GWDYK 1-2026 WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE (1)

JANUARY 2026

ISSUE #1

G GL LE EN NW WO OO OD D D II D D Y YO OU U K KN NO OW W .. .. ..

D WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

1 www.glenwooddidyouknow.com

“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Click the blue link

Where Do We Go From Here - Aug. 16, 1967 At the February 6, 2024 village meeting, I shared that several surrounding cities and villages recognized and scheduled events celebrating Black History Month. I expressed disappointment that Glenwood, a village that is over 70% African American, did not have any events scheduled to recognize the contributions of residents to the town and society, therefore; I created this newsletter to highlight as many as possible in this and future issues as well as other community concerns.

- Deborah Birmingham, M.Ed., M.A

In 1967, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. posed the question, “Where Do We Go from Here?”

Nearly 60 years later, this question remains as relevant as ever. To truly honor the work and sacrifices of our parents, grandparents, and others who were part of the Civil Rights Movement, we must remain dedicated to the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and a brighter future for everyone—starting today.

Future generations will inherit the life and country that we either strive to provide or neglect to improve. Let’s commemorate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday by actively working towards a better tomorrow.

What is your life’s blueprint?

On Choice & Action "We still have a choice today: nonviolent coexistence or violent coannihilation. This may well be mankind's last chance to choose between chaos and community."

"Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal opposition to poverty, racism and militarism."

"I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth of time... We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."

On Poverty & Justice "There is nothing new about poverty. What is new, however, is that we now have the resources to get rid of it."

"Let us be dissatisfied until America will no longer have high blood pressure of creeds and an anemia of deeds."

"The agony of the poor impoverishes the rich; the betterment of the poor enriches the rich."

On Violence & Unrest "A riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it America has failed to hear? ...It has failed to hear that the promises of freedom and justice have not been met."

"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Click the blue link.

"Where Do We Go From Here?" (1967) - M. Smith

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PROJECT 2025 Click on blue links Project 2025 Policy What is Project 2025?

Project 2025 is a federal policy agenda and blueprint for a radical restructuring of the executive branch authored and published by former Trump administration officials in partnership with The Heritage Foundation, a longstanding conservative think tank that opposes abortion and reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, immigrants’ rights, and racial equity. Project 2025’s largest publication, “Mandate For Leadership,” is a 900-page manual for reorganizing the entire federal government agency by agency to serve a conservative agenda.

NEA News

How Project 2025 Would Devastate Public Education Stripping Support for the Most Vulnerable Students Since 1965, Title I has provided critical financial help to high-poverty schools and districts.

Project 2025 plans to eliminate Title I funding entirely. In its place, states will receive nostrings-attached block grants with zero regulations or oversight.

Under this plan, already tight education budgets will be further strained, undermining the academic outcomes of 2.8 million of the nation’s most vulnerable students.

According to The Civil Rights Leadership Conference Education Fund: Gutting Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws: Project 2025 proposes that the Departments of Education and Justice (ED and DOJ) should enforce civil rights laws only in the courts, eliminating important administrative tools to address discrimination. The overwhelming majority of complaints of discrimination in schools are handled through administrative enforcement by ED's Office for Civil Rights (resolution agreements). Without this process, fewer students would see schools and districts change their policies and processes to prevent further discrimination, and fewer schools would have examples of how to comply with the law.

Cutting Funding to Public Schools: Not only does Project 2025 propose a phase out in federal education funding, this roadmap to ruin also calls for the block granting of Title I and other federal programs so that funds can be diverted from marginalized children to their wealthier peers — meaning less support for children in concentrated poverty and exacerbated disparities based on family income, race, disability, and first language.

What Project 2025 Means for Black Communities: Education Equity

According to the AFSCME, Project 2025 Would Tear Down Our Country's Health Care System From eliminating the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to cutting Medicaid benefits, increasing Medicare Part D prescription drug prices and eliminating reproductive freedom nationwide, Donald Trump’s Project 2025 would have disastrous, deadly consequences on our country’s health care system.

The Trump agenda would also repeal part of the Inflation Reduction Act that allows the government to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to lower the costs of prescription drugs and improve access to lifesaving medication for seniors receiving Medicare. The price of insulin, which has decreased for everyone after it was capped at $35 per month for Medicare recipients, could very well surge again.

By repealing the ACA, Trump’s agenda would allow health insurance companies to once again deny coverage based on preexisting conditions. Such a move would leave tens of millions of people without health coverage. Just this year, 21.3 million people signed up for insurance just this year through the ACA marketplace.

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My Friends My Friends -- Thurgood Thurgood Marshall Marshall & & Rev. Rev. Dr. Dr. Martin Martin Luther Luther King, King, Jr. Jr. By: Jim Summers Resident Husband Father Grandfather Entrepreneur Educator Mentor & Boy Scout Historian Phi Beta Sigma Reprinted from Apr. ‘24 GWDYK

After my first year of college, I took a job, as a library page, with the United States Supreme Court that had quite an impact on me. I was going to school In the evening and working the court from 9 to 5; it was a good and decent job as a student. Library pages were college students. I was exposed to a lot of greatness among all the Supreme Court Justices. I would go to the offices every day to take, drop off, and pick up books. So very early in life, at 18 years old, I got to meet famous people who were knowledgeable, very well paid, and articulate. Thank goodness my grandfather raised all of his kids and his grandkids to be well spoken due to speaking and reciting poems in church. We learned early on to speak well. I moved very well in that circle. My friends, whose parents were typically laborers, didn't have that advantage. So I was fortunate enough to be able to do that job and do it well and met a lot of people.

That's where I met Thurgood Marshall, who at the time was an attorney for the NAACP. And down the road, he introduced me to Dr. King. Mr. Marshall would come into the library 2-3 times a week if he needed research for a case. He would come into the library where the lawyers would fill out a book request sheet and put it on a stack. I noticed that the librarians always made sure to keep his request from being attended to. He would never get his book request filled until everybody else got theirs filled. I would take a bunch of bookmarks and actually go through and put the pages he wanted to cite. Finally, one day I said, Mr. Marshall, I'm gonna tell you something, you can't tell anybody because they'll firing me.“ He asked, “what's that?” I said, “they take your request and make sure we never get to them.

I've been pulling your sheets out and getting your request done. So I just wanna ask, are they okay?” I always thought the librarians were doing it. I said, no, I figured it out. He said, man, this is great, but thanks for telling me. The only time I ever heard him curse, he said, “I knew those **** were up to something.“ Mr. Marshall started asking for me when he came into the library because my buddy and I were the only blacks in the library. He would call for me again before he left and ask how am I doing. I told him about my involvement in sit -ins, lunch counter sit -ins and how I'd been locked up and stuff. He gave me his card and told me to call him if I ever need him in the future. I told him I’m married now and have a kid. My sit-in days are over. So every time he'd come in, we'd chat about what I'm doing in school, I'd ask what cases he was working on, what was coming down the pike, and what could I expect to see in the newspapers about what he was doing. We came real close over the years that I worked there. One day, I got a call over the loudspeakers, I went to the front desk and was told my buddy was waiting for me. As I was walking to the table, I noticed he was standing there with another guy - a guy who was kind of short.

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Mr. Marshall said, “I want you to meet a friend of mine. You probably know him; this is Dr. Martin Luther King. I said, “Dr. King. I thought I recognized you, but I wasn't sure”. He said, “yeah, young man, don't worry, a lot of people would say the same.” We chatted about my, going to school and about civil rights issues Dr. King and Mr. Marshall were working on. We didn't have all these gadgets and laptops. So you could say, here's what I'm working on. So you see, you got to come with me to the library and I'll show you what I'm up to. And so he would come in, I probably met him in the library maybe half a dozen time over the five years that I worked there.

I got to know Dr. King. I was at the March in 1963, where he did his I Have a Dream speech. They fired me because I attended that march. Again, I tell the story to students so they can understand what things were like back in those days. When the march was announced, A. Philip Randolph, my fraternity brother, was actually the one who was putting it together. Technically, Bayard Rustin was actually putting it together, but the movement, I didn't know at the time, because he was gay, they didn't want his name out front.

I requested the day off but was repeatedly denied. During lunchtime, I walked down Constitution Avenue to the bottom. And the crowds were all the way in front of the Lincoln Memorial. A couple offered me chicken, potato salad and a cool drink. I declined because I had to get back to the Supreme Court. They encouraged me to stay, eat, and listen to Dr. King’s soon to be delivered speech to the crowd. I stayed and heard Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream Speech.’

As I returned to work the next day, I was fired and told to get my things for attending the march. I was going to say goodbye to others in the building when Justice William Douglass noticed me admiring his arrowheads in a display. Surprisingly, we were both Boy Scouts and shared an interest in arrowheads. When I informed him that I was saying good-byes because I was fired for attending Dr. King’s march, he immediately called downstairs and informed my boss that this is a free country and I will be returning to work for as long as I wanted to work at the Supreme Court.

I got exposed to greatness early. I met a lot of influential people. People asked, why I didn’t take pictures? I didn’t walk around with a camera, because I was meeting famous people every day. And if you worked in the government , seeing famous people was not that big a deal.

You know, I wish I'd had a cell phone so I could have taken those pictures, but it wasn't that big a deal, and I didn't have the means to do it.

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HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY Lyrics You know it doesn't make much sense There ought to be a law against Anyone who takes offense At a day in your celebration 'cause we all know in our minds That there ought to be a time That we can set aside To show just how much we love you And I'm sure you would agree What could fit more perfectly Than to have a world party on the day you came to be Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday I just never understood How a man who died for good Could not have a day that would Be set aside for his recognition Because it should never be Just because some cannot see The dream as clear as he That they should make it become an illusion And we all know everything That he stood for time will bring For in peace, our hearts will sing Thanks to Martin Luther King Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Click and listen to Happy Birthday by Stevie Wonder

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Why has there never been a holiday Where peace is celebrated All throughout the world The time is overdue For people like me and you Who know the way to truth Is love and unity to all God's children It should be a great event And the whole day should be spent In full remembrance Of those who lived and died for the oneness of all people So let us all begin We know that love can win Let it out, don't hold it in Sing it loud as you can Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday Ooh yeah Happy birthday Happy birthday We know the key to unity of all people Is in the dream that you had so long ago That lives in all of the hearts of people That believe in unity We'll make the dream become a reality I know we will Because our hearts tell us so Happy birthday Happy birthday Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Stevie Wonder Happy Birthday lyrics © Black Bull Music, Jobete Music Co Inc, Jobete Music Co., Inc.

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GLENWOOD DID YOU KNOW...

JANUARY, 2026

“GLENWOOD WAS THE ESSENCE OF ALL I KNEW… IT’S JUST HOME.”

DU URRD DEEN N JJEESSSSEE D

Did You Know?

Jesse Durden grew up in Glenwood in the mid-1970s He served our country as an Air Force veteran He lived overseas and cites Japan as one of the most impactful cultures he experienced He returned to Glenwood with his wife Evelyn, and they raised their daughter Destiny in the community he calls home Today, he continues serving the public as Glenwood’s elected Village Clerk

www.glenwooddidyouknow.com

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Glenwood Raised Me, the Air Force Shaped Me, and Home Still Calls Me Back A Glenwood Childhood That Felt Like Family For Jesse Durden, growing up in Glenwood in the mid-70s wasn’t simply about living in a village—it was about being surrounded by people who knew you, supported you, and helped raise you.

“Glenwood was more than just a community. It felt like a family where you knew the neighbors from across the tracks. They knew your parents, you knew them. Everyone was just one family.”

Some of Jesse’s most treasured memories are about friendships—especially one that started in kindergarten and became a lifelong connection. Through Jesse’s childhood bond with his best friend, their parents developed friendships that lasted decades.

“My mother and father met a lot of the neighbors because of me… my best friend. We met each other in kindergarten and through us got our parents together… and they had big friendships for 40-some years.”

Jesse believes many families in Glenwood have a similar story—children playing on teams together, parents meeting each other, and neighbors becoming extended family.

Jesse also reflects honestly on what was challenging as a young person growing up during that era.

Glenwood was predominantly white at the time, and he remembers constant change as families moved in and out.

“You would meet certain people you vibe with as your friend and then they would move away… and then you have new people come in and try to establish a relationship… there was a high turnover of families back in the mid-70s.”

Even so, Glenwood remained the place that shaped him, grounded him, and gave him values that would later follow him across the world.

Air Force Veteran: Learning Life “From the Basics” Jesse went on to serve his country as an Air Force veteran, and military life took him far beyond Illinois— overseas. He appreciates what Glenwood taught him growing up, but he explains that the military taught him a deeper version of discipline and appreciation.

“You think you learn your core values from your parents, from the village people who grew up in the village of Glenwood. I was raised by this entire community. But going to the military teaches you a different side of life. It breaks you down to the basics…”

He described how the military teaches things many people don’t think about—simple actions that form discipline and character.

“It teaches you something as simple as how to make your bed, how to stand at attention, how to respect one another and respect your elders. Your parents teach you these values as a child, but it’s different in the military. You learn not to take certain things for granted.”

Japan: A Culture that Values Family and People Out of all the places Jesse traveled, one country stood out above the rest.

“Japan.”

When asked why, Jesse explained it wasn’t about tourist attractions or “things”—it was about values.

“It’s a different culture. Their values are much different than ours. We value certain things which are not important to them.”

He reflected on how Japan showed him a mindset that felt meaningful—where family and people matter more than possessions.

“We kind of as Americans are materialistic. We put more value into things instead of your fellow man, or your family member, or just the way of thinking. That’s what I gather when I was there.”

That observation stayed with him—because it aligned with what he had learned from his upbringing in Glenwood: community first.

www.glenwooddidyouknow.com

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Returning Home: Raising His Family in Glenwood Though Jesse lived overseas and experienced life outside the village, his heart remained connected to Glenwood.

“Glenwood was the essence of all I knew. I’ve lived overseas. I’ve lived out of state, but it was just home to me.”

He says Glenwood is one of those places that gives you a feeling you can’t easily describe.

“It’s that feeling that is indescribable, where you just feel comfortable and you feel at home.”

That is why Jesse and his wife, Evelyn, chose to return and raise their daughter, Destiny, here.

“I chose to raise my daughter here because of what I felt when I grew up here… and how I feel now. I’m just connected to Glenwood.”

Village Clerk: Serving the Town that Raised Him Today, Jesse continues to serve—not only as a veteran, husband, and father, but now also as an elected official. In the most recent election, he was elected Village Clerk—a role he admits he never expected.

“It was something I never thought about, to be honest with you… It’s just something I’ve never fathomed to do.”

But he believes it fits.

“I guess with my personality, my particular skill set, and my maturity, I think it’s fitting.”

Jesse describes the job as meaningful, but also a responsibility. His greatest challenge is ensuring he does his work correctly and represents the community with excellence.

“The most challenging part… is making sure that I do everything correctly and try to make my community proud.”

And his greatest reward?

“Making people proud. When certain people say to you ‘good job’ and they pat you on your back… that gives me a feeling of knowing what I’m trying to do—I’m actually making steps moving forward in the right direction.”

A Heart for Veterans and Youth Jesse recognizes that the village is making progress in supporting veterans. He mentioned efforts by community members to put together programs that highlight veterans and create opportunities for involvement—especially through local spaces like the senior center.

He also believes young people should still consider the military as an option. He sees it as life-changing, not only because of the travel, education, and structure—but because of what it instills on the inside: discipline, maturity, respect, and appreciation.

Advice to Young People: Your Word is Everything When asked what advice he would give young people, Jesse returned to the values that clearly guide his life: “Always do your best. Always be honest. Always respect your fellow man.”

Then he shared something he told his daughter Destiny—something he believes young people must understand in a world where words are often thrown around.

“The one thing that you have in this world is your word. Without your word… you will have no respect from anyone. Do what you say you’re supposed to do. Try your best to do it.”

Beyond Service: Boats & Motorcycles

Jesse Durden’s life story reflects what so many in Glenwood believe: that community matters, that service matters, and that values must be lived—not just spoken. He was raised by Glenwood, shaped by the Air Force, and rooted again in the village with his wife Evelyn and daughter Destiny.

And now, as Village Clerk, Jesse is still doing what he has always done—standing for responsibility, pride, and progress.

Because for him, Glenwood isn’t just where he grew up.

It’s home.

Outside of civic service, Jesse also enjoys the simple freedom of the water and road. One of his favorite passions is riding his motorcycles.

“I love my motorcycle… out of all the trinkets and toys I’ve ever had, I’ve been blessed with my motorcycles as my passion.” *Honda Goldwing and *Harley Road Glide

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# Where # Where Do Do We We Go Go from from Here?

Here?

Our veterans Our veterans have have served served our our country country with with honor; honor; now now it it is is our our turn to turn to serve serve them them with with the the same same level level of of respect respect and and dedication. dedication.

Project 2025, a detailed conservative policy blueprint, proposes significant changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that critics argue would substantially reduce veterans' benefits and health care services, while proponents suggest the changes would improve efficiency and focus resources. These proposals are part of a broader agenda and are not current law.

Key proposed changes and their potential impacts include: Disability Benefits Cuts: The plan suggests targeting "significant cost savings from revising disability rating awards for future claimants" by reducing the number of medical conditions that qualify for disabled status. Veterans with existing claims might also see their benefits decreased.

Privatization of VA Health Care: Project 2025 advocates for expanding the use of private sector care (community care) and potentially closing underutilized VA hospitals and replacing them with smaller, community-based outpatient clinics.

Critics argue this would erode the VA's integrated system, which often provides high-quality, specialized care.

Automation of Claims: The proposal recommends automating the claims process to increase speed and reduce "human error". Concerns exist that this could lead to higher denial rates and place a heavier administrative burden on veterans.

Workforce Changes: The plan calls for a drastic reduction in the overall federal workforce, which could impact thousands of veterans who make up about 30% of federal employees. It also suggests prioritizing political loyalty over expertise for key positions within the VA. Elimination of Specific Services and Protections: Project 2025 aims to eliminate services such as abortion services and gender-affirming care, arguing they are not service-connected conditions. It also proposes abolishing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an agency that has helped veterans recover millions from financial fraud and scams.

Homelessness Programs: The plan suggests ending the "Housing First" strategy, a successful initiative that provides housing support to thousands of veterans, potentially leading to increased homelessness.

Proponents of the plan argue that these reforms are necessary to improve efficiency, reduce fraud, and ensure the VA is more responsive and veteran-centric.

However, a nonpartisan analysis notes that diverting funds to private care could compromise the quality of direct VA services.

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Truck Presentation to the Glenwood Village Board - Leon Fields

History/ Background We presented and played a video at a village meeting with Rev. Sharpton interviewing an environmental expert. The main point was environmental racism and you don’t pay people to kill you. We have been before the board since 2021 complaining about trucking hubs, developers promoting trucking businesses and pollution. We even read a poem written by one of our members . We have not received any substantial answers or real feedback to our issues of health, pollution or quality of life.

Environmental Racism The EPA under Trump’s presidency concluded environmental racism is real; people of color are much more likely to live near polluters and breathe polluted air even as the agency seeks to roll back regulations on pollution. Source The Atlantic 2/28/2018 The facts are people of color are likely to die from environmental causes source ABC Equity Report October 26, 2021 Pollution The ingredients of air pollution Cars, trucks, and buses produce air pollution throughout their life cycle, including pollution emitted during vehicle operation and fuel production. Additional emissions are associated with the refining and distribution of fuels and to a lesser extent, manufacturing and disposal or recycling of the vehicle.

Related article - Chicago Tribune

The following are the major pollutants from motor vehicles: • Particulate matter (PM). One type of particulate matter is the soot seen in vehicle exhaust. Fine particles — less than one-tenth the diameter of a human hair — pose a serious threat to human health, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs. PM can be a primary pollutant or a secondary pollutant from hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides.

Diesel exhaust is a major contributor to PM pollution.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These pollutants react with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground level ozone, a main ingredient in smog. Though beneficial in the upper atmosphere, at the ground level this gas irritates the respiratory system, causing coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity. VOCs emitted from cars, trucks and buses — which include the toxic air pollutants benzene, acetaldehyde, and 1,3-butadiene — are linked to different types of cancer.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants form ground level ozone and particulate matter (secondary). Also harmful as a primary pollutant, NOx can cause lung irritation and weaken the body's defenses against respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza.

Carbon monoxide (CO). This odorless, colorless, and poisonous gas is formed by the combustion of fossil fuels such as gasoline and is emitted primarily from cars and trucks. When inhaled, CO blocks oxygen from the brain, heart, and other vital organs. Ting

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Sulfur dioxide (SO2). Power plants and motor vehicles create this pollutant by burning sulfur-containing fuels, especially diesel and coal. Sulfur dioxide can react in the atmosphere to form fine particles and, as other air pollutants, poses the largest health risk to young children and asthmatics.

The BP refinery in Whiting was criticized by Carolyn Marsh, an administrator of the Facebook group BP Whiting Watch for a lack of transparency on the company’s part who failed to alert the community. Susan Thomas, Director of Legislation and Policy at Just Transition Northwest Indiana criticized BP and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management saying they looked the other way on oversight and enforcement, long owed to this region. Both benzene and hydrogen sulfide are highly toxic and can be fatal in very high concentrations. Exposures to high levels of benzene can cause dizziness, headaches, tremors, unconsciousness, and leukemia. Before the major power outage 7 months ago a partial power outage resulted in the release of gasses including sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide across 3 Indiana counties.

The refinery’s permit is up for renewal February 8 at 6:00 pm at East Chicago High School for public comments. Source The Daily Southtown 1/26/2024 I would invite you to read the comments on Ring where neighbors in Cal City, Lansing, Lynwood and Glenwood complained of being sickened by affects of the gasses during the last burn off BP had. Source Ring Doorbell Traffic and Truck Accidents Trucks cause damage to the road, not to mention the railroad crossings. I complain of the road condition and need for repaving from the intersection of Glenwood-Dyer and Glenwood- Lansing road east to bridge crossing 394. Once you cross the bridge Glenwood- Lansing road i.e. 45 Ave has been recently paved to Calumet Ave thus LYNWOOD, LANSING, and MUNSTER have roads as smooth as a baby’s bottom with the exception of Glenwood. We are still waiting for an adequate response.

Perception Drive down Cottage Grove SOUTH of Glenwood Lansing Road you will see trucking businesses offering truck and trailer and cargo box parking storage and etc.,. notice the increase in truck traffic and cars drivers taking risk to avoid being behind the trucks, in addition look at the trash thrown out of the vehicles who did not do this when the land was green space. The perception is the area is a dump; these businesses are less than 7 blocks from the residents of Glenwood.

Let me cut through the chase. We have trucks polluting and running pass our three schools, our apartments, condos, and homes, our shopping/strip mall, and rehab/ retirement housing. These deadly trucks should be routed down State Street away from our old fragile residents and our children who could spend up to 9 yrs. in this toxic area. If other villages can do it, so can Glenwood. In a board presentation a developer wanted Glenwood to annex a property on Joe Orr Road east of Cottage Grove. The Board stated they had the authority to reroute the truck traffic away from Glenwood. So we ask you to reroute the truck traffic with a truck free zone to protect Glenwood’s most viable residence, our children, your elderly and our diseased residents.

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We Remember We remember Glenwood manicured lawns, beautiful shrubbery, and green grass too.

All kinds of activities for our children to do.

Glenwood was glamorous, and so well known.

A community where everyone, complimented and loved our beautiful homes.

We remember when our children went out to play, and no one worried if they stay all day.

We remember it was quiet and always good.

There was no talk of crime in our neighborhood.

We remember when elected officials didn’t turn a blind eye.

Leaving our community to decline, be neglected and die.

We remember when elected officials treated us with care.

We didn’t have garbage cans out front and trash everywhere.

We remember when outsiders weren’t buying and renting up our town. Not following ordinance and taking our property value down.

We remember when elected officials showed that they care.

They didn’t smile and ignore us as though we weren’t there.

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Now we look around Glenwood, our neighboring communities too. We pray oh Lord have mercy and show us what to do.

When we speak of Glenwood now, many hearts are filled with shame.

We don’t want crime, trash, and unkempt homes to scandalize our name.

Ugly distribution centers and diesel trucks is what we will be seeing in days. Environmental racism is being practiced, filling our clouds with haze.

C.O.P.D., asthma, lung disease, and cancer is moving in our town, We can’t escape the air it’s circling all around.

They are practicing environmental racism, and they don’t care.

They own their lovely homes and live elsewhere.

When diesel trucks, high traffic, and noise move in Property value and our health will never, never win.

It’s time for us in Glenwood and surrounding communities to let the world know. Environmental racism is not welcome, it's time for it to go.

WE DON’T NEED A DIESEL DEATH ZONE IN GLENWOOD Author - Fresh Air

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From From the the BPHA BPHA vault vault of of Leon Leon Fields, Fields, one one of of the the founding founding members members of of Brookwood Point Brookwood Point Homeowners Homeowners Association Association

October 1, 1987 Dear Homeowner: Many residents of Brookwood Point met with Mayor Delaney and other members of his administration on September 21, 1987. We discussed problems and issues which directly affect our community. Our concerns included the alleged selling of drugs at Hickory Glen Park, the safety of our children at the park, speeding and drag racing on our streets – especially on 192nd St, illegally parked cars, the decline in the services of the Department of Streets and Sanitation, and several other issues.

At the meeting, the Mayor and his administration promised to immediately address many of these problems. On September 22, 1987, we noted that the Village had placed a “No Parking” sign on Dante near the Checker service station, posted speed limit signs where they were most needed, and began to patrol the Hickory Glen Park area at times when it is most vulnerable to illegal or illicit conduct. We are expecting the Village to take other effective measures in the near future.

As concerned taxpayers and home owners, we would like to make sure that all of Glenwood, but especially Brookwood Point, remains a safe, quiet and beautiful community. Most of us came here to escape the filth, crime and poor services prevalent in other communities. Therefore, we have informed the Mayor and his administration that we are forming the Brookwood Homeowner’s Association.

The goal of the Brookwood Homeowner’s Association is to meet once a month, discuss issues concerning our community, and send a delegation to the bi-monthly meetings at the Village Hall to express the concerns of homeowners in Brookwood Point. We do not expect everyone to attend every monthly meeting of the Brookwood Homeowner’s Association. We all have other commitments and interests. But we do hope everyone will join and support the organization in its efforts, serve our community, and when possible, attend our meetings and let your voice be heard.

Only we can determine that our community will be. We cannot sit back and let things happen to us. As a group, we can make a difference. If we want to maintain the value of our homes and assure that Glenwood will remain a desirable place to live, we must share the responsibility.

Please join us for our first meeting at the Hickory Glen Fieldhouse on Wednesday, October 7, 1987 at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to meeting you and hearing your ideas and concerns.

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BR RO OO OK KW WO OO OD D P PO O III N N TTT B R O O K W O O D P O N B HO OM M EEE O OW WN N EEE R RS S A AS SS SO OC C III A A TTT III O ON N H O M O W N R S A S S O C A O N H The association installed Officers for 1999 as follows: Leon Fields, President; Jeffery Nixon, Vice President; Dave Coleman, Secretary; Anna Bester, Treasurer; and Mildred Howard, Sergeant at Arms.

The meetings have been productive with good energy levels and attendance. The President presented a theme for 1999: "Participation Strengthens A Community".

The Association wants more residents to become involved.

At the February meeting, a presentation by the Internal Revenue Service informed and updated the members on both tax changes and electronic filing.

was fortunate fortunate to to have have two two articles articles appear appear in in was fortunate to have two articles appear in III was

A calendar of events for the entire year was

The Glenwood GlenwoodVillage Village Newsletter Newsletter Spring Spring 1999 1999 The Glenwood Village Newsletter Spring 1999 The

ratified by the membership and Association

edition. Mayor Mayor Asselborn Asselborn was was community community edition.

Mayor Asselborn was community edition.

committees began to be formed at the March

minded and and invited invited community community participation. participation. minded and invited community participation. minded

meeting. Residents of Brookwood Point will be hearing more from the following committees: Membership Drive, Beautification, Social and Special Events, Publication and Communication, Education and Youth Guidance.

Plans are being formulated for our Summer

Over the the years, years, some some residents residents have have Over the years, some residents have Over deviated from from some some of of the the elements elements that that deviated from some of the elements that deviated made Glenwood Glenwood aaa strong strong and and vital vital made Glenwood strong and vital made community. III am am glad glad to to see see Mayor Mayor Hart Hart is is community. am glad to see Mayor Hart is community. encouraging the the residents residents to to work work together together in in encouraging the residents to work together in encouraging the homeownership homeownership revitalization, revitalization, with with an an the homeownership revitalization, with an the emphasis on on property property maintenance. maintenance. emphasis on property maintenance. emphasis

park activities - your input is important and requested. Come to our April or May meetings to share your ideas.

The Brookwood Point Homeowners Association meets monthly, on every first Wednesday at the Hickory Glen Field House at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Participation strengthens a community. If we respect respect the the diversity diversity of of others others and and we care, and and collectively collectively work work together, together, care, Glenwood will will become become stronger stronger than than Glenwood ever.

www.glenwooddidyouknow.com

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SHERI BROWN SHERI BROWN PRESIDENT BROOKWOOD POINT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

COMING HOME TO COMMUNITY

GLENWOOD ROOTS & VISION FOR BPHA

“I WAS RAISED BY MORE THAN JUST MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY.”

“Coming back “Coming back was was aa responsibility responsibility and a and a privilege… privilege… because because they they were still were still here here in in the the place place that that gave me gave me so so much.” much.”

“I want to create greater engagement among residents and rebuild a sense of community.”

January 2026

www.glenwooddidyouknow.com

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Coming Home to Community: Sheri Brown’s Glenwood Roots & Vision for BPHA For many Glenwood residents, Brookwood Point is more than a subdivision—it’s a place where people grow up together, watch out for one another, and carry memories that last a lifetime. That sense of connection is exactly what Sheri Brown, the newly serving President of the Brookwood Point Homeowners Association (BPHA), remembers most vividly from her childhood in Glenwood.

In a recent conversation, Sheri reflected on the special spirit of Brookwood Point and what it means to return home—not only to care for family, but to help restore the pride and unity she experienced growing up.

“I was raised by more than just my immediate family.”

Sheri shared that what made growing up in Glenwood so special was the village’s “extended family” environment. Like many who grew up in the neighborhood, she didn’t realize it at the time—but she was surrounded by adults who cared deeply and paid close attention.

She described it lovingly: There were “multiple moms and multiple dads”— neighbors who looked out for the children, guided them, corrected them when needed, and supported them at every step.

“Good or bad news traveled quickly back to my parents,” she said, laughing at how fast ‘word’ could move. But she also noted how that shared accountability kept kids safe and reminded them they were always being watched over—not just monitored, but truly cared for.

Memories That Still Feel Like Yesterday Sheri’s childhood memories reflect the kind of neighborhood life many residents remember with a smile: Playing on the Glenwood softball team Hearing the energy of football season—especially the sounds of the Glenwood Cougars cheerleaders and weekend games

Riding bikes around the neighborhood and conquering what the kids proudly called “the hill” at the entrance to Brookwood Point Walking or biking to elementary school—a major childhood milestone Riding with her best friend to Arquilla Park, which felt like a huge adventure because it was “on the other side” and beyond Brookwood Point She also recalled the mysterious “Dead Man’s Trail,” the wooded area near the condos that parents warned kids not to enter—one of those neighborhood legends that only adds to the charm of growing up in a closeknit community.

Returning Home: A Responsibility and a Privilege When asked what attracted her to return to Glenwood as an adult, Sheri’s answer was simple and heartfelt: She returned to help care for her aging parents.

Coming back was not only a responsibility, she said—it was also a privilege. Glenwood helped shape who she became, and returning to the place that gave her so much felt meaningful.

What’s Changed—and What Still Gives Hope Sheri shared honestly that Glenwood has changed in noticeable ways over the years. She pointed to things many residents have observed: Fewer businesses operating Vacant or underused properties A community entrance—especially coming from the I-394 exit—that feels “a little lifeless” compared to the hustle and bustle she remembers from childhood A visible decline in the pride once seen across many homes and properties But she also emphasized a hopeful and encouraging similarity: Our schools still appear to be thriving.

She noted that Hickory Bend’s STEM focus shows advancement and investment in academic success, and she highlighted the rebuilt intermediate school as a sign that Glenwood is still committed to educating future generations.

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A New Brookwood Point Homeowners Association President With a Community Vision As BPHA’s new President, Sheri’s vision is centered on one powerful goal:

Looking Ahead: Nature, Trails, and FamilyFriendly Ideas

Rebuild a stronger sense of community and engagement.

When asked about programs tied to the nearby forest preserve during her childhood, Sheri said she wasn’t aware of any at the time. But the conversation opened the door to exciting possibilities for today—such as:

She wants Brookwood Point residents to feel connected again—to be informed, involved, and active.

Her focus includes: Creating greater resident engagement Encouraging collaboration among neighbors Increasing visibility so residents can be “seen and heard” Building a community where good ideas are supported, championed, and acted upon Sheri believes an engaged community becomes a stronger community because informed residents have a voice—and where voices are heard, solutions become possible.

Beyond Leadership Sheri enjoys traveling for work and personal growth, and she values seeing different cultures and perspectives. She said these experiences help her think creatively and bring new ideas back home.

She also enjoys: Outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and running While she jokes that Illinois cold “hits differently” now that she’s back, she still values being active outdoors and hopes that a healthy, positive lifestyle can be part of community connection as well.

Bike tours through the forest preserve Family outdoor events Community walks Partnerships that encourage residents to enjoy Glenwood’s natural beauty Sheri even noted there is an informal “man-made” path residents already use, and she welcomed the idea of improving entry access so more families can safely enjoy those trails.

A Message of Hope for Brookwood Point Sheri Brown’s message is one of gratitude and possibility.

She’s grateful for the foundation Glenwood gave her— and her hope is that through BPHA and neighbor-toneighbor connection, Brookwood Point can restore the energy, pride, and collaboration she remembers so clearly.

As Sheri put it, by working together with today’s residents, new neighbors, and local administration, Brookwood Point can build a more positive and flourishing community once again.

“I had multiple moms and multiple dads—the parents of my friends who looked out for us.”

“Good or bad news traveled quickly back to my parents.”

“When residents are engaged, they’re informed about what’s really happening—and they have a voice.”

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YOU’RE INVITED! Join the Brookwood Point Homeowners Association for an inspiring evening highlighting African American History, community pride, and meaningful conversation.

EVENT DETAILS

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

Wednesday, Feb. 4th

Be informed, inspired, and uplifted through history and powerful reflections.

SPECIAL TIME 7:00 - 8:30 pm Hickory Glen Fieldhouse

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP

1016 E. 192nd St.

Enjoy food, warm conversation and community connection.

JOIN US! 21

“PARTICIPATION STRENGTHENS A COMMUNITY” Why Join Your Lo cal HOA? Protect Prop er ty Values Collab orative standards, curb app eal project s, and timely maintenance help keep homes attractive and comp etitive.

Advo cate for Community Improvement s Memb ers help drive decisions on street s, b eautif ication, safety, parks, and neighb orho o d enhancement s.

Have a Voice in Lo cal Decisions Resident s help shap e priorities, budget s, project s, and p olicies that affect daily life in our community.

Build Community Connection & Supp or t Event s, volunteer project s, and neighb orho o d net works build relationships and foster pride.

Access Resources & Information First Memb ers receive up dates on village ser vices, lo cal issues, grant s, and community assistance initiatives.

Collab orate with Lo cal Off icials & Depar tment s HOA meetings provide direct access to public works, public safety, and elected representatives.

Supp or t Youth, Seniors, & Family Programs Sp onsorships, clean-ups, scholarships, and seasonal event s b enef it all ages.

Featured Guest Presenters & Workshops Providing valuable to ols, knowledge, and community emp owerment.

Bu siness Exp er t s, Village Administrators & Tru stees Up dates on p olicies, project s, and budgeting that impact homeowners.

Public Safety Off icers Neighb orho o d watch, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention strategies.

Prop er ty Tax & Finance Exp er t s Understanding assessment s, app eals, tax relief programs, and budgeting for home ownership.

Hou sing & Maintenance Professionals Landscaping, home repairs, weatherization, and su stainability tips.

Health & Wellness Organizations Senior resources, youth programs, mental health supp or t s, and community ser vices.

Lo cal Nonprof it s & Community Leaders Volunteer opp or tunities, scholarships, resource drives, and family supp or t programs.

Monthly Meetings Up dates on community needs & project s

Brookwood Point 1st Wednesday of the month @ Hickory Glen Fieldhouse - 7PM

Click this link for all Glenwood Village Ordinances

Glenwood Manor 1st Thursday of the month @ Arquilla Park Fieldhouse - 7PM

Click to buy: Robert's Rule of Order

Glenwood Estates 2nd Wednesday of the month @ Fire station #2 - 7PM

Village Village Hall meeting 7PM Village Hall Hall meeting meeting 7PM 7PM 1st 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month 1st & & 3rd 3rd Tuesday Tuesday of of the the Month Month

22

DID YOU KNOW...

W.T. Godbolt, Esq.

AFTER A LOVED ONE PASSES AWAY, WITH A WILL, YOUR FAMILY WILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH A COURT-ORDERED PROBATE PROCESS, WASTING TIME & MONEY ON:

Attorney Ted London (773) 721-3333

ATTORNEY FEES. FILING FEES, & OTHER FEES

Attorney Ernest B. Fenton 1(708) 991-7268

Double click above

23

Beautification Beautification Committee Committee Update Update –– Chair Chair Leon Leon Fields Fields || Presenter: Presenter: Ed Ed Hadnott Hadnott Meeting Highlights:

L. Fields opened the meeting at 7:01 p.m. with 16 in attendance, the November minutes was approved. Eric Slaughter (newly elected president of the Glenwood Forest sub-division Association) and Cathy Paxton were acknowledged.

Trustee Ed Hadnott representing the Glenwood Manor sub-division presentation begin: In September 2024 plans for two welcome signs to the Manor at Strieff and Arquilla east of Halsted were presented. What we received were two small signs with Mayor Garnier’s name. We requested high curbs. The projects could have fallen under a TIF. We also wanted the Plaza to be cleared out of construction debris, the potholes repaved, and the parking lot repaved at the fieldhouse.

Question: How do we apply for TIF money?

Hadnott’s response: It must be eligible for TIF funding requirements and the village has to initiate it.

Question: Was there a previous project where the parking lot was supposed to be cleared out so people could move about in the plaza?

Hadnott’s response: All the money spent on the plaza was just for the North End. The South end still doesn’t have infrastructure, water, etc.

Question: There is a lot of overgrowth in the retention pond behind Aldi. What is the plan to get that cleared up?

Hadnott’s response: It’s part of the project.

Question: If the parking lot is cleared, will we be able to use the gravel for our planters?

Hadnott’s response: There is gravel and clay that can be used hopefully in concrete planters.

L. Fields: I’m going to ask the mayor and board how much time we have to present. We have laid out a program of short- and long-term goals.

Michelle (Lovey) talk about sales and when to purchase planters.

Lovey: Best time to purchase planters is out of season they can be half price. I agree with Hadnott that the concrete planters should be used near the businesses in the plaza. Hadnott suggested that maybe the business could sponsor the concrete planters, and we put their name on it.

L. Fields: The welcome sign on Glenwood -Lansing Road at Dante give the impression you are in Glenwood but the homes on the South side of the street are in unincorporated areas also at Glenwood -Lansing and Cottage Grove there are homes in unincorporated areas. In the front yard of one home there is equipment supporting a tree cutting business and three huge piles of mulch. Clarification is needed. We must market Glenwood to attract residents and businesses. The Southland publication only advertises Glenwoodie if you don’t play golf, it may not be appealing. With that I ask that Eric Slaughter come forth who indorses marketing.

E. Slaughter: I have advocated speed bumps on Center because it is not safe. People are running stop signs because they know where the police are and aren’t. When I moved into Glenwood, I received a welcome packet we need to bring that back. Plott/Hadnott: There’s still a packet.

Lovie: That’s what we talked about before having a welcome committee to introduce and expose new homeowners to rule and policies of Glenwood.

L. Fields: There are chat groups with people asking questions that could be answered in a pamphlet. We need to embrace diversity. We used to receive a list of new residents. The previous administration stopped it.

Discussion: How do we engage renters?

L. Fields The ------committee presented a plan acknowledging the rights and responsibilities of property owners and renters. Years ago Glenwood posted property transfers in the Daily Southtown Newspaper.

Hadnott: I can give the names of new residents.

Slaughter: What is the percentage of renters?

Hadnott: A couple of years ago it was 714 properties

24

L. Fields: Reviewed short- and long-term plans.

Latryce: Commented on Community Service Program for students.

M. Smith: I feel we are skipping some steps with these programs need to get kids involved in the community. We need mentors. What are we going to do when you guys get tired? I don’t mind being a part of this movement and not just showcasing the problems.

L. Fields: Can you submit a plan in writing.

E. Slaughter: What age group are we talking about?

M. Smith: Everyone 18 and under.

E. Slaughter: We need more than sports; we need parents to be involved.

L. Fields: We voted in a Park District in 1997 but it wasn’t funded so the village shifted to a Park Program.

M. Smith: I presented an idea to do a debutant program, and a trustee told me there is $10,000.00 for her to use. I am willing to give that up if it can be used for the youth.

L. Fields: When the village partnerships with the library it unusually results in success, however the problem is getting there. It was mentioned the school district has four buses not being used could they be used.

L. Fields: Not sure, I was told they could not be used in the July 4th parade.

D. Fields: My granddaughter plays in volleyball leagues outside of Glenwood, we have enough residents that could put something together. We used to have a program where kids could train and work with Public Works to teach them work ethics.

Lovie: Maybe we could have a homecoming for Glenwood where former residents can come back and share their successes and maybe mentor.

L. Fields: I think we have made progress with ideas to attract new residents. Some items we can add to the Christmas Holiday seasons: Christmas lights to the trees in the Estates Park and entrance off of Halsted. We could put Christmas wreaths on the welcome signs. We can recognize the home with well decorated with a certificate or gift card.

Finally, next year we can request the village businesses to decorate thus bring the holiday spirit throughout the village.

R. Maddox: They are trimming the trees away from the electric wires on Halsted Street it would be a good time to trim some of the over growth through the fences.

D. Birmingham: Please complete the Ethics Committee surveys that were sent out, so the presentation can be made to the mayor and board.

L. Fields: Do we want to meet in January or take a breather?

C. Lee: Meet in January we can’t take a break.

D. Birmingham: Introduced Mariah Smith being over the Miss Black Illinois who is featured in Glenwood Did You Know.

L. Fields: Don’t forget the Christmas Party on December 15, 2025.

STAY CONNECTED

Next meeting January 13, 2026 See attachment: Manor Upgrade Project Meeting Adjourned: 8:27 p.m.

Latryce Anderson

Click here: here: Village Village Hall Hall Meetings Meetings Click

OR

www.youtube.com/@VillageofGlenwoodIL 25

B E A U T I F I C A T I O N - C . U . P. P. C L E A N P A I N T

U P

P L A N T

BEAUTIFICATION BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE COMMITTEE MEETING MEETING Let’s work together with our neighbors in beautifying our home, block, and community.

Share some of your perennials Volunteer to plant flowers Give gardening tips.

Attend homeowners association meetings Share photos of beautification project

January 13, 2026 Village Hall 7 PM Please share & attend

Click this link for all Glenwood Village Ordinances

Click the link Why Gardening is Good for Mental Health

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Support Small & Local Businesses CLICK ON CLICK ON THE THE LINKS LINKS TO TO DISCOVER DISCOVER GIFT GIFT IDEAS IDEAS

CANDISCOBBLERSNCAKES

LULAS FLORAL AND GIFTS

JEAN LEWIS FINE ART

Our guide of Black-owned businesses spans across shopping categories like beauty, home and kitchen, fashion and more. We’ve also confirmed that each company is at least 51% Black-owned, the threshold required to be considered a Blackowned business, according to the Census Bureau.

Meet Jenise Ervin, Owner And Creator With a Master's in Nursing, my journey into crafting began after retirement. Crocheting offers me relaxation and passion. My hobby transformed into a business when my creations caught attention. Handmade items crafted with care bring joy to my customers. Seeing their smiles upon receiving customized purses fuels my drive. Each piece represents quality craftsmanship and a love for unique design.

Homemade with Lovey by Niecy - Crochet Purses

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BLAPP

BLAPP makes it easy for you to find and support Black-owned businesses across the US. Once you find something that you love, you can jump to Etsy or Yelp to purchase or book it. Our mission is to support all Black-owned businesses and business owners. We achieve this through innovative technology.

Meet Ciara Imani May In 2019, Ciara adopted a low-waste lifestyle and began looking for ways in which she could recycle her used synthetic braids. When Ciara realized that recycling for synthetic hair was not a readily available service, she decided to take matters into her own hands and launched Rebundle soon after

Give Black This Holiday 100+ Black-Owned Businesses to Support Today and Always Rebundle’s Solution: Banana Fiber – An Underutilized Resource Ripe with Opportunity Rebundle is on a mission to revolutionize the hair extension industry and make synthetic hair a thing of the past with their first-of-its-kind plant-based braiding hair.

Their biodegradable and compostable product–braid better–is made from fibers extracted from abundant and renewable banana tree stems from East Africa that otherwise would be disposed of as waste.

Rebundle Products

Meet the Founder

My name is Joy James and I am the Founder and CEO of Shades of Joy Eyewear, LLC. My business was inspired by God after praying for a business that I was passionate about. I am a lifetime entrepreneur with a passion for business and fashion. I created my product line because I love nice sunglasses but always had a hard time finding stylish, affordable and durable sunglasses.

Meet the President & CEO David Wilson Blackboard Solar, Inc. grew out of the inspiration that David Maurice "Reese" Wilson drew from a situation his brother faced when serving in the U.S. Army and being deployed in the Middle East. His brother wasn't able to call home for a while because his cell phone was dead and he had no way to charge it. This surprised Reese given the current state of energyrelated technologies and led him to develop the "mobile portable power" solution for which he obtained a utility patent. This invention underpins our initial product innovations.

https://blackboardsolar.com Shades of Joys Sunglasses

Meet Kim Lewis, CurlMIx CEO & Co-Founder “I know curly hair can be tricky, so I created a simple, easy-to-use system that helps anyone, of any age or curl type, achieve the perfect wash-and-go.”

I created CurlMix to know EXACTLY what was in my hair products.

"Hi, I’m Kim, and I started CurlMix because I struggled with my curly hair, just like millions of other women. Growing up, my family didn’t know how to care for it, and I often felt self-conscious.

My grandmother even relaxed my hair without permission, and it took me 19 years of relaxing to realize two things: chemical relaxers are harmful, and curly hair is beautiful—my curly hair is beautiful!

Purchase/Donate & Protect Curl Mix

27

BOOK BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

MARY MARY DEBOSE DEBOSE "YOUR BLUES AIN'T LIKE MINE is rich, lush fiction set in rural Mississippi beginning in the mid'50s. It is also a haunting reality flowing through Anywhere, U.S.A., in the '90s....There's love, rage and hatred, winning and losing, honor, abuse; in other words, humanity....Campbell now deserves recognition as the best of storytellers. Her writing sings."

--The Indianapolis News

Avid reader Book club Member & Master Gardener

In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, TaNehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis. Americans have built an empire on the idea of “race,” a falsehood that damages us all but falls most heavily on the bodies of black women and men—bodies exploited through slavery and segregation, and, today, threatened, locked up, and murdered out of all proportion.

In Margaret Atwood’s dystopian future, environmental disasters and declining birthrates have led to a Second American Civil War. The result is the rise of the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian regime that enforces rigid social roles and enslaves the few remaining fertile women. Offred is one of these, a Handmaid bound to produce children for one of Gilead’s commanders. Deprived of her husband, her child, her freedom, and even her own name, Offred clings to her memories and her will to survive. At once a scathing satire, an ominous warning, and a tour de force of narrative suspense, The Handmaid’s Tale is a modern classic.

“Should be on the reading list of every journalism school and law school in this country.” —Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune In 1983, Anthony Porter was convicted of the brutal double murder of Marilyn Green and Jerry Hillard. While sitting in the bleachers near Chicago’s Washington Park swimming pool, the victims were shot multiple times at point-blank range. Porter was sentenced to death.

28

COURAGE Danjuma G. Gibson

(Author) The nephew of

Leon & Denosia Fields

Through-Eyes-TitansLeadership-Self-Care

Human beings tend to romanticize history or idealize historical figures. This is nowhere more apparent than the civil rights era of the twentieth century. The problem is that when we idealize history, we fail to learn from it. The result is that history repeats itself along with its sins and atrocities. The January 6 Capitol insurrection and the current racial reckoning we are experiencing is unoriginal to the American experience. We have been here before. This book seeks to humanize people we have idealized. Readers are invited to challenge racial hatred and injustice in their own context by looking to the lives of historical figures who have faced the challenges we currently face. By examining the self-care practices of personalities like Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer, Benjamin Elijah Mays, and Martin Luther King Jr., this book examines the practices of introspection and self-work these historical figures engaged in that enabled them to fulfill the body of work they are celebrated for today. By humanizing these historical titans, we can emulate similar practices of selfcare and introspection in our own lives that can equip us in continuing the ongoing work of dismantling structures of racial hatred and oppression, and promoting freedom, love, equity, and justice to redeem the soul of a nation.

BOOK EXCERPTS “It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying: “Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness. Stand up for justice.

Stand up for truth. And lo, I will be with you. Even until the end of the world.”

I tell you I’ve seen the lightning flash. I’ve heard the thunder roar. I’ve felt sin breakers dashing trying to conquer my soul. But I heard the voice of Jesus saying still to fight on. He promised never to leave me alone. At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I had never experienced Him before. Almost at once my fears began to go.

My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.

Noble courage reflects the externalization of a person’s fear conquering reflections, as well as their contemplation of the critical question of “who is my neighbor.”

Noble courage is operationalized in responding to relieve or alleviate human suffering within one’s sphere of power, influence, and control.

It will most likely result in personal inconvenience and discomfort at best, or invite harm and injury to self, or even death, and destruction to one’s very existence at worst.

Noble courage, by definition, is designed to relieve or alleviate human suffering, or to undermine or eliminate the cause of the suffering.

Similar to phobia-based courage that does not require the elimination of fear, but responds in defiance of that fear, noble courage does not require the abatement of the fear of self harm. Instead, noble courage responds to the needs of neighbors in full defiance of an awareness and likelihood that responding to alleviate or eliminate human suffering compels the hold of such courage to contemplate the inevitability of personal demise and destruction, or even death.

29

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Scholarships Internships Various areas of employment

Click for Career opportunities

Click for Career opportunities

Click for Career opportunities

Click for Career opportunities

Click for Scholarship information

Click for Career opportunities

CBCF Application

NABSE Application

Click to Find Scholarships for College

NSBE APPLICATION

Pullman Educational Foundation & Scholarships 30

NEW

OPPORTUNITIES

David N. David N. Jones Jones hosted hosted the the AI Empowerment AI Empowerment Summit.

Summit.

He also He also debuted debuted a a brand brand new Lumena new Lumena Energy Energy product! product!

Hear from Hear from some some industry industry experts and experts and prepare prepare yourself for yourself for the the imminent imminent arrival of arrival of the the future future of of Artificial Intelligence.

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Check it Check it out out on on YouTube.

YouTube.

ComEd Customer Relief Fund ComEd is joining with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) and the Salvation Army to launch the ComEd Customer Relief Fund, a one-time program to support eligible ComEd customers experiencing higher energy costs during peak usage summer months and the months ahead. The $10 million ComEd Customer Relief Fund is made possible through one-time charitable contributions to NHS and the Salvation Army from Exelon, ComEd’s parent company.

Beginning July 7, eligible ComEd customers will be able to apply for relief through NHS and the Salvation Army, our partners who specialize in providing assistance to communities in our area.

How to Apply and Eligibility Beginning July 7, residential customers with past-due balances who are at or below 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for grants up to $500. Qualified 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations with past-due balances may qualify for grants up to $1,000. To learn more and apply, customers can visit www.comed.com/relief for step-by-step guidance.

Energy Affordability with ComEd ComEd customers are bearing the brunt of increasing energy supply costs as demand rises and supply is not there to meet it. While ComEd does not control energy supply costs, the company is committed to advocating for customers and working to find solutions with those who do control these costs. We recognize that any increase in household expenses can be difficult. We take seriously our responsibility to help keep energy costs manageable for our customers.

In addition to the relief fund, ComEd offers a wide range of programs to help customers locate assistance, manage their energy use and lower their monthly bills. This includes existing energy efficiency and financial assistance programs, including budget billing, flexible payment plans, home energy audits, high-usage alerts and more — available through our online customer portal.

In 2024, ComEd connected approximately 229,000 customers to energy assistance programs, delivering more than $133 million in support. We know the energy we provide is essential to families and businesses, which is why our assistance programs are designed to offer meaningful relief and ensure reliable service for every community.

Next Move Community Services Employment Program 31

ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT AROUND TOWN Explore Chicago's African American Pioneers & Business Owners

If you're searching for exceptional theater, captivating concerts, or delightful dining experiences, you'll be thrilled to explore and support these local businesses. Each venue offers a unique ambiance and a chance to experience the vibrant culture of our community. From immersive performances that leave you breathless to mouthwatering dishes crafted with local ingredients, these establishments are dedicated to providing unforgettable moments. By choosing to engage with them, you're not just enjoying the arts and culinary delights; you're also contributing to the heartbeat of your local economy and fostering creativity in your area.

THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO

Purchase BET tickets

Purchase Theater 47 tickets

Tickets are going fast!

Don’t delay. Get tickets today!!!

MEET THE BLACK FOODIES at the Glenwood/Lynwood Library - Tues., Feb. 24th 6-7 pm Registration is required for this event.

Registration will open on January 15, 2026 @ 9:00am.

Purchase Freedom Hall tickets

Purchase GSU tickets/

January 2026

Event Details Get ready for a flavor-packed evening with Coretta and Dino Dean — The Black Foodies! These dynamic food influencers spotlight Black-owned restaurants and chefs around the world, and they’re bringing their passion home to the South Suburbs.

Hear their inspiring story, get insider tips on hidden culinary gems, and discover your next great meal.

The Black Foodies Click for food alerts

Purchase Freedom Hall tickets

Purchase GSU tickets/

www.glenwooddidyouknow.com