AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/author/shelby-hawkins/page/5/)
An empty and under-utilized lot is being transformed into a vibrant space for residents and businesses to set up shop and relax. Once finished, the lot will have a basketball court, a plaza for pop-up markets, a lawn for seating, a spot for food trucks and a mural painted by local artists.
A “no shave” in November event will bring men together to talk about their health while raising awareness about cancer. Stop by AJ Styles Beauty & Barber Salon, 6624 W. North Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22. Also this month, uninsured and underinsured Austin residents can get a free prostate screening at Loretto Hospital.
Saturday’s virtual workforce readiness festival is being held in collaboration with Mi Casa Holiday, Your Passion 1st and BUILD. The goal is to get young creatives – ages 15 to 24 – in touch with industry professionals and cultivating their passions. There will be limited seating at the event, which will also be streamed on the app MeetAppGo.
The event, held virtually and at the Kehrein Center for the Arts and presented by the Austin Renaissance Council, highlighted the importance of storytelling with panel discussions, poetry and musical guests. It prompted uncomfortable conversations, emphasizing the importance of Austin residents taking control of their narratives.
A new 62-by-16-foot mural in Austin reminds the community of its roots, said David Rodriguez, program manager at Youth Outreach Services. The mural can be seen on the outside of YOS’ building at 5910 W. Division St. Stop by and check it out.
The Kehrein Center for the Arts will be hosting the event on Thursday, Nov. 5 to discuss systemic racism and the history of disinvestment in Austin. The symmposium will be held virtually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register now.
More than 100 students from civics classes on Chicago’s West and Northwest sides are mobilizing people to vote in the Nov. 3rd election. They’ve been calling potential voters and handing out campaign literature even though many of them aren’t old enough to vote themselves.
While COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the city, there are still some safe options to celebrate Halloween in Austin and the nearby suburbs. Don’t forget to wear your mask!
An online, interactive exhibit called The Sisterhood explores ideas of grief, justice and healing through photographs and vignettes written by mothers who have lost a son to gun violence. The stories of 11 Chicago area women are shared in the free exhibit created by Unsilence.
Westside Health Authority, Safer Foundation and Habilitative Systems Inc. are among 31 groups receiving funding through the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, which received a $56 million grant from the Chicago Department of Public Health to oversee contact tracing efforts.