Memoir | Maximus Leonetti | Part I of VI

Growing up in the projects, we weren’t exactly rolling in dough. But whenever legal or financial troubles knocked, Maximus Leonetti was our fixer. He was also a fountain of wisdom for us youngsters, offering advice and information relevant to our experiences as African Americans navigating the hurdles of life.

In those days, we saw Maximus Leonetti as a guardian angel. Today, I think of him as the ‘fixer.’ He reminds me of the main character in the hit HBO crime drama television series titled 'Ray Donovan,' starring actor Liev Schreiber. Ray is a fixer for Hollywood’s high and mighty, while Maximus is the troubleshooter for the less fortunate.

Maximus was a mysterious figure who appeared seemingly out of the blue whenever a member of our community needed his advice or financial support.

There were rumors that he owned a dry-cleaning business, which was a front for his drug productions.

Maximus’ Parents

Maximus was lucky to have both his parents around; they lived in the projects, too.

He had the appearance of a Caucasian man but was considered African American. All we knew was that both his parents looked Caucasian, and they were married, which was a rarity in the projects.

Many of us living in the projects were raised by our mothers alone.

Maximus Leonetti’s Insight

Maximus told me that my life would be somewhat easier because I looked like a Caucasian woman and that my appearance, influenced by my Caucasian heritage, would help me to secure a good job.

I have to acknowledge that Maximus was correct in pointing out that my complexion played a significant role in landing me prestigious opportunities to work closely with top government officials in both Washington and abroad. This also allowed me to embark on government missions overseas for a consecutive two-year period.

Maximus Leonetti, the Fixer

My friend Samantha was arrested after she shattered all the windows in her child’s father’s car. She was charged with property damage and held in jail until her court date. The word on the street was that Maximus, the fixer, bailed Samantha out of jail and took care of her legal fees. Her mother, a matriarch, was deeply grateful for his generosity.

Ralph, who lived two doors down from me, stole our neighbor’s car for a joyride. Ralph was arrested for grand theft and put in jail. Maximus, the fixer, paid his bail and had a stern talk with Ralph about the grim realities of prison life. Ralph told everyone in the community that Maximus’s candid talk about prison life scared him straight, and he promised never to steal again. Ralph’s mother, a matriarch, baked Maximus a cake in gratitude for his help.

The Projects Cook-Outs

At our community barbecues, Maximus would drop by and hang out with us. He would give us kids some cash and a pep talk. It was rare to have a positive male role model in our midst. Naturally, the matriarchs made sure that Maximus always had a hearty meal and drinks at these cookouts.

Maximus Leonetti was the paternal presence we youngsters lacked in our lives.

Murdered!

Our community was shattered by the news of Maximus Leonetti’s murder!

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)