Every year at this time WUWM reporters head out into communities to talk with everyday people making a difference. In this installment of our Life’s Voices series, we speak with Andre Ellis. He’s a local playwright who tells stories from the perspective of black men.

He’s also fighting to bring his north side neighborhood back to life, using a community garden. Ellis told LaToya Dennis that he started the plot with the help of Growing Power – the group specializes in urban gardening. Ellis lives on 9th and Ring in the 53206 zip code. It’s known for high levels of crime and incarcerated men.