Looking for something to do in Englewood?

Come and partake in Englewood's 2nd Annual Family Fun Festival this Saturday August 21, 2010. 

Enjoy a day full of children activities, performances by the South Chicago Hoofers Club and also receive beneficial information on environmental awareness.

No Fun In Englewood.

Saturday from 10:00am-4pm residents will enjoy a full day of fun activities at the Hamilton Park Cultural Center 513 W. 72nd Street.

Schedule.

11 am-1 pm (on going)

South Chicago Hoofers' Club Performance, Community Conversations (small club room), Lead Screening, Englewood Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

• CPD's Inferno Mobile Recording Studio
• Chicago Children's Museum Bookmaking Activity
• Columbia College - Center for Community Arts Partnerships
• Creative Artist Association Sculpture making activity
• Visitation School Fun Activities
• Children's Home + Aid Fun Games
• Community Resource Tables

Noon -- Drum Dialogue Drumming Workshop with Zahra Baker

1 pm -- Educational Institute/CRS Empowerment Café Jamboree
Auditions, give-a-way, showcase of "It's Our Lives, are U Listening?",a human board game.

2pm- African American Cultural Centers Cultural Conversation, music & more!!

2:30 pm-4:00pm -- So Fresh Saturdays presents Docs & Dialogue-Community driven film series that showcase shockumentaries! Featured Film- "A War of your Soul" for more info click www.sofreshsaturdays.com

Poverty, crime and despair is often the depiction of Chicago's Englewood community.

Enough of the grim picture!  

Did you know Englewood is full of rich history and culture? Many people would be amazed at what lies in Englewood including delectable restaurants, booming businesses, extraordinary people and fun-filled family oriented events.

Free To The Public.

This Saturday August 21st, Englewood's very own Culture Connection Shop will be celebrating their one year anniversary by having a free BBQ celebration open to the public from 6:00pm-12:00am.

Culture Connection Shop

The Culture Connection Shop is located 400 West 71st (corner of Stewart - WEST of the Dan Ryan).

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The Culture Connection Shop  offers scented body oils, fragrances and essentials, shea butter, culturally informative books,CDs and DVDs. They also sell culture inspired artwork, travel planning resources, skin care products and globally inspired items.

Visit Culture Connection website at cultureconnectiononline.com or via phone 773-487-7017 for more information.

Asiaha Butler

Job Description of an Englewood Angel.

-Chair of Education Task force at Teamwork Englewood- currently in the process of developing community patrols to pilot of Stagg Elementary School.

-A member of the Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council-assisting with the planning of the 2nd Annual Family Fun Fest.

-Mentor in the Village of Robeson Mentor Group-Paul Robeson High School.

-Recently elected as Community Rep for Paul Robeson Local School Council.

-Developed Docs & Dialogue community driven project to educate the youth and also welcome attendees to cultural safe spaces in Englewood.

-Created an all girl leadership summer program titled "High Heals" at Salvation Army for young girls ages 10-14.

-Current volunteer for Salvation Army, Educational Institute, Black Star Project, National Block Club University and Kids off the Block which is based in Roseland.

Does She Sleep?

If not Butler, then who will do the footwork, the grass movement, the weekly meetings and months of planning of programs. The list continues...

-Serves as Green Regional Leader for National Block Club University which entails working with following zip codes, 60609, 60636, 60621, 60620, 60652 & 60629

-Core organizer for the newly develop "Deborah Movement" with Black Star Project-Spiritual led movement of women organize to take back our communities and mentor young girls.

-President Elect for Black Star Community PTA and core member of the Committee of Fairness for magnet schools.

-Volunteer of the Complete Count Committee of the Census.

Englewood's Farmer Market

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Surprised.

The fresh produce is grown right in Englewood by The Local Urban Farmers such as Growing Home whose farm is located on 5814 S. Wood.

Growing Power is also a part of the The Local Urban Farmers their farm is located at the intersection of S. Cornell Drive and E. Marquette, in the South Shore Community.

For more information on the Englewood Farmer's Market, contact Team Work Englewood  at 773-602-4507 or email englewoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Some people might believe Chicago's Englewood Community is hell on earth. Wouldn't you? The vacant lots, daily shootings, abandoned buildings and murders.

If this is hell on earth, where are the angels to save us, to protect us and to help us?

Have you ever thought about people who personally touched the life of someone, showcased an act of everlasting kindness, stepped out their comfort zone and gave up their lifestyle?

Do you believe?

This post is about the first of  three amazing people I call angels; they became or were already a part of the community and showcased acts of kindness, duties of a saint and served roles as humanitarians. Would you believe angels live in Englewood? Could you identify some?

Angelic.

This high esteemed title, Angels of Englewood is deemed necessary for this unique individual by the name of Corrinn Cobb, who embarked on a mission to serve Englewood. Cobb was called to serve the community by her own conscious spirit.

Corrinn Cobb is a 23 year old native of Chicago by way of Southern California.

Corrinn at an Englewood yard sale

A year ago this Berkeley graduate became a part of the organization called Mission Year, where she and five strangers moved in the heart of Englewood. For a year the roommates of girls from all the over the United States called Englewood home. They volunteered, worked and lived in the community on a stipend of only $70.00 a month.

V.O.I.C.E Village Of Inner City Empowerment

This is the first week many Englewood students return to school, for some the summer break was not long enough. For the community of Englewood more than 20 schools resume class on Monday, many of which are year-round schools.

In order to get the students ready and excited, many back to school events and activities took places over the weekend. Englewood had its own event and had a special twist to their event at one of Chicago Park District's Ogden Park, located on 6500 south Racine.

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Did you know?

V.O.I.C.E, which stands for Village of Inner City Empowerment is an "Innovative think tank that promotes education, family, community and nonviolence", says Calvin Rabb, the driving force behind the program. Rabb realizes the negative stereotypes that are not only associated with Englewood but, more importantly, with our African American children. Through his program, he has plans in the works to change this perception of both the community and the children.

Proactive.

Saturday was declared "Unity Day Olympics" and it was also the title of the kickoff event for V.O.I.C.E. More than 50 kids from the community enjoyed an event packed day full of games such as relay races, softball, flag football and much more. The kids were also treated to free refreshments and received school supplies. Rabb details his preparation and it included meeting with over 20 residents to plan the event, going door to door in Englewood passing out fliers and doing weeks of preparation.

V.O.I.C.E Kick off Event

Attention Seeker?

Rabb says often times kids are chasing the lifestyle of what they see on TV from rappers, actors and athletes. He wants to go against what the Hollywood life glorifies on TV and instead challenges the youth of Englewood to become doctor's, business owners, lawyers and to realize there are more ways to become successful.

Support.

Over the next few months, Rabb will implement programs, workshops, and family oriented activities to engage, mentor and encourage the youth. In changing for the better, Rabb exclaims, "We don't look at each other with a sense of pride and unity," and this is something he will focus on changing.

All are welcome to support V.O.I.C.E , contact Calvin Rabb for more information at 312-450-1526 or via email time2voice@gmail.com.

The murders, robberies, gun shots and gangs are the things you hear about in conversations about Englewood. It seems like an everyday hellhole for those who are not from the community right? We rarely hear about the amazing, distinguished and high profile individuals who have come from Englewood.

Here is a contemporary list of eleven noted professionals who did not conform to the stereotypes and were not afraid to call Englewood home.

Chef Cliff Rome- Radio Personality, well respected and noted Chef

and Entrepreneur.

Bernice Mac-Late comedian and actor.

  Jennifer Hudson-Singer and Actress

  Derrick Rose-NBA Basketball Player.

     Liz Toussiant-Country Music Singer and Songwriter.

     Kevin White-Rising Comedian

  LeAlan Marvin Jones-Journalists, Role Model and Senate hopeful.

Janet Hubert-Actress, Dancer and Author.

     Merri Dee- Journalists, Role Model and Senate hopeful.

 Mavis Staples-Jazz Musican.

     Dr. Terry Mason-Chief Medical Officer for the Cook County Health and Hospitals System.

I had the opportunity to encounter these extraordinary African Americans through various means including meeting personally, interviewing, working alongside, attending the same school or meeting at a community event. This list only represents a small group of talented people who are rising or have risen to the top of their careers.

Behind the stereotypes of Englewood there are more than just the negative depictions in the media.

 J

D

Are you a fan of the Renaissance Era? Enjoyed performances by Sarah Vaughn, Billie Holliday, Lena Horne and Dinah Washington. Mahdi Theater Company Presents: My Black Chicago, a Renaissance Musical coming to Englewood's Kennedy King College August 21st and August 22nd.

My Black Chicago

Marget Mahdi is the producer, writer and director of My Black Chicago. The musical originally debuted in 2006 at the Katherine Dunham Theater, the old Kennedy King College campus and is now set to debut at the main theater of the new Kennedy King College campus located at 6301 S. Halsted Chicago, Illinois, at 6pm.

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Mahdi is the Founder/Artistic Director of Mahdi Theater Company. She says she had a fascination with the Renaissance Era. This interest sparked after she heard exciting stories from elders who grew up in the era.

Mahdi's fascination with the mystical era allowed her to write the musical renaissance, My Black Chicago, in which she incorporated musical and literary legends such as Katherine Mary Dunham, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, Nat king Cole and Richard "Jimmy" Wright.

Hoofers South Tap Dancers

Tap dancing emerges from Englewood. The Hoofers Club Englewood is a chair aerobic tap dance program created by Chicago Southsider, Brenda Woods. Woods parents were both professional tap dancers and Woods says, "I was born tapping." The name, The Hoofers Club Englewood Program, came from the famous Hoofer Club in Harlem from the 1930's and the inspiration came from seeing famous tap dance performer Ernest Brownie Brown in action.

Benefits

The seniors receive training from Woods, who has more than 40years of tap dance experience. In creating The Hoofers Club Englewood, the goal is to provide a positive aging program for seniors between the ages of 55-85. The program is free! The classes are Thursday mornings from 10:00 am -11:00 am at Hamilton Park.

What Else?

Beginners, intermediates and the advanced are welcome to join the club. Members of this club are also treated to a music component where they learn about different genres such as jazz, gospel, r&b, reggae and hip hop. These members are not just limited to chair tap dance; they also do sing along, karaoke and name that tune. 

Performance.

Hoofers South. The first club, and now the second club, Hoofers Club Englewood, pair together to have a grand performance every November. These dancing seniors also get to showcase their talent to the public by performing throughout the city. They have performed for organizations such as the Najwa Student Council, Relay for Life, an event hosted by The American Cancer Society and the Senior Holistic Day Care.

Interested? Contact Brenda Woods at 773-902-7391 or Sandra Thomas Park Supervisor 312-747-6174.

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The Hoofers Club Englewood Program is supported by the Chicago Park District, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Englewood Community Cultural Planning Council.

Upscale restaurants are not just found in downtown Chicago; five star restaurants such as Sikia also exists in areas such as Englewood. Sikia serves exotic gourmet dishes, from African ambrosia to vegetarian tagine and a variety of ethnic dishes prepared by student cooks and chefs.

Sikia Restaurant is a part of the City of Chicago Colleges and is operated by the Washburne Culinary Institute. In 2008 Kennedy King College opened Sikia restaurant to the residents of Englewood and all of Chicago.

photo credits: http://www.wightco.com/

The Perks. The joys of having an upscale restaurant in Englewood include: free parking, excellent location (close to the Dan Ryan Expressway and public transit), no waiting in long lines, a variety of dishes to choose from, family friendly, B.Y.O.B (bring your own bottle of fine wine) and best of all, live jazz entertainment. Did I forget to mention the ambiance, fresh décor, soft music playing in the background and spacious seating?

Washburne Culinary student, Kim White believes Sikia is good for the community,"It's a great idea and great concept."

Look no further for a swank sit down restaurant,viola Sikia is open to the public 5:30 pm-10 pm Thursday-Saturday and brunch 11am-3pm Sunday.

To learn more about the restaurant or to view their menu online visit http://kennedyking.ccc.edu/sikia.asp.

Culture exists in every community and each community tells a different story. Chicago is a vibrant city with a rich history and abundant amount of culture oozing from each neighborhood.

Englewood is a community which is culturally sound. The Perry Mansion Culture Center is a hidden gem; however it's right in the mix of what the community needs to flourish.

photo credits: perrymansion.org

Serving the community. The Perry Mansion Culture Center offers many extravagant art programs, after school programs, events and productions for the residents of Englewood to indulge. Established in September 2008 by owner, Sam Smith, who is not a Englewood Resident but adds, "Englewood is an area that needed spark."

Residents of Englewood are in for a wonderful surprise as they get the chance to tour the mansion and view art from 15 different artists from around the world.

photo credits: http://www.perrymansion.org/

The Mission.

Smith mentions the mission is to blend culture and arts while breaking down racial stereotypes.

Thought Provoking.

"Art is used to sparkle intellectual conversation," expounds Smith.

For more information on the Perry Mansion Culture Center visit www.perrymansion.org

Looking for something to do in the Englewood Community? Tired of nothing positive and constructive for your child to indulge in besides sporting events, camps and summer schools to attend?

Think again! There is something for teens between the ages of 12-19 to do and it includes being involved in the next installment of Docs and Dialogue.

photo credits: http://sofreshsaturdays.vpweb.com/

So Fresh Saturdays Presents: Docs and Dialogue is a series of documentaries screened monthly by residents of Englewood who are between the ages of 12-19.

The purpose of  Docs and Dialogue is to empower youth by allowing them to critique documentaries dealing with social issues, stereotypes, race-related issues and gender exploitation, all while enjoying a safe space off the streets of Englewood.

Docs and Dialogue was created by Englewood residents, Ay-Sha Butler and Simone Yancy. The first launch took place back in May of this year and was held at the Perry Mansion Culture Center in Englewood.

Why is this important for the youth? Butler exclaims, "It's a way to teach out-of-the classroom concepts and its a way to educate and evaluate the consciousness of our youth in Englewood."

Every month Docs and Dialogue is screened in various locations throughout Englewood. The next series will be August 21, 2010 at the Hamilton Culture Center located at 513 w. 72nd Street, from 3pm-5pm.

The event is free to public and for more information about Docs and Dialogue  visit http://sofreshsaturdays.vpweb.com/default.html.

Comic Relief For Englewood

Comic relief for Englewood residents varies depending on who you talk to in the community. For some, that means laughing at life's misfortunes while still pushing forward. Some feel accomplishing greatness is never spoken about and living in the Englewood Community you're often time pigeonholed into becoming a product of your environment.

Englewood is one of Chicago's most talked about communities because of its constant portrayal of violence in the media. Rising stars, influential figures and extraordinary and funny people come from the community that is plagued by drugs, robbery, prostitution and gun shots. A rising star, stand-up comedian Kevin White, who is from Englewood (56th Seeley) says his community just "needs a hug".

Since high school, White says he has always been his own leader and never cared about being a part of the "IN" crowd which was how he avoided gang initiation. While talking to White you can't escape his unique sense of humor. "I hid behind my glasses. Gangs were stupid to me. It's like being a follower," says White. When asked how he survived the pressures of the streets and avoided being a product of his environment, White responded modestly, "I kept to myself." White also adds that he was too busy making everyone laugh and trying to entertain his cousins who he utilized as his audience.