As Trump blusters, MAAFA Redemption Project breaks ground
‘Not another chance. A rst chance.’
By LEAH SCHROEDER Contributing Reporter
On Sunday, President Donald Trump threatened war on Chicago in a supposedly satirical social media post. Though Trump has since claimed the post was a joke, he has not denied that he wants to “clean up” the city.
Amid this rhetoric, local leaders are making progress to improve the city they love and over the weekend, they broke ground on a new project: a renovation of the MAAFA Redemption Project’s Center for Ar ts and Activism.
The MAAFA Redemption Project, born out of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. Dr. Marshall Hatch Sr., says this new center will serve as a reminder of hope in West Garfield Park and provide services for young men and women including reentry services, mentor-
See REDEMPTION PROJECT on pa ge 7
By HECTOR CERVANTES | Contributing Reporter
Antidote Inc. and Taproots Inc. brought the Austin community together to create
transformative mural at A.C.T. Yoga, turning a blank wall into a canvas for healing, storytelling and youth empowerment.
The project is powered by Austin-based leaders including Courtney Gipson of Antidote Inc., Ruby Taylor of Taproots Inc., Alexandra Auguste and Jermaine Harris of the Commu-
LemonAid iS LemonAid iS
ALL ARE WELCOME
LemonAid is a cherished tradition that takes the shape of a block party for the entire community. Led by youth and with activities for all ages, LemonAid exists to raise awareness and funds for local charities that serve children. This year, Thrive Counseling Center is an awardee.
Thrive is your local community mental health center, ensuring access to mental health care by providing individual, family, and group counseling, psychiatry, and 24/7 crisis response.
Join us to have a blast and support mental health!
from a building in South A
According to CBS News, a landlord said that, on Aug. 24, six people were taken from an apar tment building on Jackson Boulevard that she owns. She told CBS that at least one resident was taken to an CE detention facility in Broadview.
“My tenant called me very scared. He said that ‘Police are trying to break into our house,’” property owner Arminda astelin told CBS Chicago. “When I came on Monday, I see these doors — they break
S. Department of y agents on the West Side, CBS re ported Anyone who wants to enter a residence needs a war rant, even if they identify themselves as police rather than ICE. T he war rant should be signed by a judg e, not an ICE agent, and residents should request that the war rant is slid under the door, instead of opening it. Residents have the right to deny entry and, if they are detained, remain silent or demand to speak with an attor ney. September
Troops won’t help West, South sides, Chicagoans say
As the city braces for the National Guard to be called up, residents are debating whether the presence of troops will actually help reduce crime — or in ame tensions
By MELODY MERCADO, MICHAEL LIPTROT and ATAVIA REED Block Club Chicago
President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime and homelessness has been a topic of much discussion this week among Englewood resident Pamela Mondane and her neighbors Some neighbors have told Mondane they support troops coming to the city. After expe-
riencing violent incidents, they “feel something radical has to happen to g et a radical change,” Mondane said.
Mondane, who just returned from Washington, D.C., is much less supportive of the idea.
During her recent visit to D.C., where Trump has deployed nearly 2,000 armed National Guard troops, Mondane saw what she described as “troublesome” behavior, including guards throwing away people’s tents while clearing a homeless encampment.
“I’m concerned about that because treating the most vulnerable people in our society like that is problematic to me. When you lead with fear, you get fearful results,”
Designers
Senior
Marketing
Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan
Circulation Manager Jill Wagner
Operations
COLIN BOYLE/BLOCK C LU B CHIC AG O PROVIDED
Members of the National Guard occupy the corner of Div ision and Wells streets in the Old Tow n neighborhood during a peaceful protest on June 2, 2020 in reaction to the death of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police o cer.
celebration his new
‘ e Bloom of Resilience’
Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren unveiled the mural of iconic West Siders at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation over the weekend
By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter
Next time you drive by the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, you’ll see the faces of West Side activists peering back at you.
“The Bloom of Resilience,” a mural unveiled on Sept. 6 at 5500 W. Madison St., was painted by Chicago native Shawn Michael Warren, perhaps best known for his 2023 portrait of Oprah Winfrey for the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. The mural was painted on the building’s front exterior wall and wraps inside the building, near the main staircase indoors.
The subjects portrayed in “The Bloom of Resilience” include cornerstones in West Side community leadership, cultural re-
silience and Black excellence, according to a statement about the mural. A symbol of hope and revitalization, those depicted are a part of Austin’s le gacy in scientific innovation, social change and grassroots organizing.
“Public art in predominantly Black communities is not merely decoration, but a declaration,” Warren said in a statement.
“In spaces that are often overlooked, a mural becomes a monument of history, truth, beauty and future prosperity.”
The process in designing the mural came out of Warren’s collaboration with local residents, leaders and youth.
The mural’s symbol of cultural resilience and revitalization is appropriate for its location.
On a stretch of Madison Street that is seeing revitalization after decades of systemic disinvestment, the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation was a seven-yearlong, $47 million project that opened in June. The center provides free training for trades and career development in a neighborhood that has historically been underresourced. The Aspire Center also offers services to build wealth, like support for financial, le gal, emotional, and familial aspects of life.
The nonprofit Austin Coming Together
As Morris Reed of the Westside Health Authority listens, Cong. Danny Davis speaks at celebration of new e Bloom of Resilience mural.
moved its headquarters to the Aspire Center, and the building also houses the Jane Addams Resource Corporation, a workforce trade agency estimated to train more than 2,000 West Siders for free by 2030. Other tenants include the Westside Health Au-
thority, which will provide services for reentry and youth development, and has the sub-tenants of the Law Office of the Cook County Defender and Legal Aid Chicago. BMO Harris provides advising and financial planning services inside the building.
ODD BANNOR
Mural artist Shaw n Michael Warren speaks at
TODD BANNOR
“Enjoying life - making connections - maintaining independence”
Our beautiful 6-story building provides quality, a ordable, independent housing for seniors. We o er 75 studio and one-bedroom apartments. Amenities include an award winning interior landscaped atrium, central meeting room, library, laundry facilities, computer learning center, internet access, electronic key entry system, parking, onsite management, and 24/7 emergency maintenance service. e Oaks is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development through HUD’s Multifamily Housing Program. Monthly rent is based on the resident’s income, with individuals paying approximately 30% of their monthly income toward rent. For more information, please visit us at www.oakparkha.org or contact us at 708-386-5812.
Thinking about a career in local government?
114 South Humphrey, Oak Park, Il 60302
MURAL Personal touch
from page 1
nity Leadership Fellows, Chris Thomas of YourPassion1st and Mercedes Pickett of Earth’s Remedies, who together bring expertise in restorative justice, intergenerational storytelling, youth leadership, mentorship and holistic community wellness.
Guided by lead artist Dwight White II, the project was shaped by local residents, youth, and stakeholders through community listening sessions, ensuring their voices and experiences were reflected. T he initiative combines art, intergenerational dialo gue and restorative practices to foster connection, pride and healing in a neighborhood long impacted by systemic inequities
“Community members added their own personal touch to the wall, giving them the opportunity to create murals that will be here for years to come and to express their creativity,” White said.
Taylor previously collaborated on a community project that brought together block clubs for peace circles and communitybuilding sessions, where residents shared their visions for their neighborhood. Antidote captured these ideas visually, creating block club signs that reflected the community’s input. When the Together We Heal Creative Place Program opportunity arose, they reunited to collaborate again.
When asked how Taylor had been involved in shaping the project from the beginning, she explained they had previously collaborated on a similar initiative led by the Community Leadership Fellows, including Alexandra Auguste and Jer maine Harris
“We worked with a group of block clubs to bring community members together to discuss their neighborhood and share what they wanted to see in it. We held a series of peace circles and community-building sessions where block club leaders, members, and other residents could participate. Antidote’s role was to capture the ideas and visions shared, and those images were then portrayed on the signs for each participating block,” Taylor said.
The project ties into ongoing work in youth empowerment by ensuring young people are included in listening sessions and given a voice in shaping their community. It emphasizes that youth perspectives matter, highlighting their role in identifying needs and contributing to solutions, while also fostering unity across
Marshawn Feltus, owner of A.C.T. Yoga was eager to join the project and fully supported its vision. Through collaboration, he felt excited about the final work, believing it will bring energy and community interest and hoped it would help raise awareness for his business. The yoga studio, the first such facility in Austin, is at 5457 W. Madison St.
“Marshawn is the one who allowed us to use the wall for the mural on his building and there’s space out there where people can gather and I hope that it will inspire people to use the safe spaces and the available spaces in the community to come to-
“When I heard about it, I was ecstatic,” Feltus said. “The mural creates an opportunity to bring more exposure. Now that we have the mural and the lot adjacent to the building, we’ ll be able to host more outdoor events as the weather permits. That will definitely bring more attention to both the business and the building,” Feltus said.
T he outdoor yo ga sessions, weather permitting, will take place near the mural, using it either as a backdrop or a central feature of the space, according to Feltus. T he mural is expected to be a highlighted element, adding visual inter-
est to the activities.
Alvin Poon, an AmeriCorps VISTA with Territory, moved to Chicago from Michig an and is focused on building community programs and improving efficiency. He’s involved in local projects like the mural to connect with the Austin neighborhood and create shared experiences through art.
“I hope the mural provides something nice to look at every day. I would say it’s a community bonding experience, where people come together and enjoy ar t. It’s absolutely beautiful and another treasure to be enjoyed by everybody,” Poon said.
White was drawn to the project because he’s been creating murals in the area for several years and sees it as part of the neighborhood’s beautification. The “Together We Heal” theme aligns with his personal mission of fostering healing in the community and placing it on a West Side yoga studio made it a meaningful opportunity for him.
“I would hope that this is something that won’t stop. Just because this project has come to an end, but that people will continue to look forward to having such projects and making it an ongoing idea,” Taylor said.
PHOTO S BY HECTO R CERVANTES MAKING A MURAL: Austin neig hbors had input in both planning and creating this new mural on Madison Street
REDEMPTION
PROJEC T
Opportunities for youth from page 1
ship and mental health support, education, workforce training and community healing
“Especially given the dialogue in the country now about violence, urban violence, projects like ours are making the case that investment in people, the root causes of some of the pathologies that we have to deal with, we need to invest in people,” Hatch Sr. said. “For many of our young men and women, this is not just another chance for many of them, it is their first chance.”
Hatch Sr. has been a pastor for 40 years and has spent 32 years at New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout this experience, he says he has learned what it takes to encourage youth to make better decisions.
“I learned then that in order for young people to make better decisions, we have to have better options,” Hatch Sr. said. “That’s kind of what the MAAFA Redemption Project is tasked to do is to give young people better options than they get on the street corners, and so when people have
men from the MAAFA Redemption Program, a young woman from the Beautiful Seed Foundation and several Black elected officials.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was slated to speak at the event but instead had to attend a press conference after ICE raids began in Chicago over the weekend. This development set the backdrop for the ceremony, Hatch Jr. said.
“That was the context for our celebration,” Hatch Jr. said. “It was celebratory. It was sobering given that context, but it was also very meaningful given what the work represents and the life of the MAAFA Redemption Project, but also in West Garfield Park.”
better options, then they can be challenged to make better decisions.”
The center will also be a cultural hub, providing arts education, community organizing and civic empowerment. These services are more important now than ever, according to Rev. Marshall Hatch Jr., executive director of the MAAFA Redemption Project.
“They’re essential, not just for keeping young people afloat and inspired, offering these services, but also economic opportunities, employment opportunities,” Hatch Jr. said. “But it’s pointing a way forward for the future of the neighborhood, especially in this political climate where you see this assault, not just on Chicago, but on this neighborhood.”
T he $8 million project involved renovating an old Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church building to create the second building in the Sankofa Wellness Village in West Garfield Park, the 2022 recipient of the Pritzker Traubert Foundation’s “Chicago Priz e.”
A groundbreaking ceremony for the center took place at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday The ceremony led of f with what Hatch Jr. called an “intergenerational call and response,” in which elders of the church led a prayer, scripture and song followed by the children’s choir singing “This Little Light of Mine.”
Other speakers at the event included Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins, young
“If you can imagine the message that it sends to residents, young and old, it’ll feel like an occupation. … the resistance has to start on the ground, and so the organizing that we’ve been doing is even more important now, so that people feel inspired and encouraged and people are not fearful of the President’s message,” Hatch Jr. said.
Trump continues to threaten to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, and in the meantime, Hatch Sr. says the work of the MAAFA Redemption Project will not slow down.
As Trump continues to paint Chicago as “out of control,” local leaders feel emboldened. Hatch Jr. said it would be likely that federal troops would be stationed in the West Garfield area and feels the work of the MAAFA Redemption Project is especially important right now.
“We live in close proximity with people that are statistics to some people, but human beings to us,” Hatch Sr. said. “Clearly, we know that the answer is not a military force trained for battle, on battlefields. We pledge we want to work with constitutional policing locally, we support the police, but we certainly don’t need the National Guard. That’s a melodrama that doesn’t address long time and root causes.”
COURTESY OF HATC H JR
NEW DAY: An array of West Side leaders turned out Sunday to break ground for the MAAFA renovation project.
TROOPS
Waiting on Trump
from page 3
she said.
Chicago and state elected officials have blasted Trump’s proposed plan as unconstitutional and an abuse of federal power, with Gov. JB Pritzker vowing to fight it in court. Mayor Brandon Johnson has pointed to a 30 percent drop in homicides and nearly 40 percent decline in shooting victims this year as evidence that Chicago is making progress on its own and isn’t the war zone Trump is making it out to be.
Still, Chicago leaders are bracing for the deployment of federal troops — and possibly a large-scale immigration crackdown — early this month. Meanwhile, emotions and debate are stirring among residents as to whether the guard’s presence will do more har m than good.
While the National Guard will have limited power to act as law enforcement in Chicago, some Chicagoans say troops would bring a much-needed sense of order. Others fear a military presence would inflame tensions and paint the city as unsafe.
Block Club Chicago reporters spent a day talking with residents in the city’s South and West side neighborhoods most affected by gun violence, as well as people living downtown, where the National Guard is likely to be deployed. The conversations revealed a mix of fear, skepticism and frustration not reflected in any one crime statistic.
‘They don’t care for the people’
In Austin on the West Side, Lawrence Calloway worries that issues Chicagoans already have with local police will only be exacerbated by the National Guard, which has no community ties, he said.
“We complain about of ficers serving and protecting our community, but this is martial law,” he said. “They don’t care for the people; [they’re] just here to do a job.”
Investing in schools and youth activities would do far more to address the root of crime, said Calloway, a father of five “You took music out of schools. Now they don’t have instruments — they have drugs and they have guns,” he said. “Sports are not important anymore. We’re shutting down schools, and we don’t have enough teachers.”
Longtime Austin resident Mary Reed said troops might provide short-term relief
Gov. JB Pritzker looks on as Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during a press conference in response to President Trump’s threats to deploy military in Chicago on Aug. 25.
but no lasting impact in her neighborhood.
The National Guard “might help while they’re here, but once they’re gone, what is going to be done about crime? That’s a problem right there,” she said.
Theresa Bragg, a lifelong Austin resident and mental health technician, said some of her coworkers’ support Trump’s plan because “they feel that the crime is worse.” But she doesn’t believe troops are the solution. Like Calloway, Reed and other neighbors, she wants to see the federal government invest in long-term resources like housing and schools, she said.
Jimmy Gaither, a lifelong North Lawndale resident, dismissed Trump’s threat of deployment as a political ploy, while some of his older neighbors welcome the idea, he said.
Even if Trump does send the National Guard to Chicago, Gaither doesn’t think they’ll be in areas where violence is most severe
“The military is not going to come in on Madison and Pulaski,” Gaither said. “In Washington, D.C., they did not go into the crime-ridden areas. So what’s the use of bringing them in?
True stakes in the community
Aisha Oliver, an Austin native and founder of Root2Fruit Youth Foundation, has spent nearly two decades working to prevent violence on the West Side by helping bridge divides between rival gangs.
The Austin Safety Action Plan Safe Zone, which Oliver leads, is the city’s first official
“Real change is not going to come from bringing more rifles on top of rifles,” he said. “It’s going to come from within the community, and we have to invest in people, not just street patrol.”
Safer for some
Lance Williams, a professor at Northeastern Illinois University who works with violence intervention groups across Chicago, said he doesn’t think the National Guard will help combat crime over the long term in Chicago — especially if, like in D.C., troops are mostly concentrated downtown. Since being deployed, troops in D.C. have largely been guarding landmarks and making low-level arrests, according to media reports.
Julie Pacheco, a lifelong Chicagoan and River North resident, worries a military presence downtown would only make Chicago seem more dangerous than it is.
safe zone, covering several blocks between Lake and Ohio streets and Waller and Parkside avenues. It offers year-round programs on violence prevention and career development, serving as a neutral ground where feuding gangs can safely coexist.
This work cannot be replaced by federal troops, Oliver said. She sees Trump’s plan as “performative and ego-driven.”
“None of this is to address any type of crime or violence. … This is more about wanting to have control,” Oliver said. “He has no true stake here, even as President.”
Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block My Hood My City, said deploying troops would only escalate tensions and disrupt years of work by grassroots groups like his and others. My Block My Hood My City works with students to reduce gun violence through “primary prevention,” a tactic that shows kids better so they’ll do better.
Cole, a South Side resident, has been a victim of gun violence twice, he said. He became emotional as he described Trump’s plan as a “slap in the face.”
“It’s actually disrespectful to come into a city — where people like me have been working for 20 years — with the military and say, ‘We’re trying to help you,’” Cole said.
Gun violence is caused by a mixture of racial and economic injustice, high incarceration rates, poor neighborhoods, underresourced schools and unemployment, Cole said. The focus should be on identifying the organizations addressing those issues, finding out what’s working and expanding their programs to help more people, he said.
Pacheco was living in River North in 2020 when the National Guard was called in to help manage civil unrest after Minneapolis police killed George Floyd. It felt “odd” and “excessive” then and would feel even more so now, she said.
“It’s not like Gotham, like Batman. Especially downtown — there’s literally nothing happening. People are shopping, people are eating, people are going out,” Pacheco said. “The perspective that Chicago needs excessive force is a propagated narrative.”
Christina Lindsay, who has lived downtown since 1997, has had a different experience. A lifelong Chicagoan, she used to walk to Rush Street for a cocktail and then walk back to her apartment, but not anymore.
Just last week, Lindsay watched a woman get knocked down and robbed of her purse at about 10:30 a.m., an attack that left her shaken, she said.
“It is very scary, especially as an elderly person. I can’t run anymore. … I don’t have a concealed carry. I don’t have pepper spray,” she said.
So when Lindsay heard Trump’s plan to send federal troops to Chicago, she was relieved.
“I would welcome them, because the presence, I think, would be a deterrent,” she said. “I would feel safer.”
‘Band-Aid on the problem’
Amena Muhammad has lived across the South Side, first in Auburn Gresham, then Englewood, before settling in West Chatham over 20 years ago. Today, she leads the 79th and Harvard Avenue Block Club, where she and her neighbors run a “phone tree” to report suspicious activity.
That kind of connection is what keeps the
COLIN BOYLE/BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
block safe, she said.
“Trump wants to paint the picture that all Democratic cities are out of control, and that’s just not true,” Muhammad said. “Chicago has its problems, but don’t we all? We don’t need the National Guard. Not in the neighborhoods.”
Tamuela Miller, an Englewood resident for 20 years, disagrees. Englewood needs “all boots on the ground,” she said.
Miller said she’s in favor of the National Guard coming to the city if it can prevent crime.
“I come from a neighborhood where we have kids getting shot and we can’t utilize the stores,” Miller said. “If the National Guard can help save one person, isn’t that what we asked for?”
Other South Side neighbors said continued investment in the community and existing programs would be a more effective way of addressing gun violence and other crime.
Sending the National Guard to the city will only “put a Band-Aid on the problem instead of getting to the root of it,” Mondane said.
Disruption to downtown’s recovery
The Chicago Loop Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes and manages downtown’s State Street corridor, has spent five years trying to repair the Loop’s image after the National Guard was deployed in 2020 at the request of then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Hundreds of Guard members patrolled downtown, monitored access points and guarded commercial corridors. The guardsmen had to be accompanied by state police because they did not have set rules of en-
gagement with civilians or the authority to arrest and detain people, according to a February 2021 Office of the Inspector General report on how Chicago responded to the unrest.
While the Loop Alliance believed the guard was necessary then, the group does not believe it is needed now, citing decreased crime and recovery along the corridor.
“There’s been an increased investment in the Loop, particularly on State Street — over 30 new businesses opening or coming soon just in 2025,” said Ariella Gibson, director of communications and marketing for the Loop Alliance. “A significant police or troop presence is not welcoming. It would be detrimental to the success and recovery we’ve been working toward for half a decade.”
Prominent River North restaurant owner Sam Sanchez, a vocal Trump supporter, echoed that sentiment. He warned that a deployment would deter customers and ultimately devastate restaurants.
Sanchez pointed to Washington, D.C., where restaurants have seen a 31 percent decrease in customers since troops were deployed compared to the same time last year, according to data from the reservation platform OpenTable cited by The Guardian.
While Chicago residents deserve safety, using troops sends the wrong message and risks driving away people at a time when restaurants are still struggling to recover, Sanchez said.
“I’ve been a big supporter of law and order. But I want the federal prosecution of gun charges,” Sanchez said. “I don’t need the military. The military can’t prosecute.”
Members of the National Guard station outside the Chicago Police Academy in the West Loop dur ing a protest demanding that Chicago Public Schools divest from the Chicago Police Department on June 4, 2020.
COLIN BOYLE/BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF CSMC 2017-RPL2 TRUST
Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND LEGATEES OF TOMMY DAVIS A/K/A TOMMIE L. DAVIS, NATIONSBANC MORTGAGE CORPORATION, ALLY FINANCIAL INC., BETTY J. DAVIS, AMIR MOHABBAT AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR TOMMY DAVIS A/K/A TOMMY L. DAVIS, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS
Defendants 2022 CH 12421 613 N. LOREL AVENUE
CHICAGO, IL 60644
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 26, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 30, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 613 N. LOREL AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60644 Property Index No. 16-09-111-0160000
The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The judgment amount was $241,626.94.
Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY
LLC
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
For information, contact JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC
Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650, Chicago, IL, 60602 (312) 541-9710. Please refer to file number 22 9905. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
JOHNSON, BLUMBERG & ASSOCIATES, LLC
30 N. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 3650 Chicago IL, 60602
312-541-9710
E-Mail: ilpleadings@johnsonblumberg. com
Attorney File No. 22 9905 Attorney Code. 40342 Case Number: 2022 CH 12421 TJSC#: 45-1813
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2022 CH 12421 I3271857
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC. ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2003-BC2
Plaintiff, -v.UNKNOWN HEIRS AND/OR LEGATEES OF VANESSA PERRY, DECEASED, ERIC PERRY A/K/A ERIC DWAYNE PERRY, ERIC D. PERRY, WILHELMEINA RENEE BROWN, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF VANESSA PERRY, DECEASED, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS
Defendants
23 CH 1926 5060 WEST VAN BUREN STREET CHICAGO, IL 60644
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 18, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 7, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 5060 WEST VAN BUREN STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60644 Property Index No. 16-16-214-2430000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.
The judgment amount was $59,112.64. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will
be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.
The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).
If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
For information, contact The sales clerk, LOGS Legal Group LLP Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 291-1717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm..
Please refer to file number 23-098263. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. LOGS Legal Group LLP 2801 LAKESIDE DRIVE, SUITE 207 Bannockburn IL, 60015
847-291-1717
E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com
Attorney File No. 23-098263
Attorney Code. 42168
Case Number: 23 CH 1926
TJSC#: 45-1642
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 23 CH 1926 I3272257
Plaintiff, -v.THOMAS QUINN, SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF JULIUS W HARRIS, DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF JULIUS W HARRIS, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NON-RECORD CLAIMANTS, MARY L LANE
Defendants 24 CH 07692 563 NORTH LAWLER AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60644
NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 25, 2025, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 14, 2025, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:
Commonly known as 563 NORTH LAWLER AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60644
Property Index No. 16-09-219-0010000
The real estate is improved with a three unit multi family home.
Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.
Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4).
If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).
IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.
You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys,
One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION
One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE
You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.
MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC
One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088
E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com
Attorney File No. 24-18961IL_1099418 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 24 CH 07692 TJSC#: 45-1766
NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
Case # 24 CH 07692 I3272694
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.
To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.
GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA
Submit events and see full calendar at austinweeklynews.com/events
EXPLORE YOUR POSSIBILITIES
ARTS & WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS 55+
LUNCH & COMMUNITY
Kehrein Center for the Arts | 5628 Washington Boulevard September 12 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
VIVA LA VIDA
National Museum of Mexican Art | 1852 W. 19th Street September 25 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. or 1:00–3:00 p.m.
WALKING & WELLNESS CLUB
Salvation Army Freedom Center | 825 N. Christiana Avenue Fridays | 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Register today! Anyone 55+ is welcome to join for our free programs.
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2025 QUARTER 3
September 10, 2025
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018.
THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.
THE GOOD NEWS
Our unity is driving progress
THIS ISSUE INCLUDES A SPECIAL FEATURE ON THE ASPIRE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION STARTING ON PAGE 7
THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PLAN CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD PAGE 3 THE GOOD NEWS: A SELECTION OF QUOTES FROM THE DOCUMENTARY PAGE 4
FEATURING ASPIRE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION PAGE 7 GRAND OPENING PAGE 8 | STAY IN THE KNOW WITH ACWI PAGE 10
Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.
Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.
ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
CHAIR
Larry Williams
Broker, State Farm Insurance
VICE CHAIRMAN
Bradly Johnson
Interim Chief Executive Officer, BUILD Inc.
SECRETARY
Jerrod Williams
Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court
ACT STAFF
Leadership
Darnell Shields
Executive Director
Research & Evaluation
Andrew Born*
Senior Director of Community Impact
Mia Almond
Research Associate
Operations
TREASURER
LaDarius Curtis
Senior Director of Community Engagement & Health, West Side United
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Darnell Shields
Austin Coming Together
Directors
Sharon Morgan
Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools
Reverend Reginald E. Bachus Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
Deirdre Bates*
Director of Operations
Dearra Williams*
Executive Operations Lead/ Assistant to the CEO
Londen Mance
Office Administrator
Alfred Jackson Community Liaison/ Receptionist
Strategic Initiatives
Sandra Diaz*
Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Austin Community Hub
Emone Moore
Engagement Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
Dollie Sherman
Engagement Specialist, Austin Community Hub
ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
A House in Austin
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Austin Community Family Center
Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media)
Be Strong Families
Beat the Streets Chicago
Bethel New Life Beyond Hunger BUILD Inc.
By The Hand Club For Kids
Cara Catholic Charities
Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures
Chicago Community Loan Fund
City of Refuge
Defy Ventures Illinois
Erikson Institute
Friends of the Children
Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin
Greater West Town Community Development Project Housing Forward
i.c. stars IFF
Tenisha Jones
Executive Management Professional
Reginald Little
Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Dawn Ferencak
Account Executive
Louisville Business First
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Founder & CEO, D.W. Provision Consulting Services
Clara Bonnlander
Social Services Coordinator, Austin Community Hub
Ethan Ramsay* Planning and Investment Manager
Grace Cooper Lead Organizer
Nyla Larry Project Coordinator
Natalie Goodin*
Special Projects Manager
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Kids First Chicago
KRA Westside American Job Center
Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)
Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF)
Manufacturing Renaissance
Ruth Kimble
Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network
Max Komnenich
Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative
In Memoriam
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jack Macnamara 1937–2020
FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR
Mildred Wiley 1955–2019
Arewa Ekua Community Organizer
La’Shawna Bundy Community Land Trust Coordinator
Mary White Community Resource Coordinator
Krystal Cano Community Resource Coordinator
Mary Shyrese Daycare
Maryville Academy
Mercy Housing Lakefront
New Moms
OAI, Inc.
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Open Books
PCC Community Wellness Center
Project Exploration
Renaissance Social Services, Inc.
Sarah’s Inn
South Austin Neighborhood Association
St. Joseph Services
Marketing & Development
Robbie Gorman*
Director of Development
Jon Widell
Marketing and Development Specialist
Sydni Hatley
Marketing and Development Specialist
*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team
District, Inc.
Towers of Excellence
UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work
VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
St. Leonard’s Ministries
Stone Community
Development Corporation
West Side Forward Worldvision
Youth Guidance
The Catalyst Schools
The Journey Forward
The North Avenue
The next phase of the plan continues to move forward
WBy Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together
ith the public release of the Highlighted Agenda, our new approach to more effectively implementing the Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life-plan, one year ago, we wanted to reflect on the progress and strides that have already been made from this intentional effort.
The implementation of the Highlighted Agenda has allowed for a clearer vision and for things to run more smoothly, and collectively. We have seen more engagement from the leaders and members, less turnover, and millions invested in AFT priorities. As a result, we’ve conducted action planning for nearly half of the Highlighted Agenda Initiatives, established our direction for the next three years, and built strong momentum with clear progress and strategy around the Highlighted Agenda.
Particularly around these initiative items:
We have continued to create an infrastructure that will be able to withstand the instability of the current climate, and justifiably attract the funding that is needed to accomplish the goals we have set out. Through coordinating Action Planning, we are formalizing processes and partnerships. The state of the world is precarious, but we are confident in where we are going in the next three years, and what that means for the Austin community.
The GOOD News: A selection of quotes from the documentary
On Thursday, August 21st 2025 the Austin Forward. Together. community summit was held, and at this year’s event we premiered The Good News, a documentary about the progress and challenges we have faced advancing the quality-of-life plan. This night and documentary would not have been possible without the Austin community and the AFT leaders and members. Read a selection of quotes directly from those Austin residents and AFT plan leaders and members who played an integral part.
I live in Austin. I was born and raised in Austin. So this work is personal. I don’t do this for the job. I do this for the people. I do this for the community because I believe in the community.
ATHENA WILLIAMS
There is communal trauma associated with the level of divestment we’ve experienced in Austin historically. And so when you bring people to the table to create something together, to talk about things that they care about, and to share their lived experience — there’s healing that’s inherent in that journey.
RASHEEDA GRAHAM
I love Austin. It’s not the work that I do. It is truly who I am. I’m a product of this community and everything that goes along with it. There is a sense of connectedness here. There’s a very strong sense of community here. People brought their faith and their gifts and their talents, and the part, to me, that is still holding us together is all of those things.
AREWA EKUA
A large part of our work is around organizing the community to be in the community… I think public safety is really about all the generations being outside, all the generations interacting.
BRADLY JOHNSON
There’s so much noise out there with stories of who we are as West Siders or Black Chicagoans, and it’s important for us to be able to tell our own stories… to tell the true story, the raw story, and the whole story. KENN COOK JR.
You can’t just tell a young person ‘stay off the street’ if you’re not giving them somewhere to stand. We get a kid that walks in here, he’s 16, angry, don’t know who he is — and we say, ‘We see you. We got you. My goal is to catch ’em before they get lost. To let ’em know somebody already loves them before the world convinces them they’re not worth it.
PASTOR MAC
Austin Forward. Together. and this documentary would not be possible without immense buy-in from the community and its residents, and we are thankful for this opportunity to help showcase what Austin is really about.
You can watch the trailer: bit.ly/AFTDocTrailer
Letting Austin Tell Their Own Story
A spotlight of one of the AFT
Highlighted
Agenda items: The Authentic Storytelling Initiative
By Jonathan Widell Marketing & Development Specialist, Austin Coming Together
In Austin, the narrative is often shaped by people who do not live in the community, or who have historically not had the best interest of the residents at heart. With the Authentic Storytelling initiative outlined in the Highlighted Agenda, we have set out to take control of the narrative around Austin by telling the stories about Austin, using modes of communication that will reach a larger audience, and implementing strategies to align narratives more closely with the lived experience of the community. This initiative is important to shaping the public perception of Austin, so people see this community for what it truly is.
Next steps: STORYTELLING COLLABORATIVE
Creating a collaborative of storytellers that conducts research on Austin’s arts/cultural/ storytelling assets, attracting investment to these assets, and collaborating on events and programs.
Projects from this will include: establishing a shared calendar for community events, a database of funders, asset mapping, and a needs assessment.
WESTSIDE CULTURAL ARCHIVE
Mission Statement—The Westside Cultural Archive Project is a community-driven digital archive built by and for the Westside of Chicago. Our goal is to preserve the stories, histories, and cultural contributions of Westside residents while making them accessible to future generations. Through this work, we aim to educate, build local pride, and ensure that our legacy is not forgotten. This has led to us hosting the first History Harvest event on October 11th at the Legler Regional Library. This community event is a chance to share, preserve, share, and celebrate the rich history of Chicago’s Westside.
AUSTIN NEWSROOM
Establishing a Westside “News & Narrative Space” in the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation to enhance the news and information ecosystem in Austin through cultivating and sharing stories by Westsiders, for Westsiders. In the Newsroom, we plan to host a variety of programming, including an event series called Story Bank Sessions which will take story pitches and teach the public about storytelling and journalism.
MERCHANDISE
Create and sell merchandise designed and influenced by Austin artists and storytellers to uplift stories and showcase community pride.
This project will be led by the Kehrein Center for the Arts Foundation and the development of their new “high fashion swag line”, which aims to achieve the following goals:
• Elevate the voices and visions of local artists
• Activate an arts-based economic engine grounded in community values
• Create tangible products that reflect cultural pride and purpose
• Fuel sustainability for artists through long-term financial return
Make sure you stay tuned for further developments surrounding these working groups. We are just getting started on this work for the community! Westside stories matter! n
AFT
ASPIRE CENTER FOR WORKFORCE INNOVATION
The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation Grand Opening
This Juneteenth, was the long awaited grand opening of the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation! To ensure the big day properly showcased what makes the Austin community and its residents special, over 40 community members were gathered to take part in the planning process to create the feel and vision for the event. With guidance from the Anchor Tenant staff, led by ACT’s Dearra Williams, the day promised an authentic Austin feel while honoring the history and significance of Juneteenth as the chosen date for the grand opening.
The programming for the day began honoring the significance of Juneteenth and our ancestors. Led by remarks from Mayor Brandon Johnson, Executive Director of Austin Coming Together, Darnell Shields, CEO of Westside Health Authority, Morris Reed, and Cook County Board President, Toni Preckwinkle. It continued on with an overview of the history of this important day, and a beautiful rendition of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’. The opening ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting and then African dancers closed things out in a circle dance in front of the building with a stilt walker as people gathered to enter the Aspire Center for the first time.
As the day continued on, guests were able to tour the new center, enjoy music, food, and plenty of familyfriendly activities. ITW and JARC showcased some of their
mechanical operating tools via demos, BMO provided on site mobile banking, there were storytelling circles - so people could gather and discuss their experience of living in Austin and connect with other residents. In addition, there was a “Leaving your print” activity so youth and adults could paint their print on a canvas and write how they aspire to leave their mark in Austin, a “Dear Austin” letter wall to leave love letters to Austin, and amazing food, giveaways, and contagious unifying energy.
The joy and excitement we saw throughout the grand opening were a testament to the great progress that we have made at ACT. With almost 900 attendees throughout the day, and nearly 20 elected officials, the community came together to witness a monumental, milestone moment in Austin’s history.. n
Historic installation designed by Borderless Studio and Span Studio
ACWI Development team and close partners for the ribbon cutting
ACT Executive Director, Darnell Shields speaking at the Aspire Center Grand Opening
“Freedom” mural by Kalief Dinkins
Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson speaking at the Aspire Center Grand Opening
ACT’s Arewa Ekua at the Grand Opening
Performers for a Juneteenth celebration
Darnell Shields and Alderman Taliaferro
Stay in the know with ACWI
The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation (ACWI) is open and we want to see you!
Come visit our tenants, JARC, WHA, ACT, Freedom Defense Center of Austin, Legal Aid Chicago, and BMO, ahead of their grand opening celebration in October later, and see the beautiful mural designed by Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren. This new public art piece honors the innovators, leaders, and changemakers from Austin and across the Westside who inspire our community every day. Come view this mural now.
We are excited to also announce that we will be taking part in Open House Chicago 2025! We are very excited for this opportunity to showcase the Aspire Center and have more people from the community and across the city learn about the Aspire Center and what it means for Austin.
TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS ASPIRE, SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER TODAY!
Photo credit: Tom Harris
With the release of the AFT Highlighted Agenda, ACT is going “on the road!” Our team will be on tour and available to co-host discussions about the new phase of Austin’s AFT quality-of-life plan and its vision and strategy, with block clubs, churches, community organizations, coalitions, etc. Other ways we’ll ensure to update the community on the progress of implementing the Highlighted Agenda are through newspaper sections like this, emails, and social media.
Plan Leaders
Community
Narrative
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Kenneth Varner
Healthy Schools Campaign
Dearra Williams
Austin Coming Together
Reesheda Graham
Washington
The Kehrein Center for the Arts
STRATEGY LEADS
Suzanne McBride
Austin Talks
Cindy Gray Schneider
Spaces-n-Places
Maria Sorrell
Community Resident
Megan Hinchy
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Andraya Yousfi By the Hand Club for Kids
Jai Jones PSPC, The Chicago Community Trust and Community Resident
Adrienne Otkins
Community Resident
Michael Romaine The Culture
Keli Stewart Front Porch Arts Center
Kenn Cook Westside Historical Collective
Economic Development
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Roxanne Charles West Side Forward
STRATEGY LEADS
Emily Peters
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Tina Augustus
Community Resident
Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures
Fanya Buford-Berry
Community Resident
Baxter Swilley
Community Stakeholder
Ed Coleman
Austin Chamber of Commerce
Education
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Charles Anderson
Michele Clark High School
STRATEGY LEADS
Pam Price Director of Parent University at CPS
Ruth Kimble
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Cata Truss
Community Resident
Housing
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Athena Williams Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Allison McGowan Community Resident
STRATEGY LEADS
Shirley Fields Community Resident
Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority
Public Safety
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Bradly Johnson BUILD Inc.
Marilyn Pitchford Heartland Alliance
STRATEGY LEADS
Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.
Jose Abonce The Policing Project
Ruby Taylor Taproots, Inc.
Youth Empowerment
TASK FORCE CHAIR
D’elegance Lane
Community Stakeholder
STRATEGY LEADS
Aisha Oliver Root2Fruit
Helen Slade
Territory NFP
Dollie Sherman
Austin Coming Together
Chris Thomas YourPassion1st
Civic Engagement
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
D.W. Provision
Consulting Services
