random family where are they now

random family where are they now

The book “Random Family” by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc was first published in 2003. It is a non-fiction account of the lives of a group of individuals living in the Bronx in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The book follows the lives of Jessica, her boyfriend Cesar, and their families as they navigate through poverty, drugs, and crime. The book was a New York Times bestseller and received critical acclaim for its raw and honest portrayal of urban life. As the years have passed, many readers have wondered about the fate of the individuals featured in the book. In this article, we will take a look at where the characters of “Random Family” are now.

1. Jessica
Jessica, the central character of the book, was only 15 years old when she met Cesar. She had already dropped out of school and was living with her mother and siblings in a cramped apartment. Throughout the book, Jessica struggles with her relationship with Cesar, who is involved in drug dealing and gang activities. After serving time in prison, Jessica eventually breaks ties with Cesar and moves to Florida with her children. In 2003, Jessica gave an interview to The Guardian, where she shared that she was working as a receptionist and living a quiet life away from the chaos of the Bronx. She also revealed that she was in a stable relationship and had two more children.

2. Cesar
Cesar, Jessica’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, was a drug dealer and a member of the Latin Kings gang. In the book, Cesar is portrayed as a charismatic and charming figure, but also someone who is prone to violence and drug abuse. After being released from prison, Cesar continued to live a life of crime and was eventually arrested for drug trafficking. In 2013, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. In an interview with The Village Voice, LeBlanc, the author, shared that she still keeps in touch with Cesar and that he is doing well in prison, taking courses and working on a book.

3. Coco
Coco, Jessica’s best friend, is a transgender woman who struggles with drug addiction and homelessness throughout the book. After spending years in and out of prison, Coco eventually moved to California and got sober. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Coco revealed that she had been clean for 8 years and was working as a counselor for transgender individuals. She also shared that she was in a loving relationship and was finally at peace with herself.

4. Boy George
Boy George, Cesar’s cousin and a member of the Latin Kings, was also a prominent character in the book. After serving time in prison, Boy George moved to North Carolina and started a new life. In a 2013 interview with The Village Voice, LeBlanc shared that Boy George was doing well and was a devoted father to his children. He had also found a job as a truck driver and was working towards getting his GED.

5. Lourdes
Lourdes, Cesar’s aunt, was a mother figure to Jessica and Coco. In the book, she is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman who takes care of her family despite her own struggles with drug addiction. In 2003, Lourdes gave an interview to The Guardian, where she shared that she had been clean for 4 years and was working as a home health aide. She also revealed that she was still in touch with Jessica and Coco and was proud of their progress.

6. Priscilla
Priscilla, Jessica’s younger sister, was a quiet and introverted girl who struggled with her family’s chaotic lifestyle. In the book, she is often seen taking care of her younger siblings and trying to keep them away from the dangers of the streets. In a 2013 interview with The Village Voice, LeBlanc shared that Priscilla was still living in the Bronx and had two children of her own. She also revealed that Priscilla was working as a home health aide and was a devoted mother.

7. Baby
Baby, Jessica’s first child, was born while she was in prison. In the book, Baby is often seen as a symbol of hope and redemption for Jessica. After Jessica’s release from prison, Baby is taken care of by her grandmother, Lourdes. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Lourdes shared that Baby was now 19 years old and living with her mother in Florida. She also revealed that Baby was doing well in school and was a talented artist.

8. Jaiden
Jaiden, Jessica’s second child, was born after she moved to Florida. In the book, Jaiden is shown as a happy and carefree child who brings joy to Jessica’s life. In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Jessica shared that Jaiden was now 17 years old and was doing well in school. She also revealed that Jaiden was interested in music and was a talented singer.

9. Chino
Chino, Cesar’s cousin, was a close friend of Jessica and Coco. In the book, he is portrayed as a charming and popular figure, but also someone who is involved in drug dealing and gang activities. After serving time in prison, Chino moved to North Carolina and started a new life. In a 2013 interview with The Village Voice, LeBlanc shared that Chino was clean and sober and was working as a barber. She also revealed that he was now married and had a child of his own.

10. Lilliam
Lilliam, Jessica’s mother, is a prominent figure in the book. She struggles with drug addiction and multiple failed relationships, but her love for her children never wavers. In a 2003 interview with The Guardian, Lilliam shared that she was still living in the Bronx and was working as a home health aide. She also revealed that she was clean and sober and was working towards rebuilding her relationship with her children.

11. The Legacy of “Random Family”
“Random Family” is not just a book, but a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty and urban life. It has been 15 years since the book was first published, and the lives of the individuals featured in it have changed drastically. While some have found redemption and moved on to lead successful lives, others are still struggling to break free from the cycle of poverty and crime. The book continues to have a profound impact on its readers, and it serves as a reminder that behind every statistic, there is a human story that deserves to be heard.

In conclusion, the characters of “Random Family” have come a long way since the book was first published. Some have found happiness and stability, while others are still fighting to overcome their past. Their stories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope. As we look back at their journeys, we are reminded that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a chance for a better tomorrow.

how to know who blocked you on snapchat

Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms among the younger generation. With its unique features like disappearing messages and filters, it has gained a huge user base. However, like any other social media platform, it also has its fair share of drama and conflicts. One of the most common concerns among Snapchat users is how to know who has blocked them. In this article, we will discuss different ways to determine if someone has blocked you on Snapchat.

Before we dive into the details, let’s understand what blocking means on Snapchat. When you block someone on Snapchat, it means that you do not want them to contact you or view your stories. It also means that you are no longer able to see their stories or contact them. The person you have blocked will not receive any notification about it, and they will only realize that they have been blocked when they try to contact you or view your stories. Now, let’s look at the different ways to know if someone has blocked you on Snapchat.

1. Check If You Can Still See Their Stories

One of the easiest ways to know if someone has blocked you on Snapchat is by checking if you can still see their stories. If you have been blocked, you will not be able to view their stories, and they will not be visible on your feed. However, this method is not entirely reliable as the person may have deleted their story or set their privacy settings to “My Friends” only, which means that only their close friends can view their stories.

2. Look for the Person’s Profile

Another way to determine if someone has blocked you on Snapchat is by searching for their username in the search bar. If the person has blocked you, their username will not appear in the search results. However, if you have only been removed from their friend list, you will still be able to search for their username, but their profile will not appear.

3. Check Your Chat History

If you have been communicating with the person on Snapchat, you can go through your chat history to see if the person’s messages are still visible. If the person has blocked you, their messages will no longer be visible, and you will not be able to send them any messages.

4. Try Adding Them as a Friend

Another way to know if someone has blocked you on Snapchat is by trying to add them as a friend. If you have been blocked, you will not be able to find their profile, and the “Add Friend” button will be replaced with a “Pending” button. This means that your friend request has not been sent to the person, and they will not receive any notification about it.

5. Check Mutual Friends’ Profiles

If you have mutual friends with the person you suspect has blocked you, you can check their profiles to see if the person is still on their friend list. If the person has blocked you, they will no longer be visible on your mutual friend’s profile. However, this method is not entirely reliable as the person may have removed you from their friend list but not your mutual friends.

6. Try to Call the Person

If you have the person’s phone number, you can try calling them to see if they have blocked you on Snapchat. If the call does not go through or if the person does not pick up, it could be a sign that they have blocked you. However, this method is not entirely reliable as the person may have their phone on silent or not have network coverage.

7. Use a Third-Party App

There are several third-party apps available that claim to show you who has blocked you on Snapchat. These apps require you to log in with your Snapchat credentials and then scan your friend list to determine who has blocked you. However, these apps are not endorsed by Snapchat, and it is not advisable to use them as they may put your account at risk.

8. Ask a Mutual Friend

If you have a mutual friend with the person you suspect has blocked you, you can ask them directly if the person has blocked you on Snapchat. They will be able to confirm if the person is still on their friend list or not. However, this method may not be suitable for everyone as it may lead to unnecessary drama or conflicts.

9. Create a New Account

If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and still cannot determine if someone has blocked you on Snapchat, you can create a new account and add the person as a friend. If you have been blocked, the person will not receive your friend request, and you will not be able to view their profile. However, this method is not entirely reliable as the person may have their privacy settings set to “My Friends” only, and you will not be able to add them as a friend.

10. Ask the Person Directly

Lastly, if you are still unsure if someone has blocked you on Snapchat, you can try asking them directly. However, this method may not be suitable for everyone as it may lead to unnecessary conflicts or confrontations. Moreover, the person may choose not to respond, which will leave you with no answer.

In conclusion, there are several ways to determine if someone has blocked you on Snapchat. However, not all methods are entirely reliable, and it is essential to understand that blocking someone is a personal choice, and you should respect the person’s decision. Instead of obsessing over who has blocked you, focus on building healthy relationships with the people who value and appreciate your presence in their lives.