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Valerie Leonard

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Black voters hurt by new redistricting maps, group says

By Valerie Leonard | September 28, 2021

Members of Illinois African Americans for Equitable Redistricting to Governor have a message for go. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois Democrats: “You have made a mockery out of the Voting Rights Act.”

Opinion

New governor off to wrong start

By Valerie Leonard | November 6, 2014

West Side advocate Valerie Leonard questions the lack of diversity on Bruce Rauner’s transition team.

Opinion

Should pastors get involved in politics?

By Valerie Leonard | October 30, 2014

Ministers must be careful, or they risk getting their churches in trouble with the IRS and hurting their community, writes West Side advocate Valerie Leonard.

Community

West Side nonprofits rise to the challenge

By Valerie Leonard | October 9, 2014

Local resident Valerie Leonard helps organizations by challenging them to become compliant in 30 days.

Opinion

Community groups urge CPS to halt all school actions

By Valerie Leonard | May 28, 2014

Chicago Citizens United to Preserve Public Education also wants the district to nullify the turnaround efforts at Ronald E. McNair Elementary and two other schools.

Opinion

Now is the time for an Illinois Education Facilities Planning Board

By Valerie Leonard | January 18, 2013

Valerie Leonard says the state should create a planning board to regulate the development and expansion of schools in Illinois.

Community

Online petition to stop school closings, charter expansion

By Valerie Leonard | January 9, 2013

Community advocate Valerie Leonard is urging residents to sign the petition for it to appear on President Barack Obama’s “We the People” website.

Community

A year in review: 2011 Education Reform Act

By Valerie Leonard | September 5, 2012

West Side advocate Valerie Leonard looks back at the changes made by the act and talks to other activists about the reforms they think are needed for Chicago schools.

Opinion

Tell your State Rep. to vote no on HB 4277- House Floor Amendment No. 1 as Proposed

By Valerie Leonard | May 24, 2012

West Side advocate and community development consultant Valerie Leonard is urging residents to take a stand against a bill she says will decrease funding for neighborhood public schools.

Opinion

Redistricting of Cook County board to be determined in coming weeks

By Valerie Leonard | May 11, 2012

An alliance makes the case to keep North Lawndale together, as officials work on a new map that will be unveiled later this month.

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  • .@Chicago_Police are looking for the driver of a silver Porsche SUV who killed a 93-year-old woman in a hit-and-run… https://t.co/czj5cfV2487 days ago
  • Don't miss the 29th Ward candidate forum. 15th District police council candidates also will be at the 2/4 event. https://t.co/i4cdPLbyeR8 days ago
  • Austin is one of 12 new communities being targeted for tourism. https://t.co/bXmbJeli4m10 days ago
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  • .@ChrisT29thWard is seeking a third term as the 29th Ward alderman after an unsuccessful bid for a Cook County judg… https://t.co/W3SEkHthxI11 days ago
  • .@EmmaMittsAld37 faces 3 hopefuls vying to flip 37th Ward after 23 years. @CoreyBraddock37, Howard Ray and Jake Tow… https://t.co/jh48tbaGx411 days ago
  • .@AldermanErvin (28th) will likely serve a fourth City Council term after all 3 of his challengers were removed fro… https://t.co/tckioCHY3g11 days ago
  • New programs offer Chicagoans relief, a way to pay it off https://t.co/r6jQgJgoWU11 days ago
  • Calling West Side youth, don't miss this event 12/28 at Columbus Park. https://t.co/UlSfyakvx137 days ago
  • Chicago planted 18,000 trees this year - including 462 in Austin - with 33% going to neighborhoods with the highest… https://t.co/68rIFdPigF38 days ago
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About AustinTalks

The Austin community, home to nearly 100,000 people, is rich in diversity, culture and life. AustinTalks seeks to reflect this richness and provide residents of Chicago's most-populated neighborhood with news and information not available anywhere. Help us make this a meeting place that showcases all Austin has to offer. Share your tips and questions; we'll share your stories.

Recent Comments

  • “State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) issued this statement after Gov.-elect Rauner announced additional members of his transition team:…”

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    — Valerie Leonard on What’s the real deal?

  • “The real sellouts and Uncle Tom's in the black community are those who work to make sure the "white" Democrats…”

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    — jkptak on Austin activist questions ministers’ support of GOP candidates

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