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!!

Is Summer Over for Englewood??

Well, the summer is quickly coming to an end and for most of the students here in Englewood summer ends this weekend! Over 20 schools in the Englewood community have been cast as Track E (All year round schools) and start Monday, August 9th.

This may be viewed as a good or bad thing...Bad because its more time these students are subjected to a flaw system...Good because this means less kids off the street...All in all there are a few great events and activities for kids in the neighborhood to do, but the issue is getting the word out to the blocks!

For example when I am promoting for Docs & Dialogue, I make sure I hit the streets! This is when the real dialogue happens and you hear the concerns and interests of the residents.

Speaking of which Docs & Dialogue was another cultural phenomenal held July 24 at Culture Connection! Culture Connection is a hidden cultural treasure here in Englewood that is a black owned business! I was in awe that the youth who attended Docs was expose to the art, poster, clothing that are all culturally bound!

Just another experience in Englewood that was enriched with culture and networking with socially conscious folks...I love it!!

In the last weeks, Englewood welcomed thousands of students to clean up the vacant lots for national service day.

July 30, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- College students are teaming up with local leaders to help bring a positive change to Englewood.

The students, who are from all across the country, are taking part in a service program called "Lots of Change." They spent the day cleaning vacant lots. After they finished, students took part in a rally at Sherman Park.

Mayor Daley was also there to discuss efforts to attract residents, resolve community problems... And to also express his gratitude to the two-thousand volunteers.

"I just want to thank you for the inspiration. Now, it's up to this community to be inspired. They see you come in here, and you volunteer. And now it's up to all the residents in this community to keep this park clean," said Mayor Daley.

Friday was a service day for the volunteers who are part of the International Campus Ministry Conference.The event was a response to President Obama's national call to service.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7585026

In other news, Terina Crenshaw-Hodges founder of Stay Environmentally Focus'd recently held a Community Solution Forum which focus on combating violence collectively with other organizations. This is actually what is a need a collaborative forum with folks working collectively....

Way to go Terina, she also spearheaded the "New Heritage Station Community Garden" site...link here for more info click the link or the preview the video:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/wgntv-new-englewood-garden-july14,0,5039767.story?track=rss-topicgallery

Here are a few more feel GOOD family fun events happening in Englewood during the month of August:

• August 7th-9am-5pm-Unity Olympics at Ogden Park 65th & Racine
• August 21st-10am-4pm-2nd Annual Family Fun Festival @Hamilton Park Cultural Center 513 W. 72nd St.
• August 21st-2:30pm-4pm-Docs & Dialogue @Hamilton Park Cultural Center 513 W. 72nd St.
• August 21st-6pm-Midnight-Customer Appreciation Party @Culture Connection 400 W. 71st (71st & Stewart)
• August 28th-10am-3pm-Back to School Parade starting at 55th & Halsted ending at Ogden Park

Wow...what a fun filled summer and these are only a few of the events happening!! Stay tuned for more updates...As always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

How valuable is the life of a young black youth???

In the last few weeks, Englewood has been all over the news which is nothing new, but its some of these stories came to close to home. We all heard the story about the cop who was gundown with his own gun at 61st & Racine, this story receive huge media coverage. (Photo below)

I am not shock as this is a huge story however, I find it shocking that when a young black male is killed it may be a quick account then its on to the next newsworthy event.

Do we not value our youth's life to the point we treat their deaths as roadkill or are we desensitized to the point that its the norm?

Well I am starting to feel that way, after hearing about a 16 year old boy from my block was recently gun down. There was brief coverage then the story fell to the waste side like many of stories of youth shootings.

This was a sad case where one brother rob someone and the victim came back with the vengeance and didn't care who in the family he got...he was determine to kill someone. I found out later from the streets that the young male was robbed for only about $350...is this what a young black male life is valued at?

I typically use this blog to highlight feel good stories, but this was just too close to home to not talk about. RIP "Ant Ant" your life is highly valued to me and to your love ones you left behind...

The Deborah Movement Presses On!!!

So as I spoke about before the Deborah Movement which was created under the umbrella of the Black Star Project is moving full speed ahead!! The Black Star Project is well known in our community for mentoring, tutoring, advocacy of education, the black family and other issues that plagued our community.

The Deborahs is a spiritually driven, woman based movement that has gained national and international attention. The movement is growing to the point that there are chapters on the north, south, west, & south suburbs. A Deborah Movement recently developed a chapter in Gary, IN as well as New Jersey who have already started their own chapter. So there is much progress & great energy amongst the women in this movement and it is a honor to be a part of such an active movement!

Well now we are ready to developed a solid operational plan and what better why to start the discussion then to invite a legend from the Black Panther Party. Wanda Ross the Chief Developer of the Breakfast program of the panthers graced our presence June 30th at the offices of Black Star and I must say the wisdom and direction she shared was exactly what the Deborah Movement needed to hear! Pointed out that "saving the world" is a lifetime commitment and in order to make a real change in our communities we must be in it for the long haul! Other advice that hit home is listening to the wisdom of our elders, one the short falls of the panthers was that many were young & dismissed the advice our elders or labeled them as too slow...This was a wake up call for me! Not that I don't listen to my elders but in this day & age us Generation X'ers feel it our time make a difference & later for the baby boomers.

After this discussion, I welcome our baby boomers with open hands especially as we developed our operational plan! Ms. Wanda Ross & other activist Ms. Helen Sinclair gave the Deborahs a since of hope to keep moving, as they both are 60 or older and still fighting the fight for justice & power for our people. So far with the many projects I am juggling I can say that this journey is truly a well worth "training" that will be vital as I progress in life.

Link here to a recent interview with fellows Deborahs by Marc Sims: http://www.youtube.com/user/VPChicago#p/u/8/oUAKTCfgUkY

The Deborah Movement Is in Action

Actions of the Deborah Movement

1) Friday, July 9, 2010 - Join the Deborahs with Father Michael Pfleger and the Faith Community of Saint Sabina on the corner of 7900 south and Cottage Grove (800 east), one of the most violent corners in Chicago, for "An Evening of Prayer" at 7:00 pm. Deborahs should arrive at 6:45 pm. Deborah Cynthia Flowers serving.

2) Saturday, July 10, 2010 - Join the Deborahs at Operation PUSH with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., for a national back-to-school pep/prep rally at 950 East 50th Street in Chicago, Illinois at 9:45 am. Deborah Sister Afrika Porter serving.

3) Saturday, July 10, 2010 - Join The Deborah Movement as they usher for Professor Michelle Alexander and her book The New Jim Crow at Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church at 3330 South King Drive, Chicago Illinois at 3:30 pm. Twenty-five (25) Deborahs will usher this event. This event is open to all Deborahs, to all women and all people. Deborahs Barbara Sanders and Ladell Johnson are serving.

4) Saturday, July 10, 2010 - Join South Suburban Deborahs at a funeral for Pierre Walker, a resident of the south suburb, who died in a swimming accident, at his funeral service, 10:00 am, St. Bethel M.B. Church, 1303 Fifth Avenue, Chicago, Heights, Illinois 60411. Funds are needed to bury Mr. Walker. Deborah Doris Williams serving.

5) Midnight, Sunday Night, July 11, 2010 - Join The Deborah Movement as they walk a midnight prayer patrol through one of the most violent districts in America. On Wedneday of this week, a police officer was killed two blocks from this patrol route. We need at least 6 Deborahs to walk from 59th and Woods to 59th and Halsted. We will meet at about 11:45 pm on Sunday night, July 11, 2010 at 59th and Woods to begin this midnight march. Deborah Shirley Hill is serving. Please call Dorothy at 773.285.9600 for more information.

6) Saturday, July 17, 2010 - Join the Deborahs for a "Peace and Victory March" beginning at Troy (3133 west) and Lawrence (4800 north) in Chicago, Illinois at 12:30 pm, to bring about awareness of youth violence, to put an end to the silence in the community and to find the killers of Lazarus Jones. There is a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the killers. Please call 312-742-4410 or Armitage Baptist Church at 773-384-HOPE with information. Deborah Pamela Hester-Jones and the North Side Deborahs are serving.

You should have a Deborah Movement in your community and in your city! Call 773.285.9600 to begin the process of organizing a Deborah Movement in your city.

Its time for a MOVEMENT!!!

I received several emails and heard many of the news reports publicizing the violence in  and the overall death rates in Chicago. I believe last weekend it was reported that over 54 people were shot.  As I work & partner with many groups and organizations it pains us all to hear about our children dying but we keep pressing on.

One of my goals and even my recent status on FB was to stop wasting time trying to STOP VIOLENCE we can use our time to CREATE PEACE!! If we continue to focus on the shootings, the murders, and the violence overall we will continue to get violence! Anything you focus or give attention to can easily become a reality. So I continue to focus on PEACE, LOVE, EDUCATION, HAPPINESS, etc...which is becoming the reality of my world and others who interact with me.

This is the reason I am in awe with the So Fresh Saturday Project. These youth driven events are captures the essence of PEACE, EDUCATION, ART while embracing & teaching our youth! I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to CREATE PEACE then to host a event at the PEACE Center. The PEACE Center is a safe haven in Englewood located at the 6455 S. Peoria. The people who run the center are dedicated to providing our youth a "safe space" in the root of a crime ridden community. I was honor to host Docs & Dialogue here to showcase the Willie Lynch Letter & another powerful film, "A War for your Soul".

During this event we surprisingly had many young black males which was perfect for the topic. We open with a creative young poet LS (photo left) and dive right in a discussion lead by Social Justice professor of KKC, Fred Douglass Dixon (photo above) who wasted no time speaking about the social injustices that faced the our young black males which is directly related to our past experiences.

 

By the end of the second short film, our young leaders spoke one by one about how the film made them feel empowered and destined to break the Willie Lynch curse. Honestly, hearing these comments almost brought tears to my eyes! We always say if we can touch 1 or 2 of the kids who attend Docs & Dialogue we are content! I can proudly say this was accomplished!!

Our guests included several African American adult males who offer the young males their contact info in order to keep in touch as a mentor or just another point of contact if the boys needed it. One resident of Englewood is a well known filmmaker & producer (photo below) offer his services to any one who is interested in pursuing a career in the film industry. This is what I am talking about!!

Connecting resources, educating, dialogue that embraces critical thinking, creative expression and just an overall safe space is the true essence of So Fresh Saturdays...We are grateful for all who shared these great moments in creating a PEACE environment for our future leaders...










Our next Docs & Dialogue is July 24th, due to feedback from our youth we will showcase a documentary that exposing the music industry. What are all these symbols, signs, and references to demonic entities...Is this a trend or is there any truth to these conspiracies theory??? We will see....

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!!

Virtual communities vs. Real Life Communities

As I try to keep up with all these virtual communities such as facebook, twitter, and now this newly created blog, it appears when you are doing work in the real world its hard to keep up! So many things have happened since my last post and are continue to happen that I haven't had much time to post anything!

Well, to start Docs & Dialogue kick off event was fantastical if that's a word! We had over 70 attendees many which were ages 10-19 who viewed the doc Hip Hop Beyond Beats & Rhymes at the Perry Mansion Cultural Center. The space is gorgeous and I will soon post pics! The kids and adult were in awe with the film, dialogue, and spoken word artists, who were a group of teens from Team Englewood. Overall it was a success and another example of how Englewood could provide culture, art, and history in a safe space that residents & others can appreciate! We will be soon referred to as the Brooklyn of Chicago!! Where folks will proudly rep Englewood similar to the way so many rep BK!

On another note, the Deborah Movement is also pressing forward and expanding! We recently facilitated a leadership session at a elementary school, rallied for peace on Mother's Day, and took buses to Gary in support of the 5 year old boy killed by his parents. We had a productive meeting last night about bonded with sisters on the west side we will embrace them & share ideas how a westside chapter can be developed! Stay tune for future actions from the Deborah Movement!!

As I said earlier when you are doing REAL work in the communities virtual communities on hold! Luckily I have the opportunity to catch up, as I ride to Canada with my daughter and her classmates!!

I will post pics soon, to provide a better visual on these fulfilling experiences...