Where did June go...

Again, being virtually up-to-date (i.e., blogging, tweets, facebook updates, emails, etc.) while working in the village can be a challenge.  It is almost near the end of June and this is my first post for the month!  What a whirlwind...

I started this blog because I wanted to shed some light on the aspiring elements of Englewood that is so rarely publicized or reported!  I would love to see residents proud and loving Englewood with the same passion the residents from Brooklyn(in my NY voice) consistently represent about their community/village.

Over the last few weeks, I have heard so many news stories about the violence in Englewood...which by the way is happening all over Chicago, however the Englewood community is constantly reported..I wonder why???

Anyay, I continue to press on...only to discover talented and inspirational residents block by block. The news have painted Englewood as a death trap which I refused to accept as my reality!  In doing so, I have found a great deal of genuine, hard working, residents who to wants to make a difference in this community.

These photos are an example of the peaceful activities & celebrations that occur on a daily basis. Last Saturday, on June 12th we hosted the 10th Annual Block by Block Graduation Celebration in our backyard which was sponsored by the National Block Club University and our Village 2107.  Phil Jackson of the Black Star Project captured here with a graduate from Robeson High School.

We had graduates from 8th Grade and High School who all were humbly honored that we saluted them for their great work and achievement. The young man below is a graduate from 8th Grade headed to Urban Prep.

These type of stories will never be reported to the public which is why, regardless of how busy I become, I will continue to maintain my virtual outlets in order to truly highlight small victories and success stories! 

Link here for more youtube footage captured by Sy Smith of NBCU (check out the young juggler and rap artist) here>>>http://www.youtube.com/user/chgogovernor21

I do not deny that there is a problem with violence in Chicago, however, I think its refreshing to highlight peaceful activities as well.  What ultimately is more important is an united front organized to reach strategic solutions, I think the Deborah Movement and many others are working towards this goal.  (See previous posts for info on the Deborah Movement.)

In the meantime, here are a few other PEACEFUL upcoming Englewood events:

Friday, June 18th

Safety Net Works Awards Dinner at the P.E.A.C.E. Center 6455 S. Peoria Ave. (Invite Only)

Saturday, June 19th

Samuel B. Rawls II Presents "Think About It" Anti-Violence Campaign March & Mock Funeral Service. FREE Concert for those who participate in the march. Hosted by: DJ Phantom, DJ Clent, DJ Lil John and DJ Broadway Street. (FREE & OPEN TO ALL)

The 7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration at the Englewood Mennonite Church 832 West 68th Street from 11am-6pm!! June 19th is the Independence Day of African Slaves (in America)-Food, music, games and more....(FREE & OPEN TO ALL)

Sunday, June 2oth

Real Men Cook @ 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., Kennedy-King College 6301 S. Halsted. Purchase Tickets online at www.realmencookchicago.com  (OPEN TO ALL)

As you can see, it is another fun-filled weekend in the heart of the city, a.k.a new Brooklyn of Chicago, better known as Englewood and I love it!!

SAVE THE DATE>>>>>>>>So FRESH Saturdays presents "Docs & Dialogue"- June 26th @P.E.A.C.E. Center 6455 S. Peoria - We are interested in knowing if today's youth are aware of the Willie Lynch Letter? 

Join us and find out!! For more info click here: http://sofreshsaturdays.vpweb.com/


Until next time, be the PEACE that you want for your community!!