An Englewood Enterprise...What a Concept!!

Wow, I can't believe I let September slip away without posting an entry...I'm slipping! But honestly, after returning from Ghana it has taken me a while to adjust and I've been doing a lot of reflecting on all the work I've started within my community....

Being pull out for a few weeks from all the meetings, boards, councils, my job, etc....Really gave me the opportunity to renew my perspective and see things in a different light...Of course things were still waiting for me upon my return, but then it hit me! I am truly a LEADER!  I have taken on leadership roles in many of the activities I am involved in, so much so that my feedback, suggestions, and ideas are typically an intricate part of the work. So you probably definitely see that reflections are in order!

I also begin thinking about being in such high demand....Now, I have said a few months ago about building and managing an enterprise...It definitely felt that way once I got back into the swing of things. I don't want to stop at just being a entrepreneur of one business...I want to manage several businesses and projects...I want to operate as a true Enterprise & live my life knowing that there are limitless opportunities! So as I throw around this word Enterprise, wanted to share the definition from the dictionary.

Definition of Enterprise

1: a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky

2: readiness to engage in daring or difficult action : initiative showed great enterprise in dealing with the crisis

3a: a unit of economic organization or activity; especially: a business organization

b: a systematic purposeful activity (agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people)

I found the definition so on point with what I view some of the endeavors I am a part of...I am already engaging in daring and difficult action trying to force CHANGE in Englewood....This is a project that is definitely complicated...Which reminds me of the Norfolk Southern Railroad expansion....Basically, Norfolk has bought over 200 properties in Englewood for a intermodal rail yard and is now looking to buy out the other residents....Talk about complicated!! Link here to read more about this story...I will also update you more about this situation as time moves on...

Ok, back to Enterprise...I also have the desire to see a unit of economic organization/activity within my neighborhood...This is what I wish to create...A viable enterprise working for a GREATER Englewood...It is actually already here but needs to be arranged under one umbrella....

Speaking of umbrellas, Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council, (EC3) for short...Recently hosted such a peaceful and fun event at Hamilton Park...It was the Englewood Arts Festival with the theme, "What does Peace Look Like in Englewood?" It was a bright sunny day, with art, music, and even the Fresh Moves bus stop by and sold fresh produce to the attendees....

I was able to grab these beautiful Peace Umbrellas courtesy of Wentworth Elementary and display these wonderful umbrellas around the entrance of the beautiful Hamilton Park...It was truly a peaceful day fill with art, right in a disseminated area of Englewood. Hamilton Park is a work of art itself but it definitely needs to be utilize more by the residents of Englewood.

See the photos below courtesy of Toni J Photography

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

Photos Courtesy of Tonika "Toni" Johnson

There has also been some exciting news around education, since school started back Sept. 6th. Debates about longer school days, CPS administration changes and the Greater Englewood Community Action Council (CAC) presented our strategic plan to the entire Chief Executive Office of CPS...What a experience!

A room with 40 executives listening to the Englewood CAC leadership team goals for the schools in our neighborhood...That was a powerful feeling to articulate our needs, demands and plans to this group and to know after 10 months of long meetings, retreats and forums, we have a finished product that can help shape the educational foundation of Greater Englewood.  I know that this work is not in vain and the passion I have keeps me moving right along....

As long as I am involved in projects that are fulfilling, it will never get old.....I understand the concept of "burn out" but with the drive I have to see an enterprise develop that will help transform the blueprint of Englewood...I am ready for any challenge that comes my way, so please understand...I am just getting started! Want to keep up with me? Follow me on twitter at mrs_englewood or catch me on facebook!

Stay tuned & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the LIFE you truly desire!!

From Englewood to Ghana....

I am back in the states and slowly but surely trying to digest all I've seen and experienced during my trip in Ghana....Everyone advised me to journal and blog while I was there but being in the midst of such a GRAND experience, I must admit it was difficult for me to do....As I rode through the streets of Kumasi, Elmina, Cape Coast and Accra...My mind just wandered throughout this magical journey...I did take time on one of the "road trips" headed to Accra to journal and here were a few of my thoughts on August 5th...

My travel mates

I arrived from Ghana on Thursday, July 28th with 9 other hopefuls ready to embrace, enjoy and provide service in this very important destination. The trip was organized by one of my mentors, John Z. of the Depaul Egan Center...

We both serve as members of the Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council (ECCPC) a cultural council based in Englewood...He typically goes about once or twice a year and has established great relationships with many of the people here.  He also serves as a community organizer for Abira, one of the villages who needed some assistant with establishing a stable economy....Sounds a lot like Englewood right??

John Z.

Many people have asked the question, why do you want to go to Africa? Which I found so strange to ask why do I want to go back home? For the African-Americans who have been brainwashed, let me clarify something....Africa is our home not America...So the question should be to all African-Americans...Why don't you want to go home??

Me at the Slave Dungeon of Elimina

Well, I had various reasons why I wanted to go home....First off, I wanted to see exactly where many of our people came from. I was curious to see what was our culture before it was stripped away? How did we live and survive before we were "americanized"? Is there connection between us and our brothers and sisters who were left behind? I was also curious because I know our current state in America seems unnatural and many of us are filled with so much hostility and pain. Well, being in this peaceful place I had all of my curiosities and questions answered...The spirit of the people in Ghana has not been fully touched by the ills of American culture...Yes there are some things they emulate from us, however, their spiritually make-up is much different....Everyone I greeted smile with such a genuine love and there was always a sense of peace in the atmosphere that I have never felt before. So being black and poor does not equal a violent and hostile environment huh? Everywhere we went, the natives welcomed us with grace to this holy land where our ancestors were snatched away a few hundred years ago....

The Chief and Council Men of Abira

The respect, culture, traditions, dialect and just the perspective are things I would never forget about this experience....It really shed light on the European culture we were force to adapt in America, our over consumption attitude and behavior, our sense of urgency for no reason, our obsession with money and material things, our lack of spirituality but commitment to religions are many of the unnatural moral fibers of our existence here....

Now, can I ever live in Ghana? Perhaps, Maybe...if planned out correctly...Its a much simpler life with a slower pace and everything is done with a element of patience...Even the words the people speak, are very literal and gentle with the best intentions behind each word...Here, something as small as eating is viewed as a very important time to share and gather with one another, this sense of community/village is real and there is an underlying system that works, unfortunately this is lacking in the black communities here in the states...

The Fish Market in Elimina

There were very little places to get "fast food"....There were no signs of a McD's, Popeyes's or even a Walmart...Everyone is their own little enterprise, which is something I admired the most...Very few people work for "the man" and almost everyone have their own businesses!

Can you imagine if everyone around you were an entrepreneur? Now how great will that be if everyone in your circle had their own business!  Just think about how far the black dollar will stretch if this was the case in our communities....I am definitely working towards having a circle of folks around me who are the architects of their own enterprises, that way building an empire will come easily!!

Anyway I understand what people say about a life changing experience...Seeing the culture firsthand has really made me appreciate so many small things we take for granted in the US, like hot water, towels, toilets that flush, running water, stoves, refrigerators, TVs, Internet, t-shirts, body lotions, nail polish, close toe shoes, electricity, paved roads, etc....These are just a few items that are seen as a commodity or luxury here in some parts of Ghana, while we in the US see this as our standards.

This has definitely been an eye opening journey for me, especially as I witnessed the work ethic of small children who work so diligently just for drinking or bath water.  Damn our children are privileged and don't even recognize it...Even the youth from my village of Englewood...Folks can write story after story about the abandoned buildings, vacant lots, or low performing schools, however we do not even come close to what the people here has to endure and they still are gracious. 

Male Slave Dungeon in Elimina, Ghana

Elementary School in the Abira Village of Ghana

Abira School Classroom

As we visited the schools here, we learned that the teachers have not been paid in months, however, they continue to educate these students.  Can you imagine our teachers not getting paid for months?? I think CTU would go crazy if this was the case....Teacher's here go on strike when there are no increases in pay, so I am sure if they didn't get paid in the states our children would suffer greatly!  Again, what are our values?

We complain about little things and these students have no computer labs, lockers, or just a freshly painted wall....I don't even think our toughest students will be willing to learn in this environment and I am sure our savvy youth would probably protest against these conditions like they did about the food at CPS.

The lovable Mary a student at Abira

A day of service...Painting the Junior School of Abira

One thing is certain our value system is very different in America! We value money over family, cars over friends, clothes over a piece of mind, a pastor over true spirituality...To be in a place where poverty is obvious and folks still live peacefully, proves to me that is not about being upper or lower class or how much money one has to be happy or fulfilled, it really all depends on what you value and love...

I learned so much through this journey and it has made me reflect on my values and the ones I am instilling in my daughter.  I am proud to say that we could happily live in Ghana as well as Englewood, because we do value family, peace, love and understanding like many of my brothers and sisters here....So although I am 5000 miles away from my other home, I am at ease knowing that I have the same sense of PEACE within regardless of what environment I am in...It is simply about the values you hold dear to your heart that truly makes your environment and being in Ghana really showed me what's truly important in life...I love every bit of my experience and cannot wait to return!!

So, until next time, BE PEACE & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

Hello from Ghana!!!

Just wanted to send another thank you for all the words of encouragement and donations received before my to trip to Ghana, Africa!!

By the time you receive this post, I am probably settling in at One Africa a beautiful wellness resort here in Ghana!! On Tuesday, we will visit the Abira Primary School and assist them with any work they need to help build this educational institute for their village.

I just wanted to personally thank all the RAGE members who contributed to Abira school project before my departure, your donation is greatly appreciated!! I am taking a lot of pictures and cannot wait to share them with you all!!

Again, thank you for all you do and I look forward to seeing you upon my return! I am ever so happy to make my dream a reality...So as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

The Real World of Englewood - The Reality Show!!

Let me first apologize to the followers of this blog...I have not abandon you! Its been since May since my last post which in my book is unacceptable! Honestly, since the launch of RAGE, concluding the 2nd cycle of Media-N-Motion, and all the other stuff I have on my plate...My time to stop, reflect, then write has been limited...But today, I was determined when I got up, made me some tea, grab my laptop, and headed to the porch to listen to the birds chirmping, and embracing the peaceful calm air! I am now ready to write....
Don't get me wrong, although I have not written about Englewood, there has been an awful lot said and reported about my beloved neighborhood...So much so, I think it may be time to enlist MTV or Bravo and get our own reality show!! 

It could be the "Real World of Englewood" or "Made in Englewood"...You get my drift...That way you would see the whole side of Englewood from the people who live here vs. outsider who come do a story then head back to Highland Park or some other burbs...I think a reality show will be perfect because I don't think people would believe some of the things I witness here...The Good, the Bad or the Ugly! 

For example, there was a horrible article about Englewood that of course made the front page of the Tribune a few weeks ago...I think the subtitle of the article read, "Housing crisis was final nail in the coffin of once-promising recovery"....This article sent another ray of hopelessness amongst residents who live here....What's ironic about this piece is the fact that RAGE met these reporters and gave them a wide range of stories filled with POSITIVITY...During their "research" of the neighborhood the reporters attended one of RAGE Economic Development meetings....

There they met a lawyer/real estate developer who grew up in Englewood, moved out but decided to bring his practice back to the neighborhood...He owns several properties in the neighborhood and even organized a "clean the block" campaign whereas the business owners on the block contributed garbage cans to several locations on Racine from Garfield to about 57th street..This would have been a great story to share or even an episode in the new reality show! But we all know the media, they whether focus on the NEGATIVE, the vacant buildings, crime, etc. Which is why I choose to capture the Beauty of Greater Englewood....Like this garden located on 55th & Marshfield...

Beautiful garden at 55th & Marshfield courtesy of A. Butler

Photo Courtesy of Tribune

Another great story that the Tribune failed to capture is the story about the Kusanya Cafe...One of RAGE members have been working on this project for a few years now and is closer than ever to cutting that ribbon to launch the grand opening!  Residents are backing this project because we would love a gathering space in a neighborhood that has no cafe outside of a Dunkin Donuts...Following this story could be another great episode for the "Real World of Englewood" reality show...Or at least a mention in the Tribune...Good thing it was mention in Streetwise earlir this year.

Then there's the other RAGE member who owns the Perry Mansion Cultural Center at 7042 S. Perry...One of the only privately owned cultural centers in our neighborhood...If you have not already seen this beautiful site you should definitely drive by and see it...There is art, culture and true residents and stakeholders with a love of PEACE that rarely is talked about...

Perry Mansion Cultural Center Courtesy of A. Butler

There is pure beauty here in Englewood that no one writes about, but that will soon change as RAGE members become our very own community reporters that will focus on the arts, peace and positivity!!

Speaking of which....Make sure you SAVE THE DATE - September 10th for the Englewood Arts Festival at Hamilton Park Cultural Center located 513 W. 72nd St....

We are calling all artists to be a part of this GRAND event!! For more info, contact the Planning Coordinator at 773.924.3505.

Now, in the world of RAGE, things are still progressing very smoothly!  We recently had a fun Father's Day Celebration in one of the vacant parking lots here in Englewood...We fed the community, provided music and had just a fun-filled time for anyone who came around 74th & Racine...

Because we had such a successful event, we decided that RAGE will do a "Takin it to Da Streets" event every month this summer...Our next "Takin it to the Streets" event will be July 23rd at the West Englewood Library...Also, if you are interested in hearing about our other projects and initiatives join our monthly meeting Tuesday, July 19th at the 7th District Community Room 1438 W. 63rd St.

RAGE Father's Day Event Courtesy of Rashanah Baldwin

Here are a few of things RAGE is involved in throughout the community...

• RAGE members are team teaching a youth web/writing summer program for After School Matters
• Taught a writing class for youth at Safety Network and publish a newsletter
• Participated in the 100 Black Positive Men program at Wentworth Elementary School
• Serves on the Black Star Community PTA, whom recently met with Jean Claude Brizard, CEO of CPS to discuss tactics for parental engagement
• Serves on the Englewood Community Action Council of CPS to develop a strategic educational plan for the neighborhood
• Presented to 25 young black males of the Adler/Teamwork African American Male Initiative summer program
• Partnered with Black Wall Street to support a youth summer program that are developing young leaders how to be community activists
• Assisted with the Online Townhall Meeting at KKC with Mayor Rahm Emanuel
• Serves as advisory council member of the Englewood Neighborhood Recovery Initiative
• Serve as partners with the Englewood Back to School Parade scheduled for August 27th
• Donated funds to assist in the development of a primary school in Ghana, Africa
• Working on a comprehensive plan for economic stability in Greater Englewood

These are only a few of the accomplishments or projects that RAGE is associated with....The uniqueness of RAGE is the fact that this is an association of professional residents and stakeholders who are committed to the reinvestment of our neighborhood...We are also working together to FORCE CHANGE in a neighborhood often targeted as a hopeless dumping ground...

Some people say what's does RAGE really do??  Well, we as you can see we do a lot...You just need to keep up with us and get involved...If you are a resident who wants to get involved call us anytime at 866-845-1032!!

Honestly, RAGE could be its own reality show...Real World of RAGE!  However, with so many Non-For-Profits agenices robbing the community, churches who do not give back, businesses who $$ leave our community in less than hour, various projects and campaigns from outsiders who are trying to capitalize will make for a hliarious, yet interesting show...One thing for sure is that there is so much to cover besides foreclosed homes and vacant lots...All we need is a camera crew, a cast and then you will see the REAL WORLD IN ENGLEWOOD IN ACTION! 

Stay tuned, because I may just need to produce this product...You never know what the future will bring...right??

I think that's all I will discuss for now...As many of you know I will be off to Ghana, July 27th so please keep me in your prayers and wish me safe travels! I will be gone for about 14 days...So my next post will probably be all about my wonderful experience...Stay tuned & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire...That is exactly how I am living and loving every bit of it...PEACE!!

Kusanya Cafe, Hip Hop Sundays, TIF Districts & More!!

Hello again....Its Mrs. Englewood and I am back with some more GREAT stories to report! Wow, there are so many stories that I am at the point that I may have to recruit some more "Englewood Bloggers" to cover all the GREATNESS that lies within our neighborhood...Again, I ask, where are the news reporters when you need them?? Well, Timeout Chicago recently did a story on Englewood, titled, "Can Englewood Be Saved?"  This was a good article, but again there can be more coverage that highlights the GREATNESS here!! 

Is it me or do every expression of peace, culture and GREATNESS warrant a story, blog post, linked on Englewood portal, or in a local paper...For us to only hear about the shootings or violence is such a one-sided angle of the neighborhood...There is much more happening that folks refuse to report on, which makes other think we are living in a war zone...NOT!!

Courtesy of Chicago Breaking News

I can walk down the street now and see folks I have met or interacted with in some capacity and I love that!  Now I know that 2nd grader from Kershaw on Lowe, the officers from 7th District, those faithful gardeners who are determine to beautify the vacant lots, or the students from Media-N-Motion....Wow its finally starting to feel like a real neighborhood...Especially when you can say you know your neighbors on your own block and in the surrounding areas.  What a great feeling to be in the midst of ENGLEWOOD'S GREATNESS!!

Wentworth Elementary School 6950 S. Sangamon

I know you probably read this blog and think this chic is soooooo obsessed with her neighborhood and just too damn optimistic for me...Maybe so, but to be honest I am more obsessed in painting a new picture on this blank slate that lies within Greater Englewood...For example finding enriched ideas, programs, and/or cultures buried away in the pockets of Englewood, keeps me motivated to create and report about this new environment. Please believe there is much to be told and many of the small projects or intiatives I am mentioning will lead to a bigger picture...A thriving, revitalized community that was transform with residents at the forefront....

A smaller yet GRAND project is the Kusanya Cafe, tentatively slated to be born (open) in Englewood before the end of the year...I mentioned the Kusanya Cafe in a post last year when I attended the Spring Benefit...I am so excited to now be on the board and I am ready to kick things up a notch!!

As a newly appointed board member, I want to get the neighborhood excited about having a cafe opened in a community that only has a Dunkin Donuts as a cafe/meeting spot...This will soon change and with your support you can help keep it here! 

Link here to learn more or become a fan on the Kusanya Cafe Facebook Page!!  We are in the process of hosting a "Summer Benefit" so stay tuned for more info coming soon!! You may also view the video that outlines the vision of the Kusanya Cafe...Enjoy and get ready for the grand opening coming soon!

Potential Site for Kusanya Cafe - 69th & Green

So again, I am encouraged to meet people with these beautiful visions for the neighborhood...Another example that I had the opportunity to witness is "Hip Hop Sundays" at Canaan Community Church with Pastor Jay Brooks located at 1701 W. Garfield Blvd., right off 55th & Paulina in West Englewood.

Hip Hop Sunday at Canaan Community Church

This young and vibrant pastor who is a few years shy of 40 has the energy and vision for GREATNESS for the Englewood Community, alot like myself!  Check out this youtube snippet of the service on Sunday!

His fresh and innovative approach is exactly what we need in our neighborhood...Many of the residents complain about the 200+ churches in our area who has very little to do with the community so it was quite refreshing to hear that the pastor live in the community and is open 7 days a week for community programs! That is the model all the churches should follow...When you are able visits Canaan Community Church website to learn more about the vision and direction of the church! 

Hip Hop Sundays at Canaan Community Church

I know, I know...its just too much GREATNESS happening around Englewood....Right?!?  Speaking of which, RAGE is steadily progressing and just finished up our 1st Quarterly Meeting with all six alderman that serve the Greater Englewood area...The topic for this meeting was Englewood TIF districts and I must say the meeting was quite productive!! We learned how TIF funds can be use to help improve our neighborhoods, schools, and enhance economic development.  RAGE will continue to be at the forefront of the newly approved 67th & Wentworth TIF and will push for public participation for any of the existing TIFs in our area...There was a lot covered that informed residents on the ins and outs of TIF districts...Check out our website www.RAGEnglewood.org for more updates...

Courtesy of Hurley Green of Bulletin Newspaper

I think that's all for now...I hope you enjoyed this post and is also starting to see the TRUE GREATNESS of our NEIGHBORHOOD, which reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Dr. Wayne Dyer.."If you change the way you look at things the things you look at CHANGE"....

Peace, Love & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Englewood~

Courtesy of Hurley Green of Bulletin Newspaper

Englewood 2020, Ghana, & More!

Yes another precious month has flown by and again so much has happened.  I really need to start writing/blogging a little more frequently again because each day that passes; there is so much GREATNESS to report.  


Let me start by saying that being involved in so many projects in Englewood, have been such a great learning experience!  I am really learning what my true purpose is in life and what I may need to let go in order to fully live out my purpose!  One thing is certain is my commitment to my community...To see it transform ad flourish to a lively neighborhood, maybe even a "destination" neighborhood like a Wicker Park or Hyde Park is a dream for me...Yes I dream big real big because I am learning that the universe will grant you what ever you place your focus upon...Speaking of which...Last year I wrote on my vision board how I would love to visit Africa before my birthday in 2011...Next thing I knew, I was talking to someone who I work closely with on the Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council, who goes quite frequently and was told about an upcoming trip to Ghana in July!  What did I do...TOOK ACTION TO MAKE MY VISION A REALITY!!  Now I will be trekking to Ghana this year and assisting with the development of a new Pre-K being built...What a humbling and JOYFUL journey ahead of me...Stay tuned for more details!

Courtesy of http://www.modernghana.com/

Another vision that became a reality was Media-N-Motion (MNM), I literally thought this thought last year while planning the So Fresh Saturdays series.  I had no idea how this would happen or when it would be become a reality, but that's how the universe works...You fire off a few "rockets of desire" and watch those things come right into play...I may sound like a "law of attraction" promoter but I am seeing this law work with my own eyes...MNM is going strong with a great new group of young, smart and energetic people that truly brightens up my Wednesdays and Saturdays!!

Tonika Toni Johnson with Media-N-Motion Students

We did a field trip today to Columbia College and I just sat back and watch the magic unfold as the students wrote songs, made their own beats, and laugh with other young people from different walks of life....Here is a quick video of the students practicing some interviewing techniques...Too adorable! 



In that same vain, I have been busy as a bee with my beloved association, RAGE!! Outside of focusing on youth development and education we are also focused on the economic development of Greater Englewood....After the Real Talk with RAGE session, the work group that form was serious about breaking ground with new commercial space and finding ways to stimulate the Englewood economy and to create more jobs. 

Real Talk with RAGE 3.31.11

We all know this will not happen over night, so we are working on a Englewood 2020 plan...We are pulling existing plans off the shelf and looking over a few new ones...All in all we moving in the right direction to revitalized our neighborhood & looking for more like-minded indviduals to join the fun! Speaking of which, RAGE is hosting a Fish Fry, May 6th at the Caribbean Lounge, 958 W. 69th Street.  So if you interested in joining or just meeting the members of RAGE you are welcome to join us! I think I will end on that note & of course with the favorite saying...As always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

Peace!





Courtesy of CMAP 2040