"We were in the heart of the ghetto in Chicago during the Depression, and every block - it was probably the biggest black ghetto in America - every block also is the spawning ground practically for every gangster, black and white, in America too"

In this quote, Quincy Jones is describing his experience maturing in the ghetto of Chicago throughout the Great Depression. He emphasizes the severity of the circumstance by specifying that it was "most likely the most significant black ghetto in America." This recommends that the living conditions and struggles faced by the locals were particularly severe. Jones likewise highlights the occurrence of gang activity in the location, noting that every block was a "spawning ground" for both black and white gangsters. This paints a photo of a hazardous and impoverished community, where crime and hardship were widespread. In general, Jones' words communicate a sense of the difficult and tough environment he matured in.