“I always tell the kids; it’s okay to fall, as long as you learn from it when you get back up,” reflects Harold, “Chucky” Lloyd. The nickname came from his big sister, so he couldn’t really argue about it. On the other hand, he doesn’t seem like the arguing type anyway.
Mr. Lloyd is a 6th generation Annapolitan with roots in the Clay St. neighborhood where he still lives. But where he was once part of a rough-and-tumble street life, he is now a pillar of his community. Just walking down the street both in the Clay neighborhood and Robinwood will guarantee shouts of, “Hey, Mr. Chucky!” as neighborhood kids, regardless of their situation, show respect for an unfaltering presence. This is because he spends every week mentoring youngsters in life skills, helping with homework, and even making meals at the Robinwood Community Center (David Harris Center). Yet, to understand what drives him the most, one must talk about music. At the mention of the topic, his grin practically jumps off his face to dance.
“We were the first Go-Go band in Annapolis,” he proudly exclaims. Mr. Lloyd shared the stage with the likes of E.U. (“Da Butt”) and other local outfits like Marz, (in which his sister was a singer) and hanging out with friends in Starpoint, who had a hit with “Object of My Desire.” In fact, some of his gigs were played in the very gym in the Robinwood Recreation Center where he now works. Yet, unlike some of the D.C. clubs that gained a reputation for violence via Go-Go, Mr. Lloyd knew it would not be a problem. He recalls, “We didn’t need metal detectors. We had Ms. Betty Ann Weekly, and when she said she wasn’t gonna take any nonsense, she meant it. And we never had trouble.” This recollection is followed by his colossal, infectious belly-laugh. Perhaps because now he has the opportunity to continue the musical heritage of Robinwood.
On November 2nd, the new recording studio opened to great fanfare with local musicians and contributors eager to show off top-of-the-line gear including a mixing board, digital recorder and an isolation booth for vocals. Kids have the opportunity to create music just like their heroes thanks to Pastor Sheryl Menendez and The H.2o 4 Life program. With these kind of partners, Chuck Lloyd has found a home where he can carry on his legacy as a funky public servant.
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