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


 

ReDefining, ReDistricting & ReDirecting!

The theme of this post speaks volumes to my recent activities this month. Hello April!  I think this blog is reaching a lot of individuals who are interested in learning more about my beloved neighborhood...Greater Englewood.  In the last month, I have been approached by students, reporters and of course residents seeking an authentic resource or an inside scoop on the opportunities that lie here.

 

Most would be bothered by this, however, I love it because I get to provide an enlightening perspective of my neighborhood with the hopes of REDEFINING the horrific image most people think of when they hear the name ENGLEWOOD.  This is my ultimate goal and personal mission....Which is what landed me in the trenches...From the PEACE Center on 64th & Peoria, to Hamilton Park off 72nd, West Englewood Library, just west off 63rd....I am a committed CHANGE AGENT, nice to meet you!  

From my viewpoint, my neighborhood is already being REDEFINED!! There is Art, Culture, Networking, Young Professionals, Organized Residents, Enriched History, Wisdom, Superb Location, Opportunity for Economic Development, Innovative Ideas, Emerging Leaders, etc. etc.....!

This is SOOOOOOOO media worthy and to shed light on the GREATNESS in the "Wood", is a story that HAS to be told over and over again! I appreciate the interest of ALL media outlets who want to hear my story...it is somewhat unique, refreshing and is filled with this optimistic air of HOPE & OPPORTUNITIES! Of course, I found pleasure in CREATING my own media outlets like this Blog, the Englewood Portal and of course the youth media program Media-N-Motion!!!

As I reflect on this last month, I too am REDEFINING who I am or what I am destined to become....I have been recognized as a Parent Leader, Englewood Activist, Advocate for Quality Education, Blogger, Grassroot Organizer, coined the name "Mrs. Englewood", Greater Englewood Expert (GEE), Facilitator/Moderator, Trainer, Educator, Social Entrepreneur, Tech savvy & Social Media Guru and much much more....!

We are changing perceptions one story at a time...So again, thank you, Bulletin, Windy City Citizen, Pan-TV, Marc Sims, Englewood Youth Times, Sixth Ward Blog, Black Wall Street, CROE, WCIU, WVON, WBEZ and others for allowing another story to be told about Greater Englewood! Link here for a recent interview on First Business



Courtesy of WCIU, First Business



Speaking of media, interviews, etc., I am ever so excited to report that the 2nd Cycle of Media-N-Motion is in motion set to start April 6, 2011!   We are proud report that we are partnering with Columbia Community Arts Partnership!!

We are seeking youth ages 11-16 who are interested in being a journalist/news reporter.  This FREE program will be at West Englewood Library on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm for the next 10 weeks!! This program serves as another vehicle of CHANGE! So spread the word to our young writers as we contribute to REDEFINING our neighborhood....LOVE IT!!  Working on this enjoyable project alongside of Toni J and Tesha Dickerson, has been even more rewarding, if you two read my blog know I love working with you! I look forward to us building an ENGLEWOOD ENTERPRISE together!   



Courtesy of Chicago Public Library

Ok now the not so sexy stuff, REDISTRICTING...So one of RAGE goals since its inception was to have a voice or input in this process....We did just that, at a public hearing with the Illinois Redistricting Committee. We prepared our map which outlined our boundaries of Greater Englewood and how we would prefer to be remapped as a neighborhood with only 2 House districts and 1 Senate. Our map is aligned with the boundaries outlined by the 7th District Police Station...


Courtesy of WBEZ, Illinois Redistricting Committee



Our next steps are reviewing the proposed maps by Legislative then following the trail down to the local levels with the wards...Ok, enough about redistricting, if you want to learn more join us for Real Talk with RAGE, Thursday, March 31st at Kelly Library 6151 S. Normal!! Just know, that RAGE are residents stepping up to assure our voice is heard!



With all this activity, I see it is also time for REDIRECTING!! I am REDIRECTING my energy, time, and expertise to programs/projects that are truly aligned with the betterment  of myself and of my community.  I refuse to move for just any project or issue...Honestly, it is far too many issues to even try to attack them all and if you haven't notice being strategic can save you a tremendous amount of time and energy...So yes I am REDIRECTING my focus on me, Making sure my physical, my spiritual, emotional, financial, and relationship are in tact...ALWAYS IN TACT...If any of these our not aligned properly, I will loose balance and the ability to do this work...You have to be BALANCED in this work...So, if you ever find yourself loosing balance just stop, breathe and REDIRECT your energy!!

I think that's all for now...I need to start my "work" day so I can finish it off with a learning session at "Real Talk with RAGE" today, 5:30pm at Kelly Library 6151 S. Normal Blvd.  Hope to see you there & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE to the life you truly desire!!

Small Victories = Greatest Impact!! Now Onward to March!!

Every once in awhile, you find your weeks flash by, your household in disarray, you are eating bad foods, not working out, and just spiraling out of control, until you stop and think to yourself why am I doing all this? Then something magical happens that reminds you how worthwhile the work you are doing really is....It also sneaks up and shows you small signs that you are actually making an impact...Well, welcome to my February!

Since the start of 2011, life has been rocking & rolling in a powerful direction!! With the start of R.A.G.E-Resident Association of Greater Englewood whom hosted 3 successful aldermanic candidate forums, the launch of Media-N-Motion and Docs & Dialogue expanding its been an awesome 1st quarter of 2011!

Some have even said the candidate forums slightly impacted the election on 2/22.  Who knows?? One thing for sure is 5 out of the 6 wards that serve our neighborhood have landed in the run-offs....Which means RAGE may need to go back to the lab and produce a couple more forums...Stay tuned!  Also, for a full recap of the Who's Running Summit check out the Englewood Portal here: http://www.englewoodportal.org/news/2082

Yes I say this on every blog entry, but I truly see EXTRAORDINARY things happening in Greater Englewood...I mean EMPIRE status operations that will assist in a true makeover/overhaul!!



Courtesy of Quality of Life Plan of Englewood





There will be urban gardens, fresh produce stores, FOR PROFITS businesses, banks, investors, developers, improved schools, additional community schools, art-based programs, job/resource centers, youth peace zones, cafes, dine-in restaurants, strip malls and more!!  I am seeing these changes happen in small doses now and it will continue to expand! There was a blueprint of this plan back in 2005 so there is no need to reinvent the wheel we just to need to push this plan forward....Small victories will make the greatest impact!!




Courtesy of Quality of Life Plan of Englewood

  
Another example of how small victories make the greatest impact started back in October/November when I met two remarkable residents Tonika "Toni" Johnson and Tesha "the Teacher" Dickerson. I wrote about these dynamic ladies in previous post when discussing the program we started, "Media-N-Motion" a youth media program.

 

We started Jan. 5th with 15 hopefuls and ended Feb. 26th with 10 dynamic youth reporters! This was another resident driven program that we are very proud of and is now anxious to move into cycle 2! During cycle 1 we linked up with Officer Wormely who manages the 7th District Youth Enrichment program, booked West Englewood Library and last Saturday we were awarding our Englewood Youth Reporters with certificates, colorful newsletter, Best Buy giftcards, & journals to encouraged them to continue to write!!

The newsletter titled, “Englewood Youth Times" (See Below) was a hit at Docs & Dialogue that this group of future leaders came up with the idea to sell the newsletters and they actually made $23.50 in profits!

Media-N-Motion Closing Ceremony/Docs & Dialogue at KKC

Again, to be a part of a process to assist our future leaders in thinking creatively and to help them make some money was just magical...I couldn't be more proud of them!! Well, Saturday was another So Fresh Saturday and after the awards, Greater Englewood got a sneak preview of the must see documentary “Louder Than A Bomb” before it airs on OWN presented by Docs & Dialogue. Community members, youth and all involved enjoyed this heartfelt story of teens competing in poetry slam...Another small victory that is making an impact...

I actually was asked on Saturday, when I am going to stop....And to answer that question, I am just getting started so stay tuned for more!!! Check out Media-N-Motion newsletter below....Remember small victories makes the greatest impact so be proud of each & every accomplisment & as always TAKE ACTION to Create the Life you Truly Desire!!

 





Smiling in the face of CHANGE!!

First off my energy have been at such high frequencies it’s been difficult to unwind/reflect to write a new blog entry, but I was determine to get one done before this fabulous month ended!! As mentioned in my previous post, 2011 is off to a great start so taking time to reflect is essential!



One thing for sure, I am utterly amazed by this driving force that gives me the strength to handle multiple projects that are directed towards a common goal…That common goal is Shifting Perceptions & Changing Stereotypes of the Greater Englewood neighborhood and the people who live there!!


As I continue on this path as a agent of CHANGE, I am noticing that folks get very uneasy about CHANGE even if it’s toward a positive direction! Crazy right?? Now, let me address a few things that are happening…In less than 2 months the energy and enthusiasm of RAGE (Resident Association of Greater Englewood) has been so electrifying that folks are feeling a little uncomfortable about our BOLD approach…Get out of your COMFORT ZONE & LIVE A LITTLE!!


Since I have been doing this work in Englewood, I have search for an organized group of residents speaking up about the condition of our community…I have yet to find that group, and maybe it is like this for a reason...Yes, there are few resident groups out here in the neighborhood but none with a such a POWERFUL FORCE like RAGE!!

RAGE hit the ground running with ACTION-ORIENTED individuals steering this effort and we will continue on this path…Of course we are already getting some push back from the community.  Folks trying to personally attack members, diss the name or the past summits we recently hosted...Why? Because this is a CHANGE that folks are not willing to accept.

Now, there are even a few folks focused on our name instead of the real work that need to be done! I heard the other day that someone said that the name RAGE reflects a violent undertone...Wow, professionals working together for the betterment of the community suggest violence??  For those who don't know, RAGE also means the latest craze or trend and it means a burning desire; a passion. So actually the name is perfect for us!!

As you see from my previous post, I believe we need SUPER POWERS to do this work because the energy of others can be straight kryptonite!! I am glad to say that the members of RAGE are DYNAMIC individuals with GREAT superpowers which make for a SUPER TEAM!!  Our passion to improve and change the perception of our neighborhood is way too GREAT to steer us away from our path…

Crowd shot of Part 2 of the Who's Running Summit 15th & 16th Ward

We have already hosted 2 successful sessions of the Who’s Running Summit which covered wards 3,6,20 then 15 & 16…Now we are on to the final summit for the 17th Ward…Did you think we were playing???

Demond & Antoine of RAGE

What we have found to be the most amazing part of hosting these candidate forums is the overwhelming appreciation of the residents…This is the bextfeeling for the members of RAGE and once all this election stuff is over, our real work will begin!

RAGE Disclaimer:


On behalf of RAGE we apologize for our aggressive & progessive movements...But we are sooooo tired of folks meeting, and talking then meeting so more without ACTION!! We will continue to be aggressive so if you can't handle it, I suggest you step aside because we are moving steadfast...


Now, if you are a resident who is really SERIOUS about making a positive impact on your community JOIN RAGE today!! You can email us at joinrage@gmail.com for more info...


If you want to follow us on Facebook, please link here

Attn: Greater Englewood residents of the 17th Ward!

The final session of the Who's Running-Part 3 - 17th Ward , Saturday, Feb. 12th at Englewood Mennonite Church, 832 W. 68th St...Come out and be heard, because you represent the largest ward of the neighborhood. Text RAGE to 59769 for more info!



RAGE Part 2 -Who's Running Summit 15th & 16th Ward

Ok, enough about RAGE, my commitment to our future leaders is just as important and extremely rewarding! These initiatives actually keeps me balanced because honestly, sometimes adults can just be so....Well you know...Anyway working with the students in Media-n-Motion, who serves as our very own Englewood youth reporters, will be telling the feel GOOD stories about the our neighborhood too.  Yes another catalyst for positive CHANGE!!
Last week these students interviewed Englewood native/rap artist Pugs Atom and DJ Kevin Maxey!  These students asked great questions, listened attentively and was very appreciative for this opportunity....I am truly surrounded by so much GREATNESS its sometimes hard to wrap my mind around it!!

Again this program was created, designed and implemented by residents of Greater Englewood, we met for the first time in October and by January we piloted this free youth media program...LOVE IT!!!

Media-N-Motion Students with Pugz Atom & DJ Kmax

In other youth news....Docs & Dialogue just wrapped up our 1st session for 2011, at Orr High School!  Yes we took this grassroot project to the west side and they embraced it too!! I thought I was going to cry when I say the buses appear...Children bused all the way to the West Side for Docs & Dialogue left me speechless!

Docs & Dialogue at Orr High School

Now everyone have their own definition of success and for me this was an example of what I define as SUCCESS!! I am humbly amazed by the impact this resident driven project has had on our young people and flattered to hear schools requesting their very own "Docs & Dialogue" session...Stay tuned for big things happening with D&D...

SAVE THE DATE,
Saturday, February, 26th,
Docs & Dialogue: Black History Month Edition at KKC

Well I think that's all I will report for now, stay tuned for more exciting news, tomorrow is Black History Month so onward to February & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!

Media-N-Motion & RAGE off to a GREAT start for 2011!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  I am excited to say this year is off to a GRAND start!! So far, during this New Year and New Decade, I am proud to say that I have identified many others around me that are truly focused on the interest of our youth in the Greater Englewood Neighborhood.  As you know, my hands are in a lot of things throughout the community because I am hopeful that eventually there will be a perceptual shift of how folks view Englewood…



Tonika "Toni" Johnson at Media-N-Motion



Case in point, back in October I met two phenomenal residents (Tonika "Toni" Johnson & LaTesha Dickerson) that were interested in partnering to create a youth media program. After a few meetings, (2 to be exact), we developed a program, secure a space and launched Media-N-Motion on January 5th.  Check out this snippet from the session:

This is a free 8-week program for youth 12-17, who will serve as our new Englewood Youth Reporters. These children will tell stories that don't make the news & shed light on the positive stories in our neighborhood, similar to what I do with this blog but more! Our first session was really magical and what truly is amazing about this program is that it was completely developed by residents of Greater Englewood…Who says Englewood is not filled with GREATNESS!!  Stay tuned to be inspired by the progress of this fantastic program.

Tonika "Toni" Johnson with Media-N-Motion Students



Media-N-Motion Students Checking out the Englewood Portal



Another example, of how these perceptions will be shifted is demonstrated in R.A.G.E. which is the newly formed Resident Association of Greater Englewood.  This group is already up & running strong!

We have only had about 1-2 meetings and we are already planning to host 3 summits that will focus on the aldermanic candidates of all six wards in Greater Englewood….The residents in R.A.G.E. are action oriented and didn’t waste any time taking on the tasks!!

I knew these resident leaders existed in my neighborhood but many of us was so occupied with community meetings or sitting on councils/committees that led to NO ACTION...After supporting the vision/mission of so many agencies us residents never took the time to develop our own mission…Well, our time has come!  R.A.G.E is a powerful force to reckon with and will be the catalyst to help shift the perception of Greater Englewood!!

Our upcoming “Who’s Running Summit” is coming along nicely! The majority of the candidates of the 3rd, 6th, and 20th wards have confirmed attendance and now we are working on the Part II & Part III…After the summits we will develop other info sessions about TIF, redistricting and educational issues...Its time for a real CHANGE, so later for all these meetings that do not end with action items....ITS WAY TOO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE...WE NEED AN ACTION PLAN FOR OUR NEIGHBORHOOD & RAGE WILL DEVELOP IT!!

So if you are resident of Greater Englewood or know a resident who is interested in joining RAGE please email us at joinrage@gmail.com for a membership application.

Lastly, Docs & Dialogue ended in 2010 celebrating Kwanzaa at Thurgood Marshall Library!  Our first session for 2011 will be January 29th, at Orr High School on the West Side in partnership with Charlene Davis of  Wisdom Lives Here showcasing the must see film a War for your Soul! The So Fresh Saturday Team is really looking forward to bringing this grassroot project from Englewood to the West Side!!





Docs & Dialogue Kwanzaa Edition

 

I already know 2011 is gonna be a year filled with RAGE, EXCITEMENT & JOY!!! I am seeing first hand that I am able to TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life I truly desire...So, until next time, I hope you also TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire, life is so much more fun when you live it that way...Again, Happy New Year!!

 SAVE THE DATE

Who's Running Summit

Part 1- Wards 3,6, & 20

January 15th

4pm-6pm

6400 S. Stewart

Part II - Wards 15 &16

January 27th

6pm-8pm

7th District

1438 W. 63rd St.

Part III-17 Ward

February 12th

4pm-6pm

Englewood Mennonite Church

832 W. 68th Street

R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood)

Wow, so many things are happening in Englewood, that I could barely keep up! In my last post, I wrote about having super powers to effectively manage my life and all my commitments within the community. Well as things steadily progress, I think these super powers will soon be put to the test!!

Here are some highlights from the last few weeks....

 

• The celebration of both my daughter and my birthday on Nov. 26 (yes she was born on my birthday & is one of the greatest gifts I could have asked for) I enjoyed a fun-filled 90's party in honor of my bornday! It was super fantastic to reminisce about that colorful era!

• For Thanksgiving, I helped coordinate a turkey giveaway for the "Vote To Eat" campaign with the Lupe Fiasco Foundation in conjunction with Che' Rhymefest - Beautiful experience and I must send a special thanks to Pastor Cross at Englewood United Methodist Church and "Doc" at Chop it Up Barbershop for opening their doors for this effort!!




My precious daughter and myself on our birthday...


• Englewood POWER!! Currently working with two extraordinary residents on youth media program (Media-N-Motion) set to launch on 1/5/11 at West Englewood Library
• Attended about 5 holiday parties-Who doesn't love a great holiday party??
• Screened Louder Than Bomb -This is a great documentary about young writers competing in a poetry slam...Its a must see and I hope to showcase this throughout Englewood using the Docs & Dialogue forum 

Courtesy Photo from Louder Than A Bomb

These are only a few of the things that went down these past weeks...As many of you know, I devote a lot of my time to "agency based" committees, task forces, councils etc. See post from November for specific details.

Like many residents who want to make a difference or have an impact in the community we find ways to join forces with others who are on that same page. However, the missing link I've discovered, is an Englewood council/committee made up of Residents ONLY.

Now I must admit there are a few such as the Southwest Block Club Federation, New Birth Block Club Coalition, Englewood Collaboration Council, etc., however, I have NOT seen the actions of a POWERFUL organized force of residents making some REAL noise here in the Englewood.  Don't get me wrong we are loud and we do make some noise but not in an organized manner....

Well, take my word for it that will soon change...As I continue to meet these "powerhouse" Englewood residents at many of these agencies table, I am thinking to myself we are the ones who need to unite to make a difference in our community!!

So in my traditional way of TAKING ACTION,  I made the first steps to start getting these residents to the table!! 

Wow, people are really sleep on the assets that live in the boundaries of Englewoood or are either too blinded by some of the challenges we face to see these extraordinary people from this area...

There are some dynamic residents who I personally refer to as the "Experts of Englewood" because everyone is equipped with their very own expertise!! There are folks willing and able to share their expertise to build a "GREATER" Englewood & don't you think its about time for the community at large to see us united?? Well, we are united in R.A.G.E!!

R.A.G.E. - Residents Association of Greater Englewood

As stakeholder, I see first hand how our community is constantly being taken advantage of....What's funny about the name R.A.G.E. is that we all have a some sense of RAGE about the current condition of our community.....

1. We should feel RAGE about how the TIF dollars are not being used for the betterment of our community!
2. We should feel RAGE about our current redistricting structures that keeps residents, businesses and political officials divided!
3. We should feel RAGE about being the last to know about anything happening in our community or at our very own community college!! 

Its time for residents to be heard and demand that the wards in Englewood begin to COLLABORATE or CONSOLIDATE in order to improve the conditions in the entire community!!

Here are a few Greater Englewood facts:

• Greater Englewood Boundaries consist of 55th North, 75th South, Dan Ryan, East, Hamilton , West and encompasses Englewood and West Englewood
• There are 6 aldermanic wards and not 1 aldermanic office located within the boundaries of Englewood
• Over 70, 000 residents live in these boundaries and 31% reside in owner-occupied homes
• There are 51, 938 registered voters in Greater Englewood and 118 precincts
• There are over 250 churches in the Greater Englewood community, which is ironic because we are often viewed one of the most violent communities in Chicago

So as you can see, the point of this post is to alert all who reads this that a change gone come for 2011!! Here are some questions you may want to consider....

Could we be more effective if there was a consolidation from 6 to 2 wards in the Greater Englewood Community?

Is a better solution the collaboration of all six wards working together to create an action plan?

Will it make a difference if at least one of the ward offices was located in the community of which it serves?

Shouldn't Englewood residents have a say in the redistricting process of our community?

Where is the sounding board of residents who have a say in how TIF dollars or other $$ will be spent in Englewood?

These are just a few questions from the members of R.A.G.E....So stay tuned for future developments!!

If you are a resident or if you know a resident who lives within the Englewood boundaries defined above...We are looking for reps from the 3rd, 6th, 15th, 16th, 17th, or 20th ward to join this powerful RESIDENT BASED movement!!

 Until next time, TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!