Englewood State of Mind vs. Englewood Victim Syndrome (EVS)

Since my last post, I have received tons of feedback both positive and negative about the things mentioned in the Englewood Manifesto: Volume 1.0, which is what I expected....That tells me that folks are actually reading my blog, which is greatly appreciated...This blog has been my virtual journal of my experiences as a driven, passionate, community strategist here in Englewood....For the most part each experience has been a lesson that's been added to my wisdom toolbox....

I may have went a little hard with the Manifesto, but it was only to remind people that when you live in a community like Englewood, there is a state a mind that comes with the territory ...Similar to the "Brooklyn State of Mind"...

RAGE Founding Member Dj Dap at NIU Teen Summit

The Englewood State of Mind is a complex state that sometime borders on a survival mode filled with resilience and pride in the midst of hopelessness and despair....This Englewood State of Mind is a unique trait of many of the people who live here....Now don't get this confused with the Englewood Victim Syndrome commonly known as EVS....If you live, work or go to school in Englewood, you have been a witness of this syndrome...I usually see the signs at community meetings, bus stops, gas stations, etc., when the "no one cares about Englewood" statements start to fly....As if there is a secret agenda to wage war specifically on Englewood as if we are targeted more than any other black community in urban cities...We are no different from what's happening in Austin, Washington Park, Detroit, Philly, etc.  

Cooking & Chilling at Hamilton Park

The Englewood State of Mind, is a state that involves awareness, strategies, humbleness, and a sense of pride so strong that we will defend any negative perceptions or stereotypes that come our way....That's the Englewood State of Mind...This is what many of the students who come from all over the world wants to understand and use as a case study for school....for any researcher or journalist who is fascinated by the unwavering faith that many of us of 60621 and 60636 possess....

As I continue this work, I hold this state of mind with great value, love and pride...So when I see others take advantage of the people who have caught the Englewood Victim Syndrome and capitalize from our ills, I get a bit testy...Case in Point, Englewood Manifesto Volume 1.0....

Below you will find evidence of the Englewood State of Mind....Enjoy!

Message Board on 63rd & Halsted

Englewood Education Summit 2.0

Resident Tesha Dickerson at Design to Engage Workshop

       RAGE members Pat & Lauren Designing to Engage

RAGE H.S.Intern at Design to Engage Workshop

RAGE member Sonya Harper gracing the Mayor with a RAGE "I AM ENGLEWOOD" band

       See Potential Project at Kusanya Cafe - 69th & Green

See Potential Project at Kusanya Cafe - 69th & Green

The Message Board to Englewood on 63rd & Halsted

Bucket Boy on 71st & Racine

Students from Urban Prep at Greater Englewood Unity Clean Up Day

Message Book from Englewood 

Messages from Englewood

Greater Englewood Unity Clean Up Day

Volunteer at Imagine Englewood IF

Greater Englewood Unity Clean Up Day

RAGE Young Professional Taskforce Chair - Michael Johnson

Design to Engage Workshop -Kelly Library

RAGE Member sporting the I AM ENGLEWOOD gear

RAGE Members Joyce Scott and Deborah Payne at NIU Teen Summit in Dekalb

RAGE Member Justeen Pelt and Myself at NIU

NIU Teen Summit

RAGE Member Sonya Harper at Design to Engage Workshop

RAGE Member Sonya Harper at Design to Engage Workshop

Design to Engage with the Institute of Design

Volunteer at National Block Club University

Design to Engage to Workshop

Design to Engage to Workshop

Design to Engage to Workshop