The Other Truth about Englewood...The Stuff You Won't Get in the News!!!

Happy Memorial Day All!!

I am back and ready to share!! In the last couple of months, I have been given the opportunity to provide another TRUTH about Englewood, using various means of communication...As you all know I experience that other TRUTH quite often through the work I do here...But lately others are very interested in hearing and reporting that other TRUTH, which is exactly why I created this blog....My agenda has never changed...I enjoy too many positive, impactful experiences in Englewood, that I can't hold back...Some may even say...This "Mrs. Englewood" is always talking about this damn neighborhood....Yep and they right...I have a HEALTHY obsession with transforming my community for the better....



Photo courtesy of Cyrus Dowlatshahi

I want the other TRUTH about Englewood to become the topic of conversation instead of the Jennifer Hudson trial or the crime that occurs...That is such an one dimensional view of what's happening here..So you may be asking what is this other TRUTH that I speak about...Well, it's the energy of the great people who live here, their spirits, drive, and commitment to live this other TRUTH that I am referring to...

For example on April 21st, I was able to see this other TRUTH from over 100 volunteers who participated in Greater Englewood Unity Day, which was outgrowth of the city's Clean and Green Day.  We started as early as 7:30am then ended the cleaning with a celebration at 2pm. Students from Wentworth, Urban Prep and other Englewood schools were amongst the volunteers who cleaned that day...Greater Englewood Unity Day came out of a January summit hosted by the Adler School of Psychology and Illinois Sen. Mattie Hunter, at which Englewood community organizations came together to discuss and examine a solutions-based action plan to strengthen the struggling community’s economic development, improve education opportunities and lower crime. This alliance is in the formation stages and will focus on the beautification of our neighborhood....Check out these photos and the short video about unity day....What a fun-filled day of pride and service in Englewood!!!

http://youtu.be/ToCzsxGLv-U





Folks can say what they want about my association RAGE but no one can deny our commitment to transform Englewood for the better....With community clean-ups, student clubs and our support for other organizations who are truly trying to make a difference...we will continue to be the CHANGE AGENTS of ENGLEWOOD....Some of these groups we've connected with include the PEACE Center, Imagine Englewood IF, National Block Club University, and many more....Over these last few weeks we have had the opportunity to attend some phenomenal spoken word events, youth forums and even a comedy jam at PEACE Center.....

PEACE Center Comedy Jam - 6455 S. Peoria photo courtesy of Cyrus Dowlatshahi 



Chief of Staff of 6th Ward, Brian Sleet, myself and Jimi Orange Director of Community Prevention Services
at Imagine Englewood If, Youth Forum

PEACE Center Comedy Jam - 6455 S. Peoria

How fun was that??? A comedy show, blocks away from my home....I love it!! Now the reality is, even with so many great groups or organizations out here, we can never reach the demand of offering cultural activities for our youth or the adults for that matter...So to have frequent and multiple events throughout Englewood is what I love and support because this will make the greatest impact....

Myself with a legendary poet and activist at Peace Center, Evelyn Johnson

In RAGE world

We are sad but also excited to wrapped up our student club at DS Wentworth Elementary and let me tell you, this has been such a rewarding experience!! Our student club members experienced so much in such a short amount of time and with our own FUNDING....Our Education/Youth workgroup was able to developed and host the "Fade to Black" History Program for the entire school and their families. We assist the students in creating and performing their own song during the Black History program.

Aquea Wynn of Chicago Commons facilitated a great presentation on bullying and RAGE members conducted a workshop on public speaking and video interviewing techniques.

Over 23 students from DS Wentworth attended Raw Voices, an interactive event at Columbia College where they were able to create audio and video PSAs, some made their own beats, youtube, blog and songs!

You can actually listen to a sample of their songs here: http://soundcloud.com/infernostudiocpd/sets/raw-voices-2012-at-columbia/

Our club members were given an opportunity to be leaders and create their own expectations for the club, evaluate their school and community. These students actively participated in Greater Englewood Unity Day where they cleaned and connect with others students and residents in Englewood. Now you can't tell me this isn't progress! See photos above....

Check out the video below of our students learning video interviewing techniques....Gotta love them!

http://youtu.be/DA4eQoanuRQ

As a side note, I honestly feel all Chicagoans should take a keen interest in transforming ENGLEWOOD especially our mayor, if he can transform Englewood, that would be one of his toughest yet GREATEST contributions to this city....

Be prepare to hear more about how you...yes you can help transform Englewood with the launch of "INVEST IN ENGLEWOOD"...The newly created Greater Englewood CDC will be launching this campaign this summer which will give EVERYONE an opportunity to INVEST IN ENGLEWOOD....This can mean investing your time, sharing your gifts, mentoring a child, volunteering at an organization, or pulling some funds together to revitalize ENGLEWOOD....So I hope you will support this effort and find how you can be a part of this other TRUTH!!

So yes I love telling these stories to all who will listen...I was fortunate enough to be featured as a keynote speaker on May 11th to tell an audience of students, faculty, youth and community groups about RAGE and our accomplisments at the Irwin Steans Center of Depaul University, recently presented to a senior class at Team Englewood, who may be launching the "Englewood Needs an Alderman Office Campaign" soon... I was also featured in the Chicago Citizens newspaper with the title...."I AM ENGLEWOOD", had a fun time filming with the infamous reporter Marc Sims....Who is hardly afraid to speak the truth about the ills in our community...You can check out the footage here: http://youtu.be/P4hemyus91Y

I think I will stop writing for now....But the ACTION will continue on....We have to see the other TRUTH, another perspective, a different angle of this GREAT neighborhood and I will continue to be a catalyst that will expose this other TRUTH...So as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life, community, or block you truly desire!!!

Ay-sha Butler aka Mrs. Englewood~

Property of Englewood - Only the Strong Survives!

Now don't think I forgot about my precious blog and the folks who actually read it....There are so many initiatives, efforts, collaborations, projects, etc., happening in my beloved neighborhood, I don't know if I am going or coming sometimes...February and March has been filled with great things to report, but when you are in the thick of the action, its hard to stop and write it all up...I may have to start doing a few videos to report quickly about the good things happening in Englewood.....

As I shared in my previous post, there is such a focus on Englewood and just some great momentum around transforming the community to truly make it a Greater Englewood...Ok where do I want to start???

These past few weeks have been occupied with powerful energy, great people, idea exchanges, productive conversations filled with laughter and it’s all wrapped around HOPE & TRANSFORMATION!! Being able to think out the box to explore all these possibilities is invigorating! Since its been a while, since my last post, let me categorize all the progress that is being made...

On the Education Front

Latesha Dickerson and myself at the
Englewood Parent Empowerment Summit in January

Even with all the changes happening at CPS, the Englewood Community Action Council is still in tact and mobilizing resources and people  to help steer with the Educational Strategic Plan into ACTION...Which you all know is where I get super excited...I love the action part! We have hosted over 20 parent workshops all throughout Englewood and recently hosted a beautiful breakfast meeting catered by the students of Harper Culinary program! Oh yes Harper has a full kitchen and cafe with young chefs holding it down!! What a great experience spearheaded by my fearless co-leader Tesha Dickerson...We are oh so ready to implement many of the goals set forth in this plan so stay tuned to more great news happening this year! Here is a video where I am talking more about the work of the Englewood CAC on Ald. Pat Dowell show...


R.A.G.E News!
R.A.G.E. is moving and shaking as always and learning we are a FORCE to be reckoned with....We've been busy connecting with new residents, recruiting more members, building relationships with various elected officials, at the forefront of the Green Healthy Neighborhood Project and much more!

Photo Courtesy of LISC

R.A.G.E. Student Club Performing at
Wentworth Elementary Fade the Black History Program in February

One our youngest student club member

R.A.G.E. Student Club Members

One of our successes this year was the launch of our student club at Wentworth Elementary....This has been a great experience connecting and partnering with this school...Our goal with these students is to produce junior R.A.G.E. members who will exemplify leadership, team-building and strong character skills. These students are witty, creative and just a joy to work with...and yes R.A.G.E. makes this happens with our own resources...We even had the opportunity to plan and host Wentworth's "Fade to Black History" program which featured a Revolutionary fashion show, spoken word, and a dynamic performance from the student club, see photo above!! I am loving every bit of this experience and can't wait until Track E vacation is over so we can start back with more fun-filled activities!!

Englewood was also fortunate to have the street where Wentworth is located (69th & Sangamon) named after the comedian and Englewood native, Bernie Mac...What a proud day to be Englewoodian....If that's even a word...LOL!

Photo courtesy of Ernest Sanders GAGDC
from the Englewood Portal

Greater Englewood CDC
Another success which was an outgrowth from R.A.G.E. Economic Development Work group is the newly created Greater Englewood CDC....This CDC will be the catalyst for economic development...I know what you are thinking...Another organization?? Yes and I am proud to be one of the founding members...Through this process I am learning and understanding so much more about community development, land use, housing, economic strategies, workforce development, etc...Now things are really starting to cook! Stay tuned for more!!

In other Englewood News
There seems to a be a lot of talk of collaboration, alliances, coalitions or just a more strategic attempt in general to connect with one another with the goal to transform Englewood for the better...Which is a good thing, I just hope its not driven by funders or other hidden agendas...Many of these initiatives are focused on the elements of violence  and safety in the neighborhood...Now, don't get me wrong, I hear the stories and know that violence is definitely a hot topic in the news these days...It's sensationalized, sparks fear and will always spark an RE-ACTION from people...Folks are just getting fed up and frankly tired of trying to do this work alone in silos...This includes the Mayor's Office, Social Agencies, Churches, police, schools, residents, etc...

Then to couple that with the national news of Trayvon Martin and a recent shooting of an Rekia Boyd...Folks are on edge and have R.A.G.E. for real!! But honestly, the revolution I am seeing is more of a virtual revolution...Social Media sites are the main platforms for expression, photos, campaigns, petitions, etc...Now, its not that I do not have an opinion about these unfortunate events, but I just can't be consumed in it...The injustices will make me angry and a sense of hopelessness will soon follow...So I choose to focus on the things that EMPOWER me, CHALLENGES me to be better and ENLIGHTENS me...These things keep my spirits high, soul smiling and motivated to reach new heights!  We must be careful of the things we let consume our hearts and minds!

So to conclude, I will like to share a few upcoming Englewood events happening in the next few days...

Green Healthy Neighborhood Recap Session - Saturday, March 31st - 9am-12pm
University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration 969 E. 60th St.
This meeting will be in collaboration with the 3rd Annual Woodlawn Summit, where CMAP will host a break out session on the current status of the GHN Plan.


Englewood Town Hall Meeting - Saturday, March 31st - 11am-2pm
Imagine Englewood If - 730 W. 69th St.
Youth, community leaders, pastors, state and local officials, as well as residents are urged to create an Action Plan to combat neighborhood violence.

Englewood Community Action Council - Thursday, April 5th - 6pm-8pm
Location: TBD
Open to all Englewood Parents, Community Leaders, Educators or Students who is concerned about the education & schools in the community. Email contact Brenda Bell at 773-553-1538 or bjbell1@cps.k12.il.us

You can also check out R.A.G.E. calendar for upcoming events here: www.ragenglewood.org/events

I thinks that's all I have for now, hope you enjoyed reading the post! Until next time, stay encouraged because we must continue to BUILD then BUILD AGAIN in order to TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life we truly desire.....

Englewood - "The Corporation"

Here we go again....Of course my beloved neighborhood is the headline of so many newspapers, blogs, youtube videos and as quiet as kept even with all the negative publicity our neighborhood is one of the biggest corporations in the city.  

You know the area as a crime infested, poverty stricken war zone….Well I call this place home and even as the headlines hit the news I am still keeping my head up high with the vision of transforming this place for the better…Of course I cannot do this alone and I am not even going to try to attempt that…But I can keep letting my voice be heard in order to tell another story….

Over the last six months Englewood has probably been mentioned over 100 times in the news…We recently had a horrible shooting 1 block from my house at Church’s chicken, Englewood was recently labeled as one of the most dangerous areas in the city who had an increase in murders….while the rest of the city murder rates decreased….Ok that doesn't add up to me but let's keep moving

Courtesy of Aysha Butler at Church's Chicken

What kills me about all these reports is the fact that soooooo many people are eating and making a living simply off of our degradation.  The stats show we have the highest unemployment rates, but there are over 100,000 people working for "Englewood-The Corporation"…So I ask....Who works for this Corporation?  The Pastors, Social Agencies, Non-For-Profits, the Police??  It damn sure isn’t the residents or our youth…Just read the stats....

If the youth and residents are not employed, why would folks expect them to care about valuing our community or life for that matter? None of these Employees of Englewood - "The Corporation" who are getting paid the big bucks value it, so why would the people/customers of this corporation care??

Although we are viewed as one of the most violent areas of the city, our neighborhood is safe enough for 300 churches, over 100 agencies, additional charter schools, and even a city college…Our schools are failing but there are over 500 Non-for-profits “servicing” our students and families??? Come on now....This is NOT adding up! Now the mayor wants to bring 100 new cops on board to "Englewood-The Corporation"…Which everyone knows this will only increase the arrest rates of young people and pissed off the criminals even more…It will truly be a war zone if these rookie cops are not strategic and come around harassing these fools who can careless about being locked up or dead…

When will this corporation failed like Enron? When would public and private investors folks start pulling out there "stocks" in the corporation and really invest in the people who are truly working for CHANGE?  Our neighborhood imperfections has  become the key money makers that feed many of the families of Beverly, Auburn Gresham, Oak Lawn, River Forest, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park and whole bunch of others…

We are only a month into 2012 and already we have had proposed schools actions, over 5 people killed, a ward remap war (see above), some paid protestors running around town, and a new commander who quietly slipped in at the 7^th district.  So yes things are messy....

Courtesy of Chicago Tribune 7th District Commander Leo Schmitz

However, in the midst of this mess, the Englewood Community Action Council (which I C0-Chair with resident/educator Tesha Dickerson) hosted an emotional yet inspiring story circle with the teachers, students and parents of Stagg elementary school which was graciously facilitated by Naomi Davis, we hosted an Englewood Education Empowerment Summit for parents...

Englewood Education Empowerment Summit

Englewood Education Empowerment Summit

I facilitated a Docs & Dialogue session showcasing "A War For Your Soul" with Sister’s Peak an all-girl mentor group at D.S. Wentworth Elementary School that includes mentors such as Robin Robinson and other prominent women....

RAGE hosted our public meeting to brainstorm and discuss a resident driven neighborhood safety plan, I recently served as a panelist with Senator Mattie Hunter and other stakeholders to discuss an action plan to also address the issues in Englewood and attended a host of other uplifting events.  These are the types of things that keep me moving and keep my head held high…Not this nonsense corporate B.S....

R.A.G.E Members Alieon Brooks, President Aysha Butler and Michael Johnson
Photo Courtesy of WBEZ - Chicago Public Radio

Our association R.A.G.E. continues to work hard for positive change, regardless of what happens here....So when I hear folks trying to critic the work of R.A.G.E, I just laughed because we are not paid or hired by "Englewood-The Corporation" and do not have to justify any of our efforts to anyone...We had a fabulous year in 2011 and is diligently working to get more residents involved in our movement....I am asking all my readers and blog followers, to not let the news reports think that Peace, Harmony, Cooperation, and Love is absent from Englewood....because it's not....

R.A.G.E Holiday Party

R.A.G.E Holiday Party

R.A.G.E Holiday Party

R.A.G.E Holiday Party

Black Star Community PTA
Say it Loud I Read and I'm Proud

Black Star Community PTA
Say it Loud I Read and I'm Proud

Black Star Community PTA
Say it Loud I Read and I'm Proud

Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council
Englewood Arts Festival

Wentworth Elementary School

Englewood Education Empowerment Summit

Englewood Education Empowerment Summit

Englewood Education Empowerment Summit

Unfortunately these stories are not as sensational or sexy as a murder on one of the blocks, but I am here to tell you PEACE is PRESENT! You will definitely hear more GREAT things from R.A.G.E., the Englewood Community Action Council, Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council, the Kusanya Cafe, collaborations and alliances with the other resident groups in the various wards and much much more....Just wait and see....I promise you more of these stories from Englewood will be heard loud & clear! Stay on the lookout & as always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!!