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!
I wish I could be home to support you. How can I support from afar?
ReplyDeleteThanks Valencia, I will let you know how you can be of assistance from afar...thanks for offering!
ReplyDeleteHave you been paying attention to the 17th WARD RUN OFF ELECTION and how Latasha Thomas is paying the drug dealers and gang bangers to try and sabotage David Moore. It's sad how so many walk around the area see what's happening in our community and know Latasha Thomas give our ward crums and they don't want to speak up. For 11 years this alderman has been a puppet for Daley. She smiles when he say and do all of what he says. She took the secret money and is paying people to try and sabotage Mr. Moore. It's sad when you hear the dope dealers saying how they can't wait til the summer because they working for her to secure their spot in the summer time.
ReplyDeleteWhat does this do for our children and elderly? What does this say about her? Sure she's like Daley when things go good in Chicago he knows all about it. And when trouble comes he don't know nothing, haven't seen or heard nothing. When do we stop selling our souls for a Dollar. Daley didn't step down because he's tired of being mayor. Daley was under investigation and given a choice of being exposed for his corruption or step down and our new mayor was being groomed to take his place which means he needs some puppets to do certain things.
There are so many sneaky underhanded things going on now since it's a RUN OFF ELECTION by Latasha Thomas people it's sad to think for 11 years she bought people And maybe some police.
17th ward wake up!!!! Look around even a blind man can the corruption. She may not be out in front throwing the stone but she pays and know who is and when!
We are not in prison but she wants us to feel like we are. 11 years look at our ward this is pitiful and just think if the guys hanging out laughing and talking now about what they are doing for her. What do you think this summer will be like for you, your family, friends that may stop by.
COME ON 17th WARD ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE ENDORSING HER DON'T GIVE A DAME ABOUT HER OR OUR COMMUNITY THEY NEED HER TO CONTINUE TO BE THEIR PUPPET AND CONTINUE TO GIVE US CRUMBS/LEFT OVERS.
WE DISERVE BETTER SO VOTE FOR CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!
NO MORE SAYING OH IT'S OK, NO NO NO IT'S NOT OK.
IT'S NOT OK WHEN THEY DO A POLL OF OUR 3rd GRADERS TO SEE HOW MANY MORE JAILS THEY NEED TO BUILD. IT'S NOT OK WHEN THEY LOCK OUR BLACK MEN UP AND BLACK WOMEN MUST GET STRESSED OUT TRYING TO CARE FOR THE FAMILY AND WORK WITH LITTLE MONEY!!!. OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE WE WILL NOT STAY YOUNG FOR EVER.
LATASHA HUSBAND IS OUT OF WORK RIGHT NOW SO OF COURSE HE'S GOING TO DO ALL HE CAN SEE THAT THAT MONEY KEEPS COMING IN BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.