Austin Weekly News 062624 by Wednesday Journal

Inaugural Black Aura Celebration takes place this weekend

It’s a celebration of Black history, culture and artistr y

By KATHERINE FRAZER Contributing Reporter

The Black Aura: A Celebration of Black Liberation is set to take place this weekend at The Kehrein Center for the Arts to celebrate Black history, culture and artistry this weekend.

From June 28 to 29, the event will host workshops, panels, a documentary screening, live music, and other events in celebration of Blackness on Chicago’s West side. Local artists, musicians and poets will highlight their contributions all weekend.

Austin native Reesheda Graham-Washington is the founding executive director of The Kehrein Center for the Arts and the force behind The Black Aura. Graham-Washington said that her passion for Black justice and independence in Chicago sparked her idea for a celebration near Juneteenth in the community.

Khyet Martin of Chicago adds food to the Alt_Market during their 4th year celebration held ursday June 20, 2024.

‘It’s allowed for things to be fostered and cultivated in this space in ways that we couldn’t have fathomed,’ an organizer says

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Austin’s fourth annual Alt_Market included an interactive art installation among shelves of free non-perishable food and hygiene items. See AURA on pa ge 5 See ALT_MARKET on pa ge 6

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ERICA BENSON

June 26-July 3

BIG WEEK

Navy Pier Independence Day Firework Show

July 3, 9 p.m.

Find a spot along the lakeshore and watch the annual Independence Day rework show at Navy Pier. The event is free and takes place on July 3, there will be no reworks on July 4.

Summer at BUILD Events

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, times var y, now until August 3

Hosted by BUILD at 5100 W. Harrison St.

The Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development, or BUILD, is hosting “Summer at Build,” a series of events every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, now until August 3. On Thursdays, BUILD is open until midnight for its “Midnight Madness” programming. Activities on June 27 include group sports, stem activities and an art open art studio. Friday’s events are “Youth Nights,” where activities are aimed towards youth in six through 12 grade Saturdays are for the whole family including “Family Roller Skate Night” on June 29. All events are free, and are hosted at BUILD headquar ters at 5100 W. Harrison St. All events are welcome to all ages except Saturdays during “Youth Nights.” Find more information on speci c times and events on BUILD’s website. For questions contact Sarah Lo man at sarahlo man@buildchicago.org.

https://ow.ly/cy2I50SnhQs

Teens in the Park Festival Audition at La Follette Park

June 27, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Hosted by The Chic ago Park District, Located at La Follette Park

The 9th annual Teens in the Park youth artist showcase is hosting auditions at La Follette Park, at 1333 N. Laramie, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., on June 27. The Teens in the Park festival, organized by the Chicago Park District, showcases youth dancers, musicians, poets and rappers ages 14 to 24. Although the date and location of the festival is still to be determined, auditions are open on June 27 at La Follette Park, and a second audition date on July 18. Once a top performance from each location is chosen by a panel of judges, the top performers move onto the Teens in the Park Fest Performance. The top three artists at the festival receive cash awards. Find more information about the festival and register for an audition. https:// ow.ly/8G3y50SnhYn. 1333 N. Laramie Ave.

Summer Kicko Bike Giveaway

June 29, 12 to 3 p.m., Hosted by A House in Austin Bikes for all ages are going to be o ered free-of-charge to the community on Saturday, June 29, by A House in Austin, a parent and child-support non-pro t. Registration is required, limited supplies are available. Children have to present to be eligible to pick up the free bike and helmet at 533 North Pine Ave. Find out more information about their events here, and register. https://ow.ly/MXsO50Sni10. Located at 533 North Pine Ave

Peace in the Streets Summer Block Part y & Resource Fair

June 29, 12 to 3 p.m. , Hosted by the North Lawndale Employment Network Interested in a free summer block party that has a live D.J., free food, and opportunity to connect with employers? The North Lawndale Employment Network is hosting the Peace in the Streets Summer Block party and resource fair on Saturday, June 29. Families are welcome. 1111 S. Homan Ave.

Fourth of July reworks show in Berw yn

July 3, 8 p.m., Hosted by the World’s Largest Laundromat, Located at Morten West High School Football Stadium

Watch free reworks in Berwyn at the annual rework show organized by the World’s Largest Laundromat, a local business. The event is free to attend. Fireworks start after dark. Find more information on the event’s Facebook page. https:// ow.ly/lHGi50Sni4c. 2400 Home Ave.

AU STIN WEEKLY news

Editor Erika Hobbs

Sta Reporters Jessica Mordacq Amaris E. Rodriguez

Special projects reporter Delaney Nelson

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan

Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks

Columnists Arlene Jones, Aisha Oliver

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designers Susan McKelvey, Vanessa Garza

Sales & Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n

Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com

ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com

ReRan’s reparations plan aims to eliminate property tax

Organizers hope to get the refer on the ballot for the Nov. 5 elec

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

Howard Ray, founder of Reconstruction Era Act Now, or ReRan, is pushing a petition to add a dum to the November ballot that would give residents the ability to vote to eliminate property taxes ancestors of enslaved people as a means of re From 2010 to 2020, there were 1,429 tax sale evictions in Cook County. Across the 11 zip codes with the highest number of evictions, 73% of those evicted we cording to Housing Action Illinois. By comparison, 82% of people were white across the 44 zip codes with no evictions over that decade.

Although slavery was abolished with the Amendment to the United States Constitution, many African American people still experience discrimination and systemic injustices that keep them from home ownership and economic advancement.

Ray estimated that eliminating property taxes will save the average homeowner $10,000 a year.

“This is the face of reparations,” Ray said of ReRan. “Reparation means somebody is giving you something because of what went wrong.”

“When you save $10,000, you’re able to invest in other things,” he added. “That becomes something that you can’t even measure.”

That money could instead be used for an improvement project that adds value to a house or go toward paying for children’s schooling or sports programs. And having more money would create less stress for people, Ray said.

Long-term, Ray said participants could set up a trust so that their children and loved ones can also access property tax exemptions, building tional wealth.

Eliminating property taxes for some doesn others will have to pay more.

If passed, ReRan would reallocate money from Chicago’s

and Cook County’s sales tax to pay for the property taxes of those whose ancestors were enslaved. ReRan is asking for three cents from every sales- and use-tax transaction in Cook County, and six cents from every transaction in Chicago. The revenue would still be a part of Cook County’s budget, but ReRan would oversight of the funds.

“Everybody’s paying sales tax,” Ray said. re saying, ‘We want to work with you on We all want to pitch in together to make this right.’”

ReRan is an arm of West Humboldt Park Community Coalition. When Amazon started building a facility in Humboldt Park in 2022, the coalition wanted to create a community benefit reement with the company. requests, the ag reement asked for Amazon to pay property taxes, since the facility is in an Opportunity Zone that qualifies it for tax cuts. And when the coresearching local property taxes, members came across data that showed how property tax evictions

disproportionately affect Black Cook County residents.

But ReRan wouldn’t just eliminate property taxes for Black people. The tax cut would be available to anyone who is the descendant of an enslaved person who was emancipated by the Thirteenth Amendment. Those who apply for a property tax break would need to show documentation that their ancestors were enslaved from the likes of an ancestry test or the Freedman’s Bureau search portal

Though Ray said he doesn’t know of any municipalities that have eliminated property taxes as a form of reparations, there are over 40 Illinois municipalities where residents don’t pay property taxes.

“This is not an impossible thing,” Ray said. “We want to show how this benefit is going to work and then research how this action could help other urban cities.”

ReRan needs over 100,000 signatures from voters who are re gistered in Cook County in order to get on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election.

To sign the petition, call or text (224) 370-1242 or attend ReRan’s petition driv e June 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 at 951 N. Kilbourne Av e.

PROVIDED

A petition dr ive for ReRan on June 23 at 6200 West Bloomingdale Ave.

HOWARD RAY

Lost a birth certi cate? Cook County has a solution for school registration

The county’s back-to-school event aims to help working families

By JESSICA MORDACQ Staff Reporter

The Cook County Clerk’s Office is holding a back-to-school event July 20 in which parents can get a copy of their child’s birth certificate for school registration. Birth certificates are required for children to re gister for school. The Saturday

AURA

Celebrating Blackness

from page 1

“The Black Au ra is the weekend that will happen e ry year, the last weekend in June. It is specifically and in tentionally situated b etween Juneteenth and the Fourth of Ju ly,” Graham-Washington said. “It c alls us to g et present to wh at freedom and l ibera tion means for us as individu als, and wh at d oes freedom and l iberation mean for us in our cultural context. ”

event is largely for working families, who are likely unable to visit the Clerk’s Office of Vital Records during the re gular 9-to-5 workday.

“We are pleased to be offering these extended hours to accommodate families with busy schedules,” said Clerk Cedric Giles in a statement.

Giles became clerk after his predecessor Karen Yarborough passed in April.

On July 20, those looking for a copy of their child’s birth certificate can visit the Clerk’s Office of Vital Records in Chicago, Markham, Maywood or Skokie.

In order to obtain a copy of a child’s birth

on a sliding scale. That night concludes with The Black Aura Awards Celebration Gala, an awards ceremony that will honor four community members who are passionate about change and progress in the community, followed by music and revelry.

“To the extent that we will be educating ourselves and developing ourselves as we get present to freedom and liberation on Friday night, we will be celebrating ourselves and being in community with ourselves on Saturday night,” GrahamWashington said.

Community members can attend the event for free Friday, June 28, and participate in workshops and panels

“The first day of Aura will always be about teaching, learning, developing, and cultivating the community,” Graham-Washington said. “Those were experiences that we felt would be really important for the Chicago community to have access to, re gardless of socioeconomic circumstances, which is why we made the first night a free event.”

Tickets for Saturday, June 29, are priced

In the development of The Aura, Graham-Washington noted that celebrations for Juneteenth in Chicago varied greatly in how they took plac e. She looked to other communities for ideas about how to honor Juneteenth and Black heritage in her own community.

She said she drew heavily from the Dallas-Fort Worth area after connecting with Opal Lee, an activist from the area who fought to make Juneteenth a federally reco gnized holiday, who will speak this weekend. Seeing another community’s dedication towards Juneteenth inspired her Graham-Washington.

“I knew right away that I wanted to stay connected with the community of Dallas

certificate, the child must be born in Cook County and the adult must be the child’s parent or legal guardian. Adults need a valid photo ID and $15 for the birth certificate copy, plus $4 for each additional copy

“Whether your child is starting kindergarten, or your teenager is entering high school, having their birth certificate on-hand is essential for enrollment and a smooth start to the school year,” Giles said in a statement.

Those unable to attend back-to-school certificate day can request a copy of a child’s birth certificate online, by phone or mail, or at a local cur rency exchange.

The Clerk’s Office of Vital Records is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at the following locations:

■ 118 N. Clark St., Room 120, Chicago, IL 60602

■ 1311 Maybrook Square (Whitcomb Building), Room 104, Maywood, IL 60153

■ 16501 S. Kedzie, Room 238, Markham, IL 60428

■ 5600 W. Old Orchard Road, Room 149, Skokie, IL 60077

Fort Worth, because the holiday sort of is a manifestation of their vision of Juneteenth,” Graham-Washington said. “I wanted to make sure we were honoring that history and context. And from there, I started to think, Juneteenth is one day we should be carrying out these tenets of liberation and equity and justice and space and growth of humanity all year round.”

The Kehrein Center for the Arts, located at 5628 W, Washington Blvd., opened in 2019 before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graham-Washington said that she hopes the Black Aura brings even more community members to the Kehrein Center.

“This is the inaugural experience of The Black Aura, and our hope is that the aura will catalyze people’s participation and attendance so that people start to know that we’re here,” Graham-Washington said.

Tickets for T he Black Aura: A Celebration of Black Liberation can be purchased on T he Kehrein Center for the Arts’ website.

PROVIDED

D’Composed, String Ensemble

MS. OPAL LEE

DEBORAH D.E.E. P. MOUTON

ALT

MARKET

Jordan Campbell — executive director of Alt Space Chicago, the artist-led nonprofit that created Alt_Market at 346 N. Latrobe Ave. — and Jon Veal started the market in 2020. The art installation and resource giveaway this past week was initially a response to unrest and anger in the Austin community following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

“Essentially, we wanted to mobilize the community, empower them, dignify them and help them to understand that what we believe is the greatest asset of any community is the people,” Campbell said. “Art has the ability to start those conversations or is the initiator of those movements.”

This year’s art installation consisted of a photographer taking portraits of nearly 50 visitors, surrounded by flowers and the words “free” and “take & give” painted in vibrant colors by Alt Space Chicago cohort members. Alt_Market also collaborates with organizations to provide resources to the communi-

ty. On June 20, Christopher Gibson of Yellow Box Pet Food Pantry offered free cat and dog food, plus products for pets

But the event was more than just a few wooden shelves with free goods. It was a place for community members to gather and meet each other.

“It truly is kind of like a watering hole, where people can come for more than what they need, even if it’s just a conversation with their neighbor that they haven’t had or someone that they’re able to meet,” Campbell said. “It’s allowed for things to be fostered and cultivated in this space in ways that we couldn’t have fathomed.”

Since 2020, similar markets have popped up in California and New York, Campbell said. And Alt Space Chicago has expanded to the Back of the Yards, Englewood and Greater Grand Crossing neighborhoods.

But the original Austin location at North Latrobe Avenue. brings back to life a building that has been abandoned for 20 years, Campbell said. And Campbell has hopes to someday expand it into a market with groceries — since there aren’t many options for fresh, healthy food in the Austin neighborhood

“When you work within community, when you work together, you’re able to create bridges that can overcome those gaps,” Campbell said.

Founder of Alt_Market, Jordan Campbell of Chicago takes portraits of people attending the 4th year celebration including, Al Hardy of Chicago.

Alt_Market in the Austin area helps prov ide food to local community members.

ERICA BENSON

Candace Tukes of Chicago helps organize food and dr inks from Schweet Cheesecake of Austin o ered at Alt_Market during their 4th year celebration held June 20, 2024.

Meghan Markle is desperate

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has never had a “Black Card.” When she married Prince Harry and we got our first look at her mother, she got a “temporary pass.” I was pretty neutral about Meghan until she did that Oprah interview in 2021. As soon as she claimed that she never googled anything about the royal family, I immediately labeled her a “bimbo” and was done. Three years later, my initial assessment of her character has continuously been confirmed I have pretty much avoided commenting on her antics and those of her husband. We lear ned at a very early age that “God don’t like ugly!” Meghan and her husband have done a lot of uglies. And with the excep-

tion of Harry’s tell-all book, they don’ t have the Midas Touch. Everything they touch seems to tur n to stone and crumble Spotify executive Bill Simmons, who is head of Podcast development called them “g rifters.”

During the Oprah interview, Meghan alluded to racism she experienced from the royal family. She refused to name names, but months later she added to her alle gations by professing that she had never been treated like a Black woman until she went to the UK.

cur red car chase in traf ficjammed Manhattan, to the “accidental” releasing of King Charles and Princess Catherine’s names as the racists in the royal family, none of the mud the Sussexes have slung at those family members has stuck. Both the king and the princess are being treated for cancer and the public’s empathy has been with them.

that she would be in attendance. She also spoke of her good days/bad days struggles with cancer. And literally at the very moment Catherine made her appearance at the event, one of the Sussexes’ friends tried to steal Catherine’s thunder by posting online about Meghan releasing dog biscuits as part of her American Riviera Orchard line even though you can’t buy this stuf f. It’s not even in production.

From the impossible-to-have-oc-

Two weekends ago, the royal family celebrated Trooping the Colors. For over 260 years, this is the official way the sovereign celebrates their bir thday. Catherine issued a statement

Everybody reco gnized the announcement for the stunt it was. Then to add an additional insult, Meghan added a second flavor of the jam no one can buy. So why the announcement during Princess Catherine’s moment? Meghan is desperate because no one is truly interested in anything she has to say or do.

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‘We don’t want this to come o like it’s a dangerous park,’ he says, but there are concerns

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has been raising concerns about security in Columbus Park for a year, and he felt the pool wasn’t adequately secured at the time of the incident. He has also said the problems at the pool were symptomatic of a larger problem – the city had not been hiring enough lifeguards and others to staff the area.

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In response to recent incidents, Chicago Park District spokesperson Irene Tostado said in an email interview that the Chicago Park District is taking extra steps this year to maintain security and order at Columbus Park

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President of the Columbus Park Advisory Council Bernard Clay said community members are concerned that the onset of summer will spark similar security issues that have plagued Columbus Park in the past.

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For Clay, the park’s security issues stem from inadequate and unavailable park staffing.

Tostado also wrote that the Chicago Park District will repair the fence line that was broken to access the park in hopes of preventing further incidents

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“We don’t want this to come of f like it’s a dangerous park,” Clay said. “But if the park would provide security during the open hours it would alleviate a lot of the problems.”

“This year, our security team plans to dedicate a security guard to be permanently assigned and posted at Columbus Park five-days a week, and assign a mobile security unit on special duty to patrol the grounds all 7-days of the week and on all watches,” Tostado wrote

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Columbus Park’s pool is closed on Thursdays, and closes at 6:45 p.m. on other weekdays. The pool closes at 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 4:45 p.m. on Sundays.

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Located at 500 S. Central Ave., Columbus Park’s nearly 141 acres serves Austin and its neighboring communities. Clay said that safety-related incidents at the park in recent months have resulted from park staf f members responding to safety concerns instead of trained security personnel.

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He did not fully elaborate on what those recent incidents were. However, Clay said that recently, a group of people on motorcycles gained access to the park, and because there was no security presence at the time of this happening, the group was able to ride through the park and endanger others. In an unrelated event, a 14-year-old who was walking through the park June 19 was shot in the thigh. No arrests have yet been made.

“We’ve been advocating for years that it opens until 8 or 9 o’clock to keep kids in the neighborhood busy,” Clay said.

“But the kids are climbing the fence to go in the pool and as you know, that’s very dangerous.”

Tostado wrote that the Park District plans to maintain contact with the Chicago Police Department and park staf f to maintain security and safety throughout emerging situations.

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And in June 2023, he documented through cell phone video how a group of teens, two days before the pool opened, tried to climb over a one-story structure north of the pool to get in.

Clay said the Park Advisory Council

“The safety of our park patrons is top priority and we work closely with the Chicago Police Department to support our Park District Security team in keeping our parks safe for everyone,” Tostado said.

Oak Park’s Linda Francis honored for bridging community gaps

She’s being celebrated at Kehrein’s Black Aura Awards Celebration Gala

By KATHERINE FRAZER Contributing Reporter

Linda Francis is being reco gnized for her lifelong commitment to service and community improvement at this year’s inaugural Black Aura Awards Celebration Gala. Taking Kehrein Bridge for her long-standing ef bring to munities

The awards final ev Black eration members of enlighten Chicago’

The Bridge Award is given to a member of the community that has dedicated their ef ties through service, something has done for decades.

ebration of Black Liberation takes place on June 28 and 29 as part of a Juneteenthinspired art weekend. Francis said that celebrating the experience of Black-Americans and the intersection between those cultures mirrors much of her career as a Black woman.

“As a Black woman, I have often been in that space between who I am as a black woman and what is needed in the larger society,” Francis said. “I used to say I’ve gotten comfortable being in the gray, being in that space between various groups, and I think that has helped me be in the position to need to build bridges and to make connections benstitutions, people, and oups that normally would

Originally from New York, Francis moved to the Midwest to go to colle ge and has stayed ever since. After earning a degree in engineering at Northwestern University, she moved to Oak Park where she has remained for almost 30 years. Since then, she has worked in a variety of positions that allow her to give back to her community. Those include serving in several roles at Chicago’s Ounce of Prevention Fund, as a program director at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation and co-founder of Onyx Community Solutions. She also wrote an occasional column for Wednesday Journal.

The award is part of a larger ef fort by community members to highlight Black history, artistry and culture on the West Side of Chicago. The Black Aura: A Cel-

Connecting Oak Park with large part of mission, specifically on bridging gaps within the two communities.

“Our neighbors in Austin, I us more than we Francis said. need to take note of that. I am so honored that they thought that I’m doing, or that I one, and thought to include me in the group of recipients for this first year of honors, and I think that it’s important for us to also show that connection and acknowledge that connection that we have to our neighbors.”

Francis said that the neighboring community in Austin is important to her. She said that as a resident of Oak Park, it is important to her to extend a hand and think of other communities when possible. Fo Francis, much of the work is done when considering what outcomes decisions ha for these communities and advocating for the most favorable ones.

“Although we are separated for govern ing and taxing purposes, it’s only a matter of crossing the street in any direction that puts you in another community,” Francis said. “There’s so much more that we can be doing if we work together.”

LINDA FRANCIS

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE INVITATION TO BID TO METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT OF GREATER CHICAGO

Sealed proposals, endorsed as above, will be submitted back to the District via an electronic upload to the Bonfire Portal only, from the date of the Invitation to Bid, up to 11:00 A.M. (Chicago time), on the bid opening date, and will be opened publicly as described in the Invitation to Bid by the Director of Procurement and Materials Management or designee at 11:00 AM on the stated bid opening date below for:

CONTRACT 20-161-3S

SALT CREEK INTERCEPTING

SEWER NO. 3 REHABILITATION, SSA

Estimated Cost: Between

$16,150,000.00 and $19,550,000.00

Bid Deposit: $600,000.00

Voluntary Pre-Bid Walk-Through:

TUESDAY, July 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. CT at the SALT CREEK RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OFFICE, 500 OGDEN AVENUE, WESTERN SPRINGS, IL

Voluntary Technical Pre-Bid Conference: Thursday, July 18, 2024, 11:00 am Chicago Time, via ZOOM Link

Compliance with the District’s Affirmative Action Ordinance

Revised Appendix D, Appendix V and the Multi Project Labor Agreement are required on this Contract.

Bid Opening: August 6, 2024 ***********************************

The above is an abbreviated version of the Notice Invitation to Bid. A full version which includes a brief description of the project and/or service can be found on the District’s website, www.mwrd. org; the path is as follows: Doing Business > Procurement and Materials Management > Contract Announcements.

Specifications, proposal forms and/ or plans may be obtained from the Department of Procurement and Materials Management by downloading online from the District’s website at www.mwrd.org (Doing Business > Procurement & Materials Management > Contract Announcements). No fee is required for the Contract Documents. Any questions regarding the downloading of the Contract Document should be directed to the following email: contractdesk@mwrd.org or call 312-751-6643.

All Contracts for the Construction of Public Works are subject to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS 130/1 et.seq.), where it is stated in the Invitation to Bid Page.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals if deemed in the public’s best interest.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago

By Darlene A. LoCascio Director of Procurement and Materials Management

Monday at 9:30 a.m.

REAL

ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC

Plaintiff, -v.FREDDIE MAE CONNER, THE CITY OF CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS AGENCY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

Defendants 2023 CH 09774 1054 N. SPRINGFIELD AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 4, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 8, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: LOT 169 IN WILLIAM B. WEIGEL’S SUBDIVISION OF WEST ONEHALF OF THE NORTH WEST ONE QUARTER OF SOUTHWEST ONE QUARTER OF SECTION 2, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 13, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS.

Commonly known as 1054 N. SPRINGFIELD AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-02-310-0210000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $298,126.20.

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. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

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.

For information, contact CHAD LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ

SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 23-157423. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CHAD LEWIS

ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561-241-6901

E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM

Attorney File No. 23-157423

Attorney ARDC No. 6306439

Attorney Code. 65582

Case Number: 2023 CH 09774

TJSC#: 44-905

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 # 2023 CH 09774

I3245729

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION MIDFIRST BANK Plaintiff, vs. Lynette Sherrod Carr a/k/a Lynette Sherrod; United States of America; Defendants, 23 CH 6278

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on

Monday, July 22, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-03-416-050-0000.

Commonly known as 4321 West Augusta Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60651.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multiunit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Ms. Tammy Brown, Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, LOGS Legal Group, LLP, 2121 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, Illinois 60015. (847) 291-1717. 23-099343 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3246045

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-OPT5, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OPT5

Plaintiff,

-v.-

PEARLIE M. WILSON, LEROY WILSON, WINTRUST WEALTH MANAGEMENT AS POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR TO PRINCIPAL SERVICES TRUST COMPANY F/K/A THE CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY, ABN AMRO TRUST SERVICES COMPANY AS POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR TO PRINCIPAL SERVICES TRUST COMPANY F/K/A THE CHICAGO TRUST COMPANY, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, UNKNOWN OCCUPANTS

Defendants 22 CH 12265

919 NORTH LONG AVENUE

CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 29, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 30, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 919 NORTH LONG AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-04-320-0140000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $255,318.59.

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).

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, 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301, Bannockburn, IL, 60015 (847) 2911717 For information call between the hours of 1pm - 3pm.. Please refer to file number 22-097730. 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 2121 WAUKEGAN RD., SUITE 301 Bannockburn IL, 60015 847-291-1717

E-Mail: ILNotices@logs.com Attorney File No. 22-097730 Attorney Code. 42168 Case Number: 22 CH 12265 TJSC#: 44-1220

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE FOR NRP MORTGAGE TRUST I Plaintiff, -v.AUSTIN SIMS, CITY OF CHICAGO, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, BENJI MARGEE VALENTINE Defendants 2023 CH 09394 4751 WEST ADAMS 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 May 22, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 15, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 4751 WEST ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60644

Property Index No. 16-15-108-0020000

The real estate is improved with a commercial property.

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).

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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 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.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-23-06082

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 09394

TJSC#: 44-1463

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 # 2023 CH 09394 I3246155

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST; Plaintiff, vs. SARAH M. MCKNIGHT; SENTA R. MCNIGHT; ETHEL WORMELY; JAMES D. WORMLEY; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 18 CH 8225 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, July 29, 2024 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-02-116-008-0000. Commonly known as 1346 and 1352 N. Springfield Ave., Chicago, IL 60651. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a multi-family residence. The successful purchaser is entitled to possession of the property only. The purchaser may only obtain possession of units within the multi-unit property occupied by individuals named in the order of possession. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6960. 1460-183931

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com I3246548

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-7 Plaintiff, -v.JOHNNY WOODS Defendants 2023 CH 06483 1422 S KOSTNER AVE CHICAGO, IL 60623

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 18, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 22, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1422 S KOSTNER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60623 Property Index No. 16-22-110-0300000, 16-22-110-031-0000, 16-22110-032-0000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

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.

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, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-23-04545

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2023 CH 06483

TJSC#: 44-1121

Case # 2023 CH 06483

I3246729

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2004-D, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-D

Plaintiff, -v.-

ANTOINETTE SUMPTER, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 2022 CH 11659 1539 S. HARDING CHICAGO, IL 60623

NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 23, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 25, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1539 S. HARDING, CHICAGO, IL 60623

Property Index No. 16-23-123-0150000; 16-23-123-016-0000

The real estate is improved with a residence.

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.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES,

P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE

100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312)

236-SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100

BURR RIDGE IL, 60527

630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-08765

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 11659

TJSC#: 44-1118

Case # 2022 CH 11659 I3246769

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

June 26, 2024

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.

DELIVERING ON

THE PROMISE

AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2024 QUARTER 2 Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:

How a closed Austin school will be revitalized into a community asset

RECLAIMING OUR ASSETS PAGE 3 THE DISINVESTMENT AND RESURGENCE OF AUSTIN: A LEGACY OF STRUGGLE AND RESILIENCE PAGE 4

OWNING OUR PATH FORWARD PAGE 7

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

Chief Community Officer, BUILD Inc.

SECRETARY

Jerrod Williams

Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court

ACT STAFF

Leadership

Darnell Shields

Executive Director

Andrew Born*

Senior Director of Community Impact

*Also part of the ACT Leadership Team

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

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

Tenisha Jones

Vice President of Community & Government Engagement, Catholic Charities

Reginald Little

Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union

Dawn Ferencak

Senior Marketing Strategist, Chicago Parent

Deborah Williams-Thurmond

Community Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Clara Bonnlander

Social Services Coordinator, Austin Community Hub

Ethan Ramsay*

Planning and Investment Manager

Grace Cooper Lead Organizer

Mia Almond Project Coordinator

Housing Forward i.c. stars

IFF

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago

Jane Addams Resource Corporation

Kids First Chicago

KRA Westside

American Job Center

Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)

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 Karen Winters Community Organizer

Natalie Goodin

Special Projects Manager

Nicholas Galassini

Chicago Neighborhood Recovery Program Associate

Legal Aid Chicago (fka LAF)

Manufacturing Renaissance

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

Alicia Plomin* Director of Marketing and Development

Jon Widell Marketing and Development Specialist

Sydni Hatley Marketing and Development Coordinator

The Journey Forward

The North Avenue District, Inc.

Towers of Excellence

UIC Jane Addams

College of Social Work

VOCEL

Westside Health Authority

St. Leonard’s Ministries

Stone Community

Development Corporation

The Catalyst Schools

West Side Forward

Worldvision

Youth Guidance

Reclaiming Our Assets

By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together

From 2010 to 2020, residents of Austin found themselves increasingly moved by a shared sense of purpose: to reclaim power back over their neighborhood, and revitalize the communal spaces that had long been neglected. This surge of community planning and organizing reflected a growing commitment to collective action and initiatives

that boosted social unity, while also addressing the long-standing issue of disinvestment.

The aspirations for change, however, could not move forward without a solid foundation.

In order to be successful, Austin organizers recognized the need for strong partnerships between local organizations and began working together on strategic resource management. These organizations, ranging from grassroots advocacy groups to established nonprofits, played a key role in uplifting the voices of residents.

Conversations began about transforming underutilized spaces, but with most owned by the City, many questioned whether community input would be taken into account.

Despite challenges, Austin residents refused to let the community be defined by the neglect and decay that had characterized the area for far too long.

Not only did the project drive positive communitybuilding impact, but it also catalyzed economic growth.

ED SIDERWICZ, CATALYST SCHOOLS CO-FOUNDER, ABOUT THE KEHREIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS.

Through persistence and collective community action, abandoned spaces were revived, such as:

• The Veteran’s Peace Garden

A vacant lot on Madison Avenue was converted into a peaceful oasis by the South Austin Neighborhood Association (SANA), and now serves as an event space to bring together veterans, residents, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• The Kehrein Center for the Arts

After sitting unfinished inside a school at the corner of Washington and Central, an auditorium built in 1956 was finally renovated to become Austin’s premier performing arts center.

These are just two examples of community-led efforts that prove a combination of grassroots organizing, strategic partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to reclaiming community assets can help lead to a more vibrant Austin.

The community renaissance continued in 2018 with Austin’s first-ever qualityof-life plan and the initiatives that grew from it, including the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, a project to repurpose the former Emmet Elementary School into a central hub for on-site job training and complimentary services. n

The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, set to open in 2025, is the only closed school building in Austin repurposed through the direct involvement of community-based organizations, local leaders, and residents.

The Kehrein Center for the Arts opened in 2019 at 5628 W. Washington Blvd. Photo Credit: esadesign.com

Community leaders and SANA breaking ground on the Veteran’s Peace Garden at 5413 W. Madison, which opened in 2018.

The disinvestment and resurgence of Austin: A legacy of struggle and resilience

The history of Austin is evidence of the complex interplay of social and economic forces combined with the enduring spirit of its residents. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its struggles with disinvestment and urban decay in more recent decades, the story of Austin is one marked by both resilience and adversity.

THE BEGINNING

In 1893, the seeds of Austin’s development were sown. This pivotal year saw the construction of one of the community’s first schools, laying the foundation for future growth and prosperity. With Austin becoming part of the City of Chicago in 1899, the Robert Emmet School emerged as a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

During the early 20th century, Austin witnessed a period of rapid expansion fueled in part by the development of street railways and the allure of its infrastructure to a wave of European immigrants. The community’s population increased greatly, and by 1913, the Robert Emmet School expanded to accommodate the boom. The area was estimated to have over 140,000 residents by the 1920s.

The original Austin station in 1909. Photo Credit: Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago History Museum

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS

A large wave of African Americans moved to Austin toward the end of the Great Migration. The trajectory of the neighborhood took a tumultuous turn. The arrival of African Americans seeking refuge from the Jim Crow South led to a wave of white flight, driven by prejudices and racially motivated practices. This exodus resulted in a dramatic decrease in white residents, businesses, and access to city services, setting the stage for decades of disinvestment and neglect to follow.

The 1960s brought a glimmer of hope to Austin with the extension of the CTA Green and Blue Lines, fostering renewed growth and economic activity in the community. Yet, this progress was overshadowed by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, underscoring the broader context of racial tensions and social upheaval gripping the nation.

DISRUPTED BY DISINVESTMENT

The 1970s and 1980s saw a pattern of disinvestment in Austin with shrinking city resources and job opportunities as the community’s large employers left. Grassroots initiatives were established to address these challenges. Westside Health Authority (WHA) started in 1988, plus many faith-based and civic organizations were created.

The political landscape further shaped Austin’s ascent, with the mayoral tenures of Jane Byrne and Harold Washington carrying cultural significance as well. While Byrne’s administration favored interests of the white community, Washington’s historic tenure as Chicago’s first Black mayor offered yet another glimmer of hope for marginalized communities.

The 1990s saw a troubling rise in crime, with the Chicago Police Department recording 48 homicides in 1992 alone. As issues like public safety grew, Austin also faced other setbacks like diminishing employment opportunities. Organizations in the social sector helped, but often worked separately, unaware of one another’s assets or goals. An urgent need arose for comprehensive community revitalization efforts and in response, Austin Coming Together was created in 2010 and has been coordinating collective impact efforts ever since.

RISING TO MEET GROWING CHALLENGES

This historical context is the backdrop and inspiration for why there is so much dedication to progress today. Despite the troubles of the past, the commitment and resilience of the community run deep. With more development projects underway than ever before, we are seeing intentional reinvestment in the community. Today, Austin is on a clear path to thriving. n

Chicago’s Austin community in 1985. Photo Credit: John Chuckman

After the death of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, riots occurred in Austin and the racial divide deepened. Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune

Plan Leaders

Community Narrative

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Briana Shields

Briana Janeé Arts

Kenneth Varner

Healthy Schools Campaign

Dearra Williams

Austin Coming Together

STRATEGY LEADS

Lasondra Kern

Community Resident

Suzanne McBride

Austin Talks

Alicia Plomin

Austin Coming Together

Cindy Gray Schneider

Spaces-n-Places

Jai Jones

PSPC, The Chicago

Community Trust and Community Resident

Economic Development

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Jerrod Williams

South Austin Neighborhood Association

Heather Sattler

Community Development Consultant

STRATEGY LEADS

Erica Staley

Manufacturing Renaissance

Emily Peters

Jane Addams Resource Corporation

Tina Augustus

Chicago West Side Chamber of Commerce

Roxanne Charles West Side Forward

Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures

Fanya Berry

Community Resident

Education

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Crystal Bell

Ella Flagg Young Elementary School (retired)

Charles Anderson

Michele Clark High School

STRATEGY LEADS

Ruth Kimble

Austin Childcare Providers Network

Madelyn James

Austin Childcare Providers Network

Pam Price

Chicago Public Schools

Cata Truss Community Resident

Housing

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Athena Williams West Cook Homeownership Center

Allison McGowan Community Resident

STRATEGY LEADS

Shirley Fields

Community Resident

Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority

Athena Williams West Cook Homeownership Center

Baxter Swilley Community Stakeholder

Public Safety

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Bradly Johnson BUILD Inc.

Marilyn Pitchford Heartland Alliance

STRATEGY LEADS

Adam Alonso BUILD Inc.

Edwina Hamilton BUILD Inc.

Gina Young Catholic Charities

Bertha Purnell

Mothers OnA Mission28

Jose Abonce The Policing Project

Ruby Taylor Taproots, Inc.

Youth Empowerment

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

D’elegance Lane

Community Stakeholder

STRATEGY LEADS

Deonna Hart BUILD Inc.

Gina Young Catholic Charities

Aisha Oliver

Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Helen Slade

Territory NFP

Dollie Sherman

Austin Coming Together

Chris Thomas YourPassion1st

Civic Engagement

TASK FORCE CHAIRS

Deborah Williams-Thurmond

Habilitative Systems Inc.

STRATEGY LEADS

Arnold Bearden

Community Resident

Crystal Gardner

Protest to the Polls

Sharif Walker

Bethel New Life INTERESTED IN JOINING AN IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE?

Contact ACT’s Lead Organizer Grace Cooper at gcooper@austincomingtogether.org

Owning our path forward

By Sydni Hatley

Marketing & Development Coordinator, Austin Coming Together

In order for change to truly benefit the community it impacts, the people affected need to be involved. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.

2023 marks the ten year anniversary of the closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools by Mayor Rahm Emmanuel due to a “lack of enrollment.” Of those 50 schools, four of them were in Austin, including the Emmet School.

The low-income areas these schools were in were already facing disinvestment, crime, and dwindling opportunities, and the closures made matters worse.

The four schools in Austin were taken hold of by outside forces that wanted to redevelop them for personal gain.

A 2016 Austin Weekly News article said “The proposal to turn currently vacant Robert Emmet Elementary School, 5500 W. Madison St., into a medical facility and a community center was met with apprehension and skepticism by most of the Austin residents who attended an Oct. 11 town hall meeting organized by Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th). While many said that they liked the proposal in theory, they were worried about how it would affect the neighborhood residents and businesses.”

As a result of negative opinions and pushback from the community on the city’s initial plan, Westside Health Authority acquired ownership of the property in 2018. Around the same time, Austin published its first-ever quality-of-life plan called Austin Forward Together (AFT), a roadmap to achieving the shared vision of a thriving community. The AFT plan’s goals include everything from public safety to improving access to jobs.

Many efforts were birthed from the plan, such as the $121-million-dollar ASPIRE Initiative, a collection of four projects that will create a cradle-to-career pipeline for Austin residents, all strategically clustered around existing assets in an area bound by Madison, Chicago, Central, and Laramie Avenues: the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation; a new early learning, health and recreation center called The Aspire Education & Wellness Campus; new programs and support to increase enrollment at the Austin College and Career Academy; and Aspire Housing, a multi-tiered approach to provide homeownership assistance, plus new or renovated units for sale.

One particular concern… was that the new facility wouldn’t actually benefit residents, especially when it comes to jobs.

2016 AUSTIN WEEKLY NEWS ARTICLE

The first ASPIRE effort to begin was the transformation of the three-acre Emmet School and site into the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation. Construction is already underway, and once open, the Center will help progress many AFT goals by increasing access to job training in living-wage careers like manufacturing; attracting major commercial anchors; creating paths for youth

interactions with mentors and role models; and much more.

Now, Emmet is the only one of the four Austin schools closed in 2013 that embodies the community’s desire to responsively have their needs addressed.

By offering economic and career development opportunities, the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation is adding to the momentum that has been building over the last decade.

The northeast corner of Madison and Central Avenue is no longer a reminder of Austin’s inequitable past, but an engine of new opportunities for generations of Austin families.

The Aspire Center symbolizes a turning point in Austin. It isn’t just about renovating a building, it is about leveraging Austin’s unbeatable spirit and limitless potential. n

View from inside the former Emmet School as it transforms into the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, taken during construction in May 2024.

Chicago’s Austin community is full of incredibly passionate individuals and groups who truly care for one another. It has beautiful architecture, a rich history, and an immense potential for growth. Unfortunately, decades of disinvestment have led to a complex array of challenges that have created barriers to food access, quality education, and well-paying jobs.

Austin Coming Together (ACT) has worked alongside our 50+ member network to serve and care for Austin families since 2010. ACT’s Austin Community Hub and its provider network engage Austin residents in order to build trusted relationships and help them get connected to opportunities that improve their lives!

150 INDIVIDUALS ASSISTED in connecting to resources last year

$140K FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE directed to families

Show how much you Join the #AustinCares campaign today!

JOB TRAINING AND HOUSING continue to be the most requested resources