Digital Media Specialist/Good Neighbor Campaign liaison
Paul Goyette
Photographer
EDITORIAL BOARD
Morris Reed
Westside Health Authority/CEO
Karl Brinson
Westside Branch NAACP/President
Bernard Clay
Introspect Youth Services/Executive Director
Michael Romain
Village Free Press/Publisher
CONTACT US at stories@ourculture.us
VISIT US ONLINE at ourculture.us
A Peace Tree Grows on the Westside
Photos by Shanel Romain
In 1987, Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual leader, founded the Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, a global torch relay “that offers everyone in the world a chance to express their longing for peace,” the organization’s website explains.
Since its founding, the Run has taken place in 150 countries and territories. This year, the Run coursed through the United States, starting in Orlando, Fla., on March 3. The Run visited Chicago on July 2he Run and ends in New York on Aug. 17.
On July 25, Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run Executive Director Salil Wilson visited the Every Block a Village Christian Community Center 5834 W. Augusta in Austin to dedicate a peace tree named after the church’s pastor and Westside Health Authority’s founder Dr. Jackie Reed. He also presented Torch Bearer Awards to various community members who have dedicated their lives to service. Reed is a past recipient of the Torch Bearer Award.
A woman holds up
sign during
for Sonya Massey at New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on July 30.
Bailee Bright, 5, plays near the Peace Tree dedicated to Pastor Jackie Reed on July 25.
Reverend James Coleman of the Westside Health Authority unveils the Peace Tree plaque during the Stepping up for Peace program on July 25.
The Peace Run choir sing a song to the audience during the Stepping up for Peace program.
Audience members hold up their peace signs during a performance by rapper Ridiculous during the Stepping up for Peace program.
Pastor Jackie Reed, a Peace Run honoree, addresses the audience during the Stepping Up for Peace program.
OUT & ABOUT [ [
Mr. Marvin, the Mayor of Massasoit, Hosts a Block Party
By Michael Romain Editor
The afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 3, was hot and humid. Despite the heat, Marvin Wafford, 68, manned three homemade barrel drum grills as he does yearly during the 800 Block Massasoit Savers Block Club’s annual block party. The Westside Health Authority's Good Neighbor Campaign co-hosted the event.
“We have this on the first week of August,” said Wafford (you can call him Mr. Marvin), the roughly 40-year-old block club’s president for the past 22 years.
“We try to have games for the kids and stuff like that,” he said. “I get a bounce house for the kids every year for the whole day.”
Mr. Marvin said the club doesn’t have meet-
ings. There’s not much need. Every day he’s on the block talking to his neighbors and greeting people like Will Brock, 57.
“Every time I come on the block, he greets me with love and respect,” Brock said on Saturday. “They call him the mayor around here. He’s a great guy.”
Mr. Marvin grew up on the 800 block of North Massasoit before moving to the North Side. He moved back in 2002 at the urging of relatives after his mother died.
A lady named Ms. Williams, a neighbor who once owned property on the block, asked Mr. Marvin if he’d be interested in serving as block club president. He’s been president ever since.
“Any of these people will tell you I’m a people person — whether you’re blind, crippled, or crazy,” Mr. Marvin said. “That’s what I do. They call me when they need something done.”
Saturday’s block club party reflected the block’s cultural and generational diversity.
Young children like Steven Scott, 8, rode their bikes up and down the street, which was closed to car traffic. Meanwhile, the Lagunas family grilled chicken and steak for authentic Mexican tacos.
Mr. Marvin said the harmony is perhaps his favorite thing about the 800 block of North Massasoit.
“It’s peaceful and quiet over here,” he said. “On this block, we are a family no matter who you are or what you are. It doesn’t matter what nationality you are. We’re all one family.”
A group of kids ride their scooters during a block club party | SHANEL ROMAIN
Marvin Wofford mans a homemade barrel drum grill during the 800 Block Massasoit Savers Block Club's annual block party on Aug. 3. | SHANEL ROMAIN
Raphael Lagunas, 24, grills chicken and steak alongside his parents during their block club party on Saturday, Aug. 3. | SHANEL ROMAIN
EVENTS & RESOURCES [ [
The Culture Community Story Bank Meeting | Every Friday, noon, Westside Health Authority, 5053 W. Chicago Ave. | Join The Culture’s editorial staff to discuss community issues and pitch your story ideas and concepts. This meeting is open to anyone in the community who wants to engage in local news or just discuss vital issues affecting you. Email stories@ourculture.us for more info.
Many things are happening on the Westside in the next several days and weeks. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of them. If you want to add your event and/or resource to this guide, email stories@ourculture.us.
WHA Back-to-School Bash | Friday, Aug. 9, 1 to 3 p.m., Davis Play Lot, 5427 W. Division St. | The Westside Health Authority’s Youth Innovation Center will host a Back-toSchool Bash featuring free school supplies, food, games, music and entertainment.
A House In Austin Block Party | Saturday, Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., 500 block of North Pine Avenue | A House in Austin is hosting a block party with music, food, games, school supplies, giveaways, and more! If you’d like to sponsor the event, please email lynette. kellybell@ahouseinustin.org.
Austin Harvest Grand Opening | Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2 to 4 p.m., 423 N. Laramie | The Austin Harvest will offer year-round access to fruits and vegetables. Its operation hours will be Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m.
Greater West Town Open House | Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 534 N. Sacramento Blvd. | The Greater West Town Community Development Project will host an open house. This is a chance to learn about their training programs for woodworking and shipping and receiving.
Expungement Event | Saturday, Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Hope CDC, 5900 W. Iowa St. | My Soul, My Blackness, Roman Morrow and Hope CDC will host an expungement event for those with criminal records. You
must bring a copy of your record. To obtain a printed copy of your records, go to the 35th and Michigan Avenue Police precinct on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and bring your ID.
Austin Art Walk | Saturday, Aug. 17, noon to 5 p.m., throughout Austin | Join the Front Porch Arts Center for the Austin Art Walk, a free event gathering art enthusiasts, residents, and visitors. The Austin Art Walk not only highlights the immense talents within the community but also supports local artists by providing them with a platform to share their work. Community members and visitors will see live performances, view art activations, and buy from local artists along the streets of Austin on the Westside of Chicago. Visit frontporchartscenter.org for more info.
Unleash Youth Leadership Summit | Saturday, Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | The Life Without Limitations nonprofit will host the Third Annual Unleashed Youth Leadership Summit. This is an inspiring and transformative free event dedicated to empowering future leaders ages 10 to 16. The Unleashed Youth Leadership Summit’s goal is to encourage transformational change by equipping youth with essential leadership skills, fostering self-confidence, and encouraging a positive mindset. Click here to view the press release. Call (773) 482-3748 for more info.
Unity in the Community Peaceful Gatherings | Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 15th District Police Station’s Northwest Parking Lot, Madison and Menard | The Fifth Annual Unity in the Community Peaceful Gatherings feature free food, music, games, a game truck (from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), a non-alcoholic sip n’ paint, live entertainment, dancers, community resources, peace circles and more.
Education conference | Saturday, Aug. 17, 1 to 7 p.m., Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W Washington Blvd. | School Daze, New Wayz: An Education Conference for the Westside is hosted by the Kehrein Center for the Arts. Visit kcachicago.org for more info.
Foods and Nutrients Event | Monday, Aug. 19, 5 to 7 p.m., Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 N. Waller St. | The Healing Foods: Foods and Nutrients to Help Summer Health Issues is hosted by the nonprofit Beyond Hunger. Participants will discuss healthy foods that can address health issues experienced in the summer season, how to fight off colds, allergies, infections, and more. If interested, RSVP by emailing PattyRingo@yahoo.com by Saturday, Aug. 17.
Galewoodstock | Saturday, Agu. 24, noon to 9 p.m., Sayre Language Academy, 1850 N. Newland Ave. | Galewood Neighbors presents Galewoodstock featuring activities, food, live music, and more. Email info@galewoodneighbors.org for more info.
RECURRING EVENTS & RESOURCES
Austin Town Hall Farmers Market | Every Thursday, 1 to 6 p.m. (rain or shine), Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St. | Buy affordable fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and more. Visit austintownhallcitymarket.com for more info.
Justice Impacted 2 | Every Tuesday, 10 to 10:30 a.m., and Thursday office hours, 2 to 4 p.m., 4100 W. Ferdinand St. | West Side Forward has weekly programming for its Justice Impacted 2 Program, which is great for those interested in entrepreneurship training, trades certification, wellness support, and more. Call (267) 807-9605 to access the informational session and use the Access Code: 346217. You can also visit westsideforward.org/jet for more info.
Midnight Madness at BUILD | Every Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight, BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | All ages are welcome for games, open art studio, live DJs, group exercise, raffles, and latenight basketball. Contact Sarah Loffman at sarahloffman@buildchicago.org or visit buildchicago.org/events for more info.
Hoops On the Block | Friday, July 26, 3 to 6 p.m., Tilton Park, 305 N. Kostner Ave., and Friday, Aug. 9, 3 to 6 p.m., BUILD Chicago, 5100 W. Harrison St. | Join BUILD Chicago for grills, hoops, music, and community resources – creating a safe place for youth and adults to build community and play basketball. Visit buildchicago.org/events for more info.
Art & Play | Every Saturday through Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, Harambee Community Garden, 457 N. Waller Ave. | Immerse yourself in creativity at the Front Porch Arts Center’s Art and Play, a free weekly outdoor summer arts workshop set amidst the lush greenery of Harambee Community Garden’s Nature Curiosity and Exploration Center. Participants of all ages will discover the joy of artistic expression as they paint, draw, and create in nature. Visit frontporchartscenter.org for more info.
Austin Running Crew | Every Thursday, 5 p.m., LaFollette Park Track, 1333 N Laramie Ave. | The Austin running crew, facilitated by CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association), focuses on improving the health and wellness of the Austin Community via walking/running. Learn more at cararuns.org/arc.
Free to Low-Cost Legal Assistance |
Every third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, and every fourth Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m., Hope Community Church, 5900 W. Iowa St. | Need free legal assistance? Need legal assistance? Speak to an attorney at a low to no cost. Schedule a 45-minute session with one of Hope Community Justice Center’s attorneys and receive support from the team. Walk-ins welcome. Visit administerjustice.org or call toll-free (855) 818-4554 to schedule an appointment.
Westside Writers Reading Series | Every third Sunday, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Front Porch Arts Center, 5851 W. Madison St. | The Front Porch Arts Center regularly features well-known authors, storytellers, spoken word artists, and writers on the cutting edge of contemporary literature, who have established and sustained a creative presence in our city.
(CSAC) West, 4835 W. Chicago Ave. | Join like-minded community partnering agencies to discuss returning citizens and how we can help them overcome barriers they face to successful reentry. Each meeting features delicious catered free lunch and guest speakers. Call CSAC West Coordinator Maria Moon at (773) 909-2186 or email her at mmoon@healthauthority. org to RSVP or for more.
Faith, Family & Community Overcomes Meeting | Every Thursday, 3 p.m., Good Neighbor Center, 5437 W. Division St. | Join the Good Neighbor Campaign’s weekly Faith, Family, and Community Overcomers meeting to discuss anxiety, fears, and addictions. Enrich your life! Call (77) 378-1878 for more info.
Good Neighbor Campaign Kids Cafe | Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon to 2 p.m., Good Neighbor Center, 5437 W. Division St. | Good Neighbor offers free lunch for Austin kids. Call (773) 786-0294 for more info.
Look Ahead!
There’s still plenty of time to register for the Austin P.O.W.E.R. 5K on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8:30 a.m. The event will kick off at Sankofa Cultural Arts Center, 5820 W. Chicago Ave. Register before Sept. 1 for the early bird pricing of $35 per individual and $350 per team of 10. Prices will increase to $45 and $450 after Sept. 1. Visit austinpower5k.com to register or for more info.
CSAC West Monthly Meeting | Every third Friday of the month, noon to 2 p.m., Community Support Advisory Council
Lawmaker Turns Barbershops Into Healing Centers
Commissioner Tara Stamps’ ‘Shop Talk’ initiative turns barbershops into spaces where men can deal with trauma
By Michael Romain Editor
According to a 2022 report by Communities United (CU), a Chicago community organization, 66% of young men of color in Chicago who were surveyed reported that they were experiencing mental health challenges.
The top “two outlets that young men of color identified that they use to cope and destress are video games and talking with friends,” researchers found.
First District Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, whose district covers much of the Westside, hopes that she can provide another critical outlet to men of all ages who need to cope with trauma and work toward mental wellness — the barbershop.
“About six weeks ago, I was inspired watching my own sons and what they’re going through, and being a teacher, I saw for many, many years how our boys are in the middle of a mental health crisis born of pain, anger, neglect, and abandonment,” Stamps said during an interview in June.
“Anger either implodes or it explodes,” she said. “Right now, among our Black boys and men, it’s doing both. They are killing each other and themselves. We need interventions in real time.”
Earlier this year, Stamps partnered with barbershops across her district to launch Shop Talk (Shop stands for sharing hope and overcoming pressure). The first several events have been on Sundays and featured free haircuts, food and drinks, and resources and services— from massages to manicures.
“I told the barbers, if they open their shop on a Sunday and give free haircuts, I’ll bring in everything else,” Stamps said.
The objective, she explained, is to get men, young and old, talking to each other about their trauma and trusting each other enough to seek help.
“My hope is that they leave that moment with a mentor or walk away with a clinician,” she said.
Stamps said her initiative has since expanded to include spaces beyond barbershops and every Sunday in the year. On June 15, Stamps hosted a special Father’s Day edition of Shop Talk at Demiurge Clothing Co., 116 Chicago Ave. in Oak Park.
Jimmie Wallace, Demiurge’s owner, sits
on a 15-person advisory committee formed around Stamp’s initiative.
“The experience has been great,” Wallace said on June 15. “It’s been great seeing the unity and solidarity, Black and Brown men coming together to confront this trauma that plagues our community, starting with our youth. They’re dealing with a rise in teen suicides, peer pressure — all those things. We hope when they leave these, someone grabs one of those kids to mentor them.”
Stanley Que, a mental health substance abuse counselor and professional photographer, opened up about his experience surviving childhood trauma at a Shop Talk event on June 15.. He spent much of his youth cycling in and out of group homes and correctional facilities as he seethed with anger stemming from a childhood beating by his father for reportedly not
turning in a homework assignment.
His teacher later told his parents she had overlooked it, but the damage was done. His father had whooped him for two hours. When he went to the school the next day, school officials reported the abuse to the police.
“That’s how I was taken out of my home,” he said. “A lot of children are taken out of their homes because of abuse or neglect. The first place they put me was in a correctional facility.”
Stanley said his healing began when he met therapists, doctors, lawyers, and other professional men in the neighborhood.
“They were good people, and I started being in circles like this one,” he said. “That’s where my journey of healing began because I was getting good information. One of the greatest things we can get in life is good information.”
Paris Marlow Sr., a staffer with Commission-
er Stamps’ office, said the effect of the Shop Talk events “has been tremendous,” adding that the initiative reflects the commissioner’s keen focus on mental health issues, particularly those affecting the Black community.
Stamps said she’s looking to partner with local barber colleges and instructors to train barbers to ask certain questions that may flag a mental health intervention. Her office also seeks barbers in the Chicago area who might want to open their doors to host future Shop Talks.
“My objective is that by this time next year, we’re introducing this at the county nationally as an intervention around mental health supports,” Stamps said.
For more information on the Shop Talks initiative, email or call Khadija Warfield at khadija.warfield@cookcounty-il.gov or (312) 603-4566.
Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, center, hosted a series of Shop Talk events at area barbershops over the summer with the help of a staffer, Paris Marlow Sr. (shown second from right). | SUBMITTED
'Peace Over Everything' Mural Unveiling IN PHOTOS
Attendees enjoy Zia Jenaye's music while sporting t-shirts featuring the "Peace over Everything" mural.
Westside Health Authority CEO Morris Reed, artist Barrett Keithley, who painted the mural, Ald. Emma Mitts, WHA Property Manager Rosie Dawson, and state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford.
Azariah Baker, 19, shares her poem, "Peace Over Us All," at the unveiling for the "Peace Over Everything Mural."
Bryan Pope, the founder of Black Boys Read and a teacher at McNair Elementary School, performs one of his songs at the mural unveiling.
Zia Jenaye, 16, performs her new single, "A City's Cry for Stopping the Violence," during the unveiling of the "Peace Over Everything Mural" on Aug. 3.
PHOTOS BY SHANEL ROMAIN
The completed mural, "Peace Over Everything," seen on the corner of Chicago and Leclaire.
When a Rally Becomes a Revival
from Massey when he takes his gun out of his holster while saying, “You better not, I swear to God, I’ll shoot you right in your f— face.”
The deputies yell for Massey to drop the pot. Massey apologizes before Grayson shoots three times, hitting Massey in the head.
According to his field report, Grayson, 30, said he took Massey’s rebuke for a threat of deadly harm. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct charges.
Capitol News Illinois reported recently that Grayson “worked in six law enforcement agencies over four years before Massey’s death.
“Prior to joining the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, he worked in Logan County, where he disregarded orders during a high-speed chase and faced at least one misconduct complaint,” Capitol News Illinois reported.
At the July 25 rally, Sharpton urged state lawmakers to pass a “Sonya Massey Law” that would make it illegal for police to switch districts. He also pushed for passage of the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act, written and introduced in Congress by Democratic lawmakers, including Vice President and likely Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, in 2021.
The George Floyd Act would empower the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to issue subpoenas to police departments that show patterns and practices of racial bias and misconduct, establish a federal registry of police misconduct complaints and disciplinary actions, and make it harder for police officers to use “qualified immunity” to avoid individual liability for abusive actions, among other things.
Capitol News Illinois reported that some measures in the George Floyd Act are similar to the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today, or SAFE-T, Act — a state law that took effect last year. The George Floyd Act and the SAFE-T Act requires police officers to wear body cameras, bans chokeholds, and expand police misconduct databases.
WBy Michael Romain Editor
ith less than a month until the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago and fewer than 100 days from the Nov. 5 U.S. Presidential Election, national and local activists and community members gathered at New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 4301 W. Washington Blvd., on July 25, to put the coun-
try’s two major political parties on notice.
“If you think that you’re going to come to Chicago and hold a Democratic National Convention and not talk about Sonya Massey, I come to tell you that whatever goes down in this town we have to talk about what happened to an innocent Black mama who should be alive today,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, the president of the National Action Network, a civil rights organization with chapters around the country.
On July 6, Massey, 36, was shot and killed in
her home near Springfield, Ill., by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson. Massey had called 911 after suspecting that someone was outside her home. Grayson and another deputy, whose identity hasn’t been released, searched the scene but didn’t find anyone. They then entered Massey’s home and asked for her ID. When Massey walked to her stove to remove a pot of boiling water, she twice told Grayson, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson appears to be at least six feet away
The SAFE-T Act also expanded the list of misdemeanors that would prevent someone from becoming a law enforcement officer or result in them losing their certification. When this article went to press, the Westside Branch NAACP planned to host workshops on Aug. 8 to educate residents on decertification.
Antonio Romanucci, a Chicago civil rights attorney who worked on the George Floyd case, said the DNC, which takes place Aug. 19 through Aug. 22 at the United Center, would allow community members to lobby Gov. Pritzker and other state legislators to improve the SAFE-T Act. In particular, he wants to strengthen the vetting process for officers transferring between departments.
Hundreds gather at the New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on July 25 to demand justice for Sonya Massey. The 36-year-old mother of two was murdered in her Springfield-area home on July 6 by Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson. | KENN COOK JR.
If activists and clergy at the July 25 rally demanded more accountability from Democratic lawmakers, they openly rebuked the Republican Party — which vigorously opposed the SAFE-T Act and blocked the George Floyd Act from passing Congress. During an interview in Chicago with members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Republican Party Presidential Candidate Donald Trump said he wasn’t aware of Massey’s case and that he supports qualified immunity for police officers.
The July 25 rally, hosted by the National Action Network and the Leaders Network, the Westside faith-based social justice organization, was a civil rights rally and church
revival. The Leaders Network Justice Choir sang two selections. Santita Jackson, the daughter of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., sang Mahalia Jackson’s “Trouble of the World” as her famous father watched from his wheelchair. And Sharpton raised an offering for Massey’s family, bringing in at least $15,000.
When clergy, activists, and attorneys like Ben Crump, who is representing the Massey family, talked or prayed about the Republican Party’s opposition to reforms that would prevent deaths like Massey’s from happening, they channeled some of Massey’s last words.
“We rebuke a presidential candidate who wants to give immunity to police officers
who want to abuse their badge and their power,” Rev. Reginald Sharpe Jr., the pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church on the Southside, said during a prayer that opened the rally.
“We rebuke it in the name of Jesus,” said Sharpe before referencing Trump’s comments about people not having to vote if he’s elected to another term.
“We rebuke any presidential candidate who says after four more years we will never have to vote again,” Sharpe said. “We rebuke it in the name of Jesus!”
Crump also invoked Massey’s words when referencing the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, the police union that filed
the grievance on Deputy Grayson’s behalf. Crump said the union “wanted him to be reinstated as a police officer, released from jail, given back pay, and re-employed as a law enforcement officer because they said what he did is self-defense. Did they see the same video we saw?”
The union eventually rescinded the grievance. Crump said the union took the action after public pressure.
“Because we all stood up with an uproar … Everybody stood up for justice for Sonya Massey, and we used her words to the police union who tried to exonerate this so-called cop. We said, ‘Police union, we rebuke you in the name of Jesus!’”
Rev. Sharpton speaks while the family members of Sonya Massey stand behind him. Community members raised over $15,000 for Massey's two teenage children. | KENN COOK JR.
Rev. Al Sharpton rolls the wheelchair of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sharpton's mentor, at New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on July 25. | KENN COOK JR.
James Wilburn, the father of Sonya Massey, speaks during the July 25 rally at New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church on the Westside.. | KENN COOK JR.
Attorney Ben Crump said the police union that filed a grievance on Deputy Grayson's behalf reversed themselves and rescinded the filing after public pressure. | KENN COOK JR.
THE BLOCK BEAT [ [
Inside a Westside Branch NAACP monthly meeting
By Michael Romain Editor
Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization, with branches nationwide. According to its website, the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP was chartered in September 1966 by a group of concerned individuals led by two women: Nola Bright and Mattie K. Moore.
But when the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP hosted a festival in Columbus Park on Juneteenth, which drew hundreds of young people with a basketball tournament and live entertainment, among other things, Branch Third Vice President Tyrina Newkirk said some didn’t even know about the historic civil rights organization.
What’s This?
The Block Beat is a regular reporting series on the neighborhood institutions, organizations, groups, and clubs that form the heartbeat of the Westside. The Culture is designed to cover these grassroots groups as a beat, that is, with the same regularity and intensity a City Hall beat reporter would cover a mayoral press conference or an education beat reporter would cover Chicago Board of Education meetings. The Block Beat sheds light on the workings of the community organizations that make the Westside work. If you want to see coverage of your group’s regular meetings, email us at stories@ourculture.us.
On Saturday, Aug. 3, I attended the Chicago Westside Branch’s monthly meeting. The Branch meets on the first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. at Sankofa Cultural Arts and Business Center, 5820 W. Chicago.
Here’s a short summary of key aspects of the meeting and opportunities for you to get involved with the Branch’s activities.
■ Branch President Karl Brinson attended the June unveiling of “The Color of Wealth” report (see page 11). “That
report shows how badly we are regressing,” he said. When it comes to wealth and ownership, we’re really falling behind.”
■ For years, the Branch has been sounding the alarm about the declining enrollment among Black students at Malcolm X College. “The stuff they’re offering is unbelievable, but to our community, it’s unknown,” Brinson said.
■ Public awareness and education are a big part of what the Westside Branch NAACP does. The organization regularly hosts workshops, community listening discussions, and forums on important issues. At Saturday’s meeting, members planned to host a workshop to educate residents on how the Illinois SAFE-T Act makes it easier for police officers to lose their certification if they violate people’s Constitutional rights (see the Sonya Massey story on pages 8 and 9). The workshop was planned for Thursday, 6 p.m., at a Westside location that was still to be determined.
■ Carl Ellis, the Branch’s economic development chair, said the Branch took nine organizations to meet with the Illinois Secretary of Transportation and the director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportu-
nity. “Both organizations are spending about $16 billion” on renewable energy, including electric vehicles and solar panels. Ellis said he’s taking measures to ensure more businesses and organizations that directly benefit from the Branch’s outreach become active members.
■ Newkirk said the Branch is working with Malcolm X College and West Side United to create a career pathway to becoming a doula, or someone who helps women give birth.
■ Branch First Vice President Remel Terry said the Branch will host a Youth Mock Convention on Aug. 15 at the Kehrein Center For The Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd., to get young people involved in civics and government. The Mock Convention is for high school students and starts at 10 a.m.
For more info on the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, visit cwbnaacp.org.
Volunteers Needed for Danny K. Davis’ 44th Annual Back-to-School Parade
Vera Davis, the wife of Congressman Danny K. Davis and a lifetime NAACP member, said volunteers are needed to help with the Congressman’s Annual Back-to-School Parade and Picnic. This year’s parade will be on Aug. 31. Mrs. Davis said the event was pushed back due to the Democratic National Convention. She said they need volunteers to pack book bags that will be given away on the parade day. They’ll be packing bags on Aug. 12. To volunteer, call (773) 533-7520.
Chicago Westside Branch NAACP President Karl Brinson, right, facilitates the organization's monthly meeting on Aug. 3 at Sankofa in Austin. | SHANEL ROMAIN
HERE'S THE DATA [ [
‘Color of Wealth’ Report Highlights Age-Old Racial Disparities
By Michael Romain Editor
Researchers with the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at the New School, a university in New York City, authored a study released in June that “underscores the deep inequities in wealth by race, ethnicity, and nativity in the Chicago metro region,” the report’s summary explains.
According to the report, “white families have the highest median net worth ($210,000) while the typical Black family reported virtually no wealth ($0). In Chicago, the median net worth estimate for a U.S.-born Mexican family is $40,500 (which amounts to 19 percent of a typical White family).”
The report showed that “for a foreign-born Mexican family, it is $6,000 (which amounts to only three percent of a typical White family), and the estimate for the typical Puerto Rican family is $24,000
(which is about 11 percent of the wealth of the typical White family).”
You can read the full report — funded by the Chicago Community Trust, the Kresge Foundation, the Polk Bros. Foundation, and the JPMorgan Chase Foundation — at racepowerpolicy.org.
Meanwhile, we compiled some of the report’s most interesting charts. The numbers almost speak for themselves.
The image of a Black family that migrated to Chicago's Southside in 1922 over an image of the U.S. dollar. | PHOTO FROM THE SCHOMBURG CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN BLACK CULTURE/CREATIVE COMMONS. GRAPHIC BY THE CULTURE.
