Of Kids Don’t Have A Crazy Dad To Keep Pushing Them’

By Bill Healy
Garry Scott Mitchell Sr. and Garry Scott Mitchell Jr. visited the Chicago StoryCorps booth in December.
Garry Scott Mitchell Sr. and Garry Scott Mitchell Jr. visited the Chicago StoryCorps booth in December. Garry Jr., who is now getting his doctorate from Harvard, wears a Hillman College shirt — the fictitious college from the TV show “A Different World.” Courtesy of StoryCorps
Garry Scott Mitchell Sr. and Garry Scott Mitchell Jr. visited the Chicago StoryCorps booth in December.
Garry Scott Mitchell Sr. and Garry Scott Mitchell Jr. visited the Chicago StoryCorps booth in December. Garry Jr., who is now getting his doctorate from Harvard, wears a Hillman College shirt — the fictitious college from the TV show “A Different World.” Courtesy of StoryCorps

StoryCorps Chicago: ‘A Lot Of Kids Don’t Have A Crazy Dad To Keep Pushing Them’

By Bill Healy
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Garry Scott Mitchell Jr. grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Now, the 26-year-old, who’s known as Scottie, is getting his doctorate from Harvard and studying education.

When he was in middle school, though, he wasn’t assigned to an advanced math and reading class. But his father showed up at the principal’s office and demanded they let his son in. A teacher told Garry Sr. that he was too involved in Scottie’s education.

When the pair came to StoryCorps in December, they talked about how important it is for adults to advocate for young people.

Bill Healy produces StoryCorps for WBEZ. Follow him @chicagoan.