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A few hundred people gathered at Columbus Park last weekend for a march in remembrance of Elijah McClain - a 23-year-old African-American Colorado massage therapist who was killed after an encounter with police while walking home - and to protest police brutality. The march was organized and led by Oak Park activist Danielle Kovack, along with members of the Revolutionary Oak Park Youth League, or ROYAL, a group of middle and high school students from Oak Park that formed in early 2019.
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Dozens gathered at the Westside Health Authority Friday for a march to celebrate Nelson Mandela day and call for the development of Chicago Avenue as the Soul City Corridor. They marched down Chicago Avenue, from Leclaire to Cicero avenues, and held a rally outside the Austin Health Center before returning to the Westside Health Authority.
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SEIU Illinois announced Friday it has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with The Loretto Hospital. Nearly 200 workers who serve as patient care techs, emergency room techs, and mental health, dietary and housekeeping staff had previously threatened to strike as early as July 20.
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The Austin Adams Block Club joined with businesses and community groups - including Austin Coming Together, the Counting on Chicago Coalition and Project Exploration - last weekend for a beautifying event along Adams Street, from Austin Boulevard to Parkside Avenue. Tina Augustus, president of the Austin Adams Block Club, said “it all started with just a few pans of barbecue ribs.”
Smokey Zo’s was supposed to be part of the Taste of Chicago this year, but in the wake of COVID-19, the city canceled the in-person festival.
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SEIU Healthcare Illinois has announced the workers it represents at The Loretto Hospital have voted overwhelming to authorize a strike that could take place as early as July 20. Nearly 200 workers who serve as patient care techs, emergency room techs, and mental health, dietary and housekeeping staff are represented by SEIU.
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About a month ago, members from Third Unitarian Church were thinking of ways to help other West Side residents during the COVID-19 pandemic and then they knew what they could do: starting a community pantry. “There’s a lot of desire to work on things right now,” said Carley Mostar, the church's pantry coordinator.
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Avery and Pryor Construction, DLV Printing Service, L. May Creations and T&C Fitness Club will be receiving grants from the Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. A total of $5.4 million will be distributed to 32 businesses across the city to support commercial corridors in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods.
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For many Austin residents, celebrating the Fourth of July means fireworks, lighting up the grill and time with family and friends, but not a celebration of independence. “I’m just celebrating because I got the day off,” said Khiana.
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It's been quite a year for Austin resident, Austin College & Career Academy valedictorian and future mathematician James Nnabuihe. One of 40 students who graduated last month, Nnabuihe will be headed this fall to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where his two older brothers also have attended college.
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A few dozen people gathered in the rain at the corner of Cocoran and Central Monday evening to remember Amaria Jones and Mekhi James. They were killed in separate shootings in Austin Saturday night.
