Stanley Ratliff is a leader and source of inspiration in North Lawndale and has been for more than 30 years. He was 33 when he was forced to deal with a life-changing event that many African Americans and minorities face every day. His challenges and faith in God led him to become a positive influence within the community.
One of his gifts is music. He was blessed with the opportunity to begin developing his talent under George Paris at William Penn Elementary, where he not only learned to play the saxophone but was taught the value of self-discipline and punctuality. Ratliff continued to develop this gift at Farragut High School in the Male Chorus.
“We started a group, called Superior Movement and stayed together for about 25 years,” Ratliff explained during an interview with Chicago Leader. “We cut an album back in 1982 and use to open up for a lot of top-name groups,” he added. Their album, “Key to Your Heart,” was mixed and recorded in Chicago.
His life took an unexpected turn when Ratliff found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. He recalls figuring out the situation was bad, not as innocent as his friend Donnie Murphy claimed.
Murphy gave Ratliff the key to his van and asked him to drive. Once in the van, he realized the situation was not right when he opened the vehicle’s door to “about 15 police with their guns to my head.”
Even though Murphy explained Ratliff had nothing to do with the crime, he was charged with delivering a controlled substance. “They ended up giving me nine and a half years. [But] I only did two and a half because I got clemency from the governor.”
While he was incarcerated, Ratliff decided to use the time wisely. He finished his college education, taught music, and devoted time learn more about God. His faith gave him strength throughout his youth and sustained him in prison. “I continue to trust God and use my faith, it’s been good.”
“I never wanted to give up because I figured it was up to God. He knew what was happening and I believe I would be okay. I missed my family. When I first got there I couldn’t believe I was in prison. Eventually, the tears stopped. Back then, I asked God why this is was happening to me. But now that I look back, I know it happened for a reason.”
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Northeastern Illinois University while serving time at the Dixon Correctional Center. He continued his education after his incarceration ended. In 2014, Ratliff earned a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Ministries from Northern Theological Seminary.
Post-prison life included working as a cable installer’s assistant and other part-time gigs to make ends meet. Later, he was hired as a full-time staff member of Lawndale Christian Community Church, where he also led Sunday worship.
Ratliff co-founded Hope House, a Christian recovery home for recently released inmates who struggled with substance abuse. While living at the residential hall, they have Bible studies and work around the ministry. “These men are restored by people loving them in the Word of God.”
He and his wife, Antoinette, established Celestial Ministries, a music ministry that serves children whose parents are incarcerated and underprivileged youth in North Lawndale.
He offers this insight about life: “Be careful who you hang out with. You have to be wise in choosing your friends. I thought the guy who set me up was my friend. He was a coworker and I did not really know the kind of person he was. I kind of knew he sold drugs but I was never around when he did. I was guilty…just by hanging out with him even though I did not sell drugs.”
Ratliff concludes: “You have to listen to what the Holy Spirit tells you. Be careful how you choose your friends.”
Written by Teraynia Swan and Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
Interview: Stanley Ratliff; Jan. 25, 2022
Celestial Ministries Press: A North Lawndale Journey of Faith: The Testimony of an Ex-Offender by Stanley T. Ratliff; 2021
Discogs: Superior Movement – The Key To Your Heart
Featured and Top Image by Steven Kyle Adair Courtesy of Glendale United Methodist Church’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of TNS Photography – Used With Permission
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Mike Rohde’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
