AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/author/shelby-hawkins/page/4/)
Carl McCargo led a discussion earlier this month on reparations at the Third Unitarian Church of Chicago. He talked about the tragic legacy chattel slavery left behind, but he’s hopeful the U.S. can heal the inter-generational trauma caused by centuries of an oppressive system.
West Siders are invited to share their ideas about what kind of art they’d like to see in Austin on Jan. 26, either at 12 or 6 p.m. The meeting will be held over Zoom and led by Antonia “Toni” Ruppert.
The 14th annual family health challenge, organized by state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Two Austin businesses received small business grants to help them keep their doors open during the coronavirus pandemic. Mary Shyrese Home Day Care, 5418 W. Jackson Blvd., and Raze Up Grooming, 520 S. Laramie Ave., both secured small business grants from LISC Chicago, which received funding from the Verizon Foundation. LISC is now accepting applications for its Rebuild Distressed Communities grant program. An informational webinar will be held later this week.
Loretto Hospital hosted a virtual town hall last week featuring medical experts discussing the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, and the importance of having people of color participate in the clinical trials.
Principal Aquabah Gonney-Buckner was able to secure $10,000 in funding for her school, the Leslie Lewis School of Excellence. Teachers at the Austin school are learning about the history of race and race relations to prepare themselves for the difficult conversations they say students are ready to have.
There are a number of programs available to Chicago and/or Cook County residents wanting to buy a home or repair the one they already own. Some of the programs will begin accepting applications in early 2021, so housing advocates urge West Side residents to start organizing their paperwork now.
The telethon, organized by the new nonprofit group Renew 312, will feature singalongs, book readings and an appearance by Santa Claus to raise money for Austin. Tune in on Facebook Live from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
The coronavirus pandemic has posed big challenges for Black communities, and local businesses are still adjusting to the challenges. Learn how three local business owners – Liz Abunaw of Forty Acres Fresh Market, Chamille Weddington of Schweet Cheesecake and James Cole of Shine King – are coping.
The “Everyday Activists” project entails interviewing and taking photos of West Side heroes who are too often unheard and overlooked. Once the pandemic has subsided, organizers plan to hold two in-person exhibits – one in Austin and the other in Oak Park. Another project titled “Austin has the Mic” also aims to empower Austin residents to share their stories and help depict the community in a more authentic and positive light.