AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/community/)
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.
A number of events are being held this weekend to honor the civl rights leader, starting with an interfaith celebration at 10 a.m. Jan. 15. Other events are planned by Nonviolence Chicago and the Community Renewal Society on Jan. 18 and 19.
See Christmas trees decorated in different cultures and meet others celebrating life on the West Side. The socially distanced event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at 622 and 623 N. Lorel – two vacant lots that have been transformed into community gardens with the help of Block Club President Dollie Sherman. Refreshments will be served. Please, wear a mask.
Austin Coming Together is one of several organizations involved in a new initiative unveiled Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s Office of Racial Equity and Justice. The “Together We Heal” initiative calls on all residents to play their part in fostering connection, restoration and learning around the topic of racial healing. Chicagoans are encouraged to join in this challenge by hosting candid conversations, healing circles and other activities. The challenge will run from now until the end of January with a culminating, virtual healing summit that will reflect on progress made and build a path forward together.
Reesheda Graham Washington, the keynote speaker at this year’s multi-faith Thanksgiving service organized by the Community of Congregations and held Sunday night on Facebook Live, urged nearly 100 attendees to pattern their lives after Jesus. “How might we get curious about living a more abundant life?” asked the serial entrepreneur who operates Live Café in Oak Park.
Turkeys will be distributed on a first come, first served basis starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at 5713 W. Chicago Ave.; and beginning at 12 p.m. at Michele Clark High School, 5101 W. Harrison St., and 5744 W. Chicago Ave. If you aren’t able to stop by one of the Austin sites during these times, turkeys are being distributed elsewhere throughout the city.
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.
The testing will take place Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 5051 W. Chicago Ave. In addition to testing, other community services, including a mask giveaway, haircuts for children, a pre-Thanksgiving meal and Narcan distribution, will occur.
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.
The Westside Health Authority will hold a fall festival and groundbreaking ceremony from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at the corner of Chicago and Lockwood avenues. All are welcome!