R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood)

Wow, so many things are happening in Englewood, that I could barely keep up! In my last post, I wrote about having super powers to effectively manage my life and all my commitments within the community. Well as things steadily progress, I think these super powers will soon be put to the test!!

Here are some highlights from the last few weeks....

 

• The celebration of both my daughter and my birthday on Nov. 26 (yes she was born on my birthday & is one of the greatest gifts I could have asked for) I enjoyed a fun-filled 90's party in honor of my bornday! It was super fantastic to reminisce about that colorful era!

• For Thanksgiving, I helped coordinate a turkey giveaway for the "Vote To Eat" campaign with the Lupe Fiasco Foundation in conjunction with Che' Rhymefest - Beautiful experience and I must send a special thanks to Pastor Cross at Englewood United Methodist Church and "Doc" at Chop it Up Barbershop for opening their doors for this effort!!




My precious daughter and myself on our birthday...


• Englewood POWER!! Currently working with two extraordinary residents on youth media program (Media-N-Motion) set to launch on 1/5/11 at West Englewood Library
• Attended about 5 holiday parties-Who doesn't love a great holiday party??
• Screened Louder Than Bomb -This is a great documentary about young writers competing in a poetry slam...Its a must see and I hope to showcase this throughout Englewood using the Docs & Dialogue forum 

Courtesy Photo from Louder Than A Bomb

These are only a few of the things that went down these past weeks...As many of you know, I devote a lot of my time to "agency based" committees, task forces, councils etc. See post from November for specific details.

Like many residents who want to make a difference or have an impact in the community we find ways to join forces with others who are on that same page. However, the missing link I've discovered, is an Englewood council/committee made up of Residents ONLY.

Now I must admit there are a few such as the Southwest Block Club Federation, New Birth Block Club Coalition, Englewood Collaboration Council, etc., however, I have NOT seen the actions of a POWERFUL organized force of residents making some REAL noise here in the Englewood.  Don't get me wrong we are loud and we do make some noise but not in an organized manner....

Well, take my word for it that will soon change...As I continue to meet these "powerhouse" Englewood residents at many of these agencies table, I am thinking to myself we are the ones who need to unite to make a difference in our community!!

So in my traditional way of TAKING ACTION,  I made the first steps to start getting these residents to the table!! 

Wow, people are really sleep on the assets that live in the boundaries of Englewoood or are either too blinded by some of the challenges we face to see these extraordinary people from this area...

There are some dynamic residents who I personally refer to as the "Experts of Englewood" because everyone is equipped with their very own expertise!! There are folks willing and able to share their expertise to build a "GREATER" Englewood & don't you think its about time for the community at large to see us united?? Well, we are united in R.A.G.E!!

R.A.G.E. - Residents Association of Greater Englewood

As stakeholder, I see first hand how our community is constantly being taken advantage of....What's funny about the name R.A.G.E. is that we all have a some sense of RAGE about the current condition of our community.....

1. We should feel RAGE about how the TIF dollars are not being used for the betterment of our community!
2. We should feel RAGE about our current redistricting structures that keeps residents, businesses and political officials divided!
3. We should feel RAGE about being the last to know about anything happening in our community or at our very own community college!! 

Its time for residents to be heard and demand that the wards in Englewood begin to COLLABORATE or CONSOLIDATE in order to improve the conditions in the entire community!!

Here are a few Greater Englewood facts:

• Greater Englewood Boundaries consist of 55th North, 75th South, Dan Ryan, East, Hamilton , West and encompasses Englewood and West Englewood
• There are 6 aldermanic wards and not 1 aldermanic office located within the boundaries of Englewood
• Over 70, 000 residents live in these boundaries and 31% reside in owner-occupied homes
• There are 51, 938 registered voters in Greater Englewood and 118 precincts
• There are over 250 churches in the Greater Englewood community, which is ironic because we are often viewed one of the most violent communities in Chicago

So as you can see, the point of this post is to alert all who reads this that a change gone come for 2011!! Here are some questions you may want to consider....

Could we be more effective if there was a consolidation from 6 to 2 wards in the Greater Englewood Community?

Is a better solution the collaboration of all six wards working together to create an action plan?

Will it make a difference if at least one of the ward offices was located in the community of which it serves?

Shouldn't Englewood residents have a say in the redistricting process of our community?

Where is the sounding board of residents who have a say in how TIF dollars or other $$ will be spent in Englewood?

These are just a few questions from the members of R.A.G.E....So stay tuned for future developments!!

If you are a resident or if you know a resident who lives within the Englewood boundaries defined above...We are looking for reps from the 3rd, 6th, 15th, 16th, 17th, or 20th ward to join this powerful RESIDENT BASED movement!!

 Until next time, TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

Superheroes in Englewood??

I know its been a few weeks since my last post but life has been moving so steadfast that the time to reflect is slim!! When I say moving, I mean things are moving faster than the speed of light, like some Superhero type movement!! I am even hearing from many of the community folks I interact with that my actions greatly resemble one of a superhero...Some would even venture to say I am the "Superwoman of Englewood." Wow, what a nice compliment!!

As flattering as this is to hear, it is making me question and reflect on what am I really doing? Well in order to truly explain it to myself, I needed to jot down all my community roles, projects, initiatives, commitments, etc. outside my day job at the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) for short.

After completing this assignment, needless to say...I think I must be using some SUPER POWERS to effectively manage these various roles and commitments? Then it made me think, am I doing an effective job? Am I doing too much? Or am I just merely tapping into my fullest potential to shape my life to be filled with all my interests and passions??

I know I can't change Englewood or the world for that matter, but if I can offer some insight, ideas, support, professionalism, or just merely share my gifts with the causes that relate to my ultimate goal I am content.

I know what you thinking…What is the Aysha’s ultimate goal?? Simply put I am an agent of change and PEACE activist….Please link below for a story about some of my goals with Docs & Dialogue.  The story was written by Englewood resident/Depaul Journalism student Rashanah Baldwin: http://www.rashanahbaldwin.com/pages/466

On another note, if we speak on a regular basis you should know my goals but if we don't here are few things I wish to accomplish before I leave this earth…

• Continue to uplift residents and youth by creating and/or supporting projects, programs, events, that are designed to enhance the quality of life in my community. Hear more about this vision here: http://www.chicagostorytelling.tv/englewood/index.html
• Change the negative perception by consistently shedding the light on the brighter side of Englewood with the use of mass communication, (tv, radio, blogs, etc.) 
• Make Englewood feel like Brooklyn for myself and others, meaning we do not leave our "borough” for anything, our grocery stores, retail shops, nightlife are all within the area...

Anyway, I humbly take on the role as a "Super Hero" in my community and wish more people would do the same! We should all want to be our community superheroes!!  Just to recap my SUPER POWERS are being use in various organizations, projects, etc, here are a few of my current affiliations, roles & commitments:

• Founder of grassroot project – “Docs & Dialogue”
• 2010-2011 Vice President- Black Star Community PTA 
• 2010-2011 Recording Secretary, LSC Robeson (Community Rep)
• 2010-2011 Interim Co-Chair/Member, Community Action Council of CPS
• 2010-2011 Member, Past Chair -Education Taskforce
• Member of the Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council (ECCPC)
• Member - Deborah Movement
• Editorial Committee/Author - Englewood Portal
• Advisory Board Member – Englewood Neighborhood Recovery Initiative

I know you are thinking....What a full plate and why is Mrs. Englewood doing so much? As I stated time and time again, I am only doing so MUCH because so many people are doing so LITTLE!!

Once thing is for certain I am nowhere near ready to stop!  I will steadily move FORWARD to move closer to my goals outlined above.  Superheroes do not GIVE UP we TEAM UP, so stay tuned for more superheroes to surface from Englewood!! Until next time...Up, Up, & Awaaaay!!

Goodbye October & Hello November!!

Wow, it is truly amazing, how time flies by when you are doing the things you love!! I see firsthand how our passions will always draw us to the BEST way we can serve and I absolutely love serving my community!! Either by connecting resources to the community, connecting people with one another or providing more meaningful experiences for our youth and residents. These efforts are very well appreciated which makes is oh so easy for me to continue to connect the dots...

Docs & Dialogue Oct. 9th at West Englewood Library

As mentioned in my previous post, we hosted Docs & Dialogue at West Englewood Library on Oct. 9th.  This was a special one because this was designed for the youth only (due to limited space) and I must say this setting was oh so rewarding!

Docs & Dialogue Oct. 9th at West Englewood Library

Listening to the voices of our young people expressing their thoughts, desires, and goals was just heartfelt! We truly underestimate the intelligence of our future leaders. These children were bright, articulate and engaged in a meaningful discussion about our community & history.  They really enjoyed the program, so I will be back on Wed. Nov. 3rd and Sat. Nov. 13th, thanks to the Lindsay Coleman, fellow resident and librarian of West Englewood. 

M.U.G.A.B.E.E. & Ay-sha at the Perry Mansion Welcome Reception

During the week of Oct. 11, I had the opportunity to work closely with Columbia College and the Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council (ECCPC or EC3 for short) who welcomed musical group M.U.G.A.B.E.E. to Englewood. My tasks were the following: 1)Find a local band to perform with the group.  2) Help promote a welcome reception and the FREE community performance. 3)Book the group at 1-2 schools in Englewood for a workshop....Not too difficult right??  Well with working a full time job, being a wife and mother, community activist, I had to juggle some things around.  

My first point of contact was Robeson High School since I have served as a mentor, is currently a community rep member of LSC and seem to have a good relationship with many of the staff and teachers....



M.U.G.A.B.E.E. at Nicholson Elementary School in Englewood





Unfortunately that wasn't enough to get this educational workshop booked, so I needed to press on. I reached out to Guggenheim who was ecstatic about the opportunity as well as Nicholson. Both of the these schools have very stern but open principals doing all they can for these schools, and it showed as they welcome this group with open arms. 

Again connecting resources to my community brings so much joy! I was so pleased to hear and see for myself the appreciation of the students while they enjoyed the performance of this unique & powerful group. 

I too enjoyed the performance at Columbia College (photo above) and was blown away by the talent these two brothers shared with us.  And to hear them play with a band I've seen & admired, All Chocolate was just phenomenal!! They ended there stay here with a final finale at Hamilton Park Cultural Center that I attended in spirit and heard that it too was a great success!!  I like to extend a special thanks to Paul Teruel of Columbia College Community for Arts Partnership for bring me in the fold, it was a GREAT experience! Stay tuned for more cultural activities & programs in the near future from the Council...



In the midst of all this action packed month, I was planning Docs & Dialogue/Spooktacular Halloween Bash for Sat. Oct 30th. I partnered with Safety Net Works and the 7th district CAPS team to help pull this altogether.  Meanwhile, I was also off to Orlando for a few days for a conference at my "real job"..... Now you know I had to make time to play while I was there and I did exactly that!! I relaxed with the family, enjoyed the amusement parks, and just clear my mind on my mini vacation so I could come back in full swing!!



As you can see from the photos, the Halloween Bash was extremely successful and was packed with over 100 kids who were very pleased!! We showed a film, played XBOX 360, dance, & did much more all in the community room at the 7th District...The children love it and the adults present did too!!



Officer Angela Wormley& myself

Surprisingly enough, even the teens who came through was entertained....It was a fun time and could not be possible without the help of Jimi Orange of Safety Net Work, Officer Angela Wormley & Rafael Yanez, it was a great collaboration that we hope to do more of in the near future!!  We are all working together to assure our youth were safe on Halloween and through this bash we achieved our goal!! It was another SO FRESH SATURDAY!!Well, I think that's all for now...I guess I can officially say Goodbye October, you were absolutely fantastic, however, I must now move on to November....Until next time, TAKE ACTION to Create the life you truly desire!!

The Shift is NEAR...Are you Ready???

As always the days have been vibrant since the last time I posted. I have attended some exciting meeting, events, fundraisers and connected with more people who are definitely on my same wavelength...So much so its been difficult to stop, write and reflect on many of these experiences.  When I do have time to contemplate, I am reminded that these are simply steps towards a powerful movement, that will ultimately SHIFT the perception of our misrepresented community.....The SHIFT is NEAR....Are you Ready??

A few highlights these past few weeks was my monthly alderman's meeting for the 6th Ward.  Usually there are at least 50-75 attendees and I must say at these ward meetings there is LOTS of useful information shared that residents should be aware of...For example, a rep spoke about the TIF 67th & Wentworth area that outlines many areas in Englewood and other neighboring communities. I am particular concern about the old KKC site...As a resident I would to have a grocery store like a Whole Foods or even Trader Joes...

Ok now I may be pushing it but still can't I dream of what I would like to see developed at this site? I know for certain if residents are not organized to take part in the decision making process, our voices will never be heard and we will just have to deal with whatever comes our way....Right?? WRONG!!! At that meeting, I met a few veteran organizers looking to join forces and strategically plan in order to SPEAK UP for our community! The SHIFT is NEAR....Are you Ready??

This ties right into another highlight, the collaborative forum workshop led by Ray Thompson. This was with a small group of residents who are basically "Human Assets" of the community who are all committed to improving the quality of life in Englewood. The ABCD (Asset Based Community Development) model focuses on the assets throughout the community in order to SHIFT the perception of Englewood from always being view as "needy" to  when there are may folks who are actually "advantaged". 

If we continue to collaborate, identify and utilize these assets all around us like the libraries, parks, residents, etc., I am certain a SHIFT will occur! To learn more about this perpetual shift please link here.

Like I mentioned in my last post, its time for the residents to stand up and take back our community from these foreign invaders...i.e., other ethnic groups, agencies, churches, politicians, etc...With a population of over 50,000 residents we are technically a city within itself...Just imagine if 5% of this population join forces...Wow, what a POWERFUL SHIFT that would be....Are you Ready??

Onward to another topic....We just finished up another enjoyable Docs & Dialogue session on Oct. 2nd and I definitely see this project as another powerful tool that brings all the community assets together in one room.  Although many enjoy watching the film then  talking about it....however, I am now noticing many of the attendees are ready to take this dialogue a step farther!  THEY ARE READY TO TAKE ACTION!! I can definitely see solution based organizing being a follow-up to a Docs & Dialogue session! Stay tuned...

I must say I wish it was more events  in Englewood that bridge generational and social economic gaps! Listening to the experiences of our elders while looking at issues from the eyes of our youth is exactly what we need to make a major SHIFT!  I so appreciate all who support this project and contribute to the powerful dialogue and networking that occurs at each session!   

For a detailed recap of Docs & Dialogue please link here.  Also, if you are ready to make a SHIFT to become more civically engaged in the community feel free to email me at aysha75@gmail.com. There is a always a need to share our gifts to enhance the state of our community....

Well this upcoming week is packed with networking events, meetings and more! To quickly recap here are few events open to the public and community leaders:

Oct. 9th-Docs & Dialogue West Englewood Library-Youth Only (Space is Limited)

2pm-4pm

Oct. 12th-Networking reception at Perry Mansion Cultural Center - 7042 S. Perry-RSVP Required

6:30-8pm

Oct. 13th-ABCD Collaboration Forum at Safety Network 5958 S. Marshfield

4pm-6pm

Oct. 22nd-Live Performance MUGABEE feat. band All Chocolate at Hamilton Park 513 W. 72nd.

5pm-9pm

Oct. 30th-So Fresh Saturday Halloween Edition -Location TBA

3pm-9pm

  

I am sure there are more events happening that I may have missed, don't be alarmed, Englewood now has its own resident based website here: http://www.englewoodportal.org/


Do you have some GOOD news to share?? Want your business listed in the directory? Or are you hosting a community event? Sign up and post that info here>>>>>http://www.englewoodportal.org/

Believe it or not some of us are technically savvy too!

I think that's it for now...Just remember despite the news coverage we received the are OPPORTUNITIES & GREATNESS here. Please recognize that the SHIFT is NEAR...Are you ready? I hope so, because I know I AM!!

Until next time, TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!!

Asiaha (Ay-sha) Butler

Will the REAL Englewood residents please STAND UP!

Wow, these last two weeks was another whirlwind since my last post. I attended meeting after meeting and before I knew it was Saturday!  As stated in a previous post, I participated in the Peace Rally mentioned in my previous blog with fellow resident Rashanah Baldwin, a few Deborahs and although it was a great cause I felt like....What's next?

We had all these bikers, social clubs, and other groups who soon after the rally, dismantles and head home which I am sure is outside of Englewood. So is the purpose of these marches to show a strong presence to the community?


As we walk, we stop and talk to a few young men who stated the killing will never stop regardless of how many marches we do. I must admit, this was a bit dishearten, however, the individuals marching seem to be empowered and the community did appreciate seeing us unified.

Then on Monday the 13th, Governor Quinn held a anti-violence hearing to discuss the solutions to this violence problem. I was quite shocked to see the room nearly empty at the KKC auditorium...Do no one have solution to offer this commission that is working closely with the state?   "Now if this was a funding meeting that auditorium would have been packed", I exclaimed passionately to the commission and attendees!!

Its sadden me that we cannot come together as a community to combat this issue...One thing was certain, the voice of the Deborah Movement was heard LOUD & CLEAR! I recommended several solutions such as extending hours of the 300+ churches in Englewood until 10pm in order to serve as a safe community haven for our youth!

I also suggested that residents should volunteer for 1-2 hours at this safe havens to create an atmosphere of serving. We have to start viewing our community as a village/ecosystem where we function as one...I think a block by block plan that will mandate a duty day for each block is another simple yet sound solution. 

As the Green Regional Leader for National Block Club University (NBCU), I see firsthand that our communities could be safer if we serve on our own blocks first. We all LIVE ON A BLOCK, we just need to get to know and respect our NEIGHBORS, even the ones who are considered an outcast from society!! 

I think we can at least start in 60621 with the block by block plan then move forward to other zipcodes!! That's the way we function at NBCU....Will you serve for your block's duty day??  I am asking for the REAL RESIDENTS OF ENGLEWOOD TO STAND UP & SET AN EXAMPLE!!

Ok, let me calm down...On Wednesday I attended a productive Asset Based Community Development workshop. This meeting was for residents only and discussed how we can begin viewing our community and its residents as assets. So many people see the needs of Englewood and overlook the endless opportunities here...When I say Englewood can be the new Brooklyn, I mean we can function as a borough, where everything we want is within our community. Like Brooklyn, Englewood could be enriched with cultural events and gatherings. Like Brooklyn residents, we will rep it in all we do and be proud of where we live!

I am seeing this vision steadily becoming so clear...All we need to make this a reality is to have the REAL Englewood residents STAND UP, become engage and believe that Englewood encompasses culture, peace, and great number of gifted people throughout this community! We just need to STAND UP & BE SEEN!!

There is a lot happening here that is never reported, which is why I blog!  I will continue to spread the GOODNESS here...Speaking of which....

I am so proud to report that Docs & Dialogue is moving speed ahead for the Fall/Winter with our next event scheduled for October 2nd at P.E.A.C.E. Center from 2pm-4:30pm...The film/topic will talk about the Rise and Fall of the Black Woman...Is the attack on the Black Woman the root to the problems in our community??? I am certain that this topic is bound to spark some great dialogue...Register here!

Come out & support this grass root project lead & created by residents of Englewood!! Look like a few of us did STAND UP!!

Hope to see you there!

Season are Changing...Why aren't we???

So as the seasons changed literally in one weekend from Summer to the Fall Season, one of my favorites actually! However, I hate to report that the news coverage of violence did not change...

We are only in the 1st week of "regular" school and it has already been reported that a young student at Bowen was shot and killed.  This story really hit home as the father was someone my husband knew personally when he lived here in Englewood.

As stated in the tribune,"An Englewood native, Jackson, 45, said he has done volunteer work with the anti violence group CeaseFire Illinois and was involved with at least one other group geared toward helping youths."  He like myself was a advocate for PEACE and still could not avoid this devastating outcome.

It seems to me that more folks are really becoming fed up and finally ready to TAKE ACTION!  It seems like every time I look around there is an event taking place with the "Stop the Violence" theme...I just don't understand with so many campaigns, marches, rallies, why things are not changing similar to our seasons?? 

Well, I am no expert but I strongly feel whatever you focus your attention on becomes your reality.  Sadly, everyone seems fixated on the violence, which is only inviting to become your reality.

I INVITE PEACE & THEREFORE THIS BECOMES MY REALITY!!  I WILL CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE, WELCOME, CREATE, & BE THE PEACE I WANT IN MY REALITY!!

Case in point, in the midst of an area where people dare to drive through, there some senstational fun events happening in Englewood too! The Black Ensemble Theater is here at KKC from September 10th-26th....This is a perfect for the family, I am definitely trying to check this out! 

Also, as I envision Englewood become the "New Brooklyn of Chicago", on September 25th we will have "Hollywood in Englewood!!"

Imagine Englewood If...will host Englewood youth models while they "hit the runway" on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at the 3rd annual youth fundraiser of 'Imagine Englewood if . . .!'

The theme is "Hollywood in Englewood. . . Where Stars Walk," and the young models will showcase the designs of Chi-Vas White, Englewood native and creator of ONELLW Athletic Clothing. They will also receive certificates of recognition for their contribution to the event’s success. Come out and support our youth and Imagine Englewood If...

PLACE: True Vine Missionary Church (Lower Level)

ADDRESS: 6720 S. Stewart Ave., Chicago, IL 60621

TIME: 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

DONATION: $10

There has been joy, peace, and love happening all over the community that is simply under reported!! Like today, September 12th there is a peace rally taking place at 3pm...I am heading out soon! If you read this today here is the link: Englewood Peace Rally

I have never been a big "rallier" if that's a word but I am always willing to connect with others who want to help save our communities! Speaking of folks ready to save our communities, the sisters of the Deborahs are always hard at work.  From press conferences, to in house visit to victims of violence, marches, etc., the Deborahs are an ACTION driven movement!  Tomorrow, September 13, 2010, the Deborahs we will be in support of one of our Deborah Stister who will testify for the Anti Violence Commission taking place at KKC 6301 S. Halsted from 4pm-9pm. 

This is a very important hearing because the goverment is calling on the community!  WE NEED TO STAND UP WHILE FOLKS ARE LISTENING!!!

“Violence is a community problem, and it needs a community solution,” Governor Quinn said. “The members of the Illinois Anti-Violence Commission will help us improve Illinois’ existing anti-violence programs and find new, workable solutions to save lives and rebuild neighborhoods.”

Read more here:  http://www2.illinois.gov/antiviolence/Pages/default.aspx

I know I am tired of talking about this problem and ready to work on some solutions!! Lets work collectively implementing some tangible solutions!!

Well that's all for now...I have a busy week ahead of me!

As always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the LIFE YOU truly DESIRE!!

Celebration of Peace & Life in Englewood!!

Wow, last week was such a fun-filled Saturday in Englewood!! There was plenty of cultural & peaceful events happening  however, we received no media coverage??? 

Now as soon as we rally, march & stomp after a violent crime occurs in Englewood, we can't keep the media away....but I guess the celebration of PEACE is not considered newsworthy...oh well it is to me, so I will report it!!

I started off the day at Hamilton Park Cultural at 513 W. 72nd Street at the Family Fun Fest.  This was a jam packed event that entailed a live tap dance performance from the South Chicago Hoofers Club a senior tap dance group...amazing right! Then it there was a dynamic drum dialogue drumming workshop with extraordinaire, Zahra Baker.  The day proceeded with community conversations around health, art, and more!

Then, I was able to host another Docs & Dialogue during the event.  We did a encore showing of the "must see" shockumentary: "A War For Your Soul." As I have proudly blogged about before, the “Docs & Dialogue” series is a grass root project created by myself and several other residents of the Englewood community.  See, people always forget that 30% of Englewood are working/middle class residents who are able to relate to all classes of people and many of us are the ones working together to make a greater impact in our community.

 

We was ready to TAKE ACTION because, many of the safe spaces in the community are closed on Saturday, so we decided to create this monthly series that showcase documentaries that entail some shock value. Each of the “shockumentaries” viewed at the past events focused on culture, hip hop, entertainment, community, history and then is followed up with a candid dialogue amongst the attendees.

The series was designed for the youth; however, the community as a whole as fully embraced this powerful project! I am loving every minute of it and is honored to that we are being asked to take Docs & Dialogue to other neighborhood!! What a feeling!!

Hats off to Cordell & Donte Payne, Keith Harris, Simone Yancy, Corrinn Cobb, Antoine & Samaiya Butler who have assisted in making this project such a success!! Stay tuned for So Fresh Saturday/Docs & Dialogue appreciation party soon!!

If you still think Englewood lacks culture well you are sadly mistaken!! Another great event last Saturday, was at Culture Connection located 400 W. 71st. Street (71st & Stewart, a few block west of the Dan Ryan), the only cultural retail store in Englewood. The store celebrated their 1 year anniversary. The vibe was chilled, great music, vendors and networking....What a great feeling to celebrate peace enjoy the whole day in my neighborhood!!

Last night I attended the last committee meeting for the Englewood Back to School Parade 50th Anniversary taking place tomorrow at 11am!! It was great to observe and listen to all the support and hardwork that goes in to make this a peaceful & fun community event! I am excited to assist with these efforts and network with others who are really serious about adding value to our community!! Stop by Odgen Park located at 64th & Racine if you can anytime from 10am-4pm!!

Watch the parade from 55th & Halsted until it ends in Ogden Park with a celebration!! Again, a celebration of peace & support for the students going back to school!! Oh how I love being a part of a united front to make a change in our communities...We have to be the GAME CHANGERS!!

Well until next time, TAKE ACTION to create the life you truly desire!!