Leaked campaign documents highlight stark contrast between leading congressional candidates in Southwest Chicagoland race

Leaked private campaign strategy documents from Rep. Dan Lipinksi’s office last week shed light on the most contested Democratic primary in the state.

News Article, The Real ChiDonell McNairyDecember 3, 2019Tessine Murji, neighborhood & politics, Chicago, Bridgeport, ElectionsComment

Potential Eleven New Cannabis Dispensaries Coming to Chicago’s West and Southwest Zones.

The Department of Permits and Development drew names from a golden bingo drum to grant licenses to businesses that would allow them to sell recreational marijuana after Jan. 1, 2020 on Friday morning.

The Encompassing Center’s location provides a mental health alternative in the East and West Garfield Park and North Lawndale communities

The opening of the Encompassing Center last month has given Garfield Park and North Lawndale residents have access to a new mental health service option. Located at 3019 W. Harrison St., the Encompassing Center was brought to life after a four year process led by West Side residents who recognized disparities in mental health services, obtained funding and eventually won public support to fund the clinic in their community..

McCormick YMCA celebrates Halloween at the Y!

The McCormick YMCA’s annual “Halloween at the Y” event brought Logan Square’s families together for holiday fun.

News Article, The Real ChiLee EdwardsOctober 31, 2019YMCA, Chicago, education & youth, Free Spirit Media, The Real Chi, neighborhood & politicsComment

Progressive Illinois congressional candidates Robert Eammons and Marie Newman discuss racism and gun violence in the first and third districts

Dozens gathered in the Beverly Arts Center on Oct. 26 for a panel discussion called “Dismantling Hate,” moderated by progressive Democrats running in Illinois’ upcoming congressional elections, Robert Eammons and Marie Newman.

Mission oriented bookstores in Chicago thrive while cookie cutter chains struggle to remain open

Conversely, independent local bookstores are thriving and contributing to Chicago’s economy.

DSA holds fundraiser for potential teachers strike

The Democratic Socialists of America held a fundraiser at The Hideout for the Chicago Teachers Union’s impending strike on Friday

Column: Freshman congresswomen reopen debate about religion’s role in politics

Within mainstream American culture exists a polarized spectrum where religion is painted as either an oppressive barrier to freedom or as an emancipatory path to ultimate salvation. As a result- those trying to exist in the gray zone between holding progressive beliefs and maintaining theist values are held at a public moral standstill.

News Article, The Real ChiDonell McNairyOctober 1, 2019The Real Chi, Free Spirit Media, neighborhood & politics, Tessine MurjiComment

South Asian Film Fest Continues Legacy of Amplifying Underrepresented Voices

This year’s festival showcased 60 films screened at Showplace ICON Theatre, Depaul University and Venue SIX10. The directors and actors involved come from all over the South Asian subcontinent and its North American diaspora.

Mayoral candidate Lori Lightfoot takes center stage at West Side forum in rival Preckwinkle’s absence

Several hundred community members gathered at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5608 W. Washington Blvd., for the West Side Mayoral Forum last Thursday night to hear from runoff mayoral candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle just five days before Election Day.

Mayoral candidates propose ways to increase bus efficiency, accessibility

From slow bus speeds to increased bus fares, Chicago’s bus transit system is rife with issues.

News Article, The Real ChiDonell McNairyJanuary 25, 2019Pat Nabong, The Real Chi, neighborhood & politicsComment

Why Block Clubs Matter

Block Clubs are the hidden anchors of many communities in Chicago. They accomplish much more than throwing some of the best parties and gatherings in the summer. In some underserved communities, they are an anchor of unity.

An unprecedented plan to close a level 1+ performing school prompts a litigation against CPS

Late last week, parents of the National Teachers’ Academy Elementary School officially filed a complaint against Chicago Public Schools’ Board of Education on counts of violating the Civil Rights Act and the Illinois School Code in an unprecedented decision to close a Level 1+ performing school.

News Article, The Real ChiDonell McNairyJune 28, 2018Arlana Shikongo, CPS, neighborhood & politics, education & youthComment

Is the sudden end to the 40 year run of Little Village’s Cinco de Mayo parade the nail in the gentrification coffin?

PERSPECTIVE: Pilsen's Cinco de Mayo parade was yanked from the calendar just six days before its May 6 kick-off date, leaving business owners and would-be parade goers in Little Village and Pilsen with nothing but questions.

In The Loop Out The Blue: Episode 1: Keepin' Hope Alive featuring Rachel Williams

PODCAST: In this premiere episode of the Real Chi’s podcast, we dive deeper into the conversation on the disparity South side students face in education, discipline and all around love from their city.

Retired CPS teacher shares black women’s musical achievements at Douglass Branch Library

Ora Dobbins, a retired CPS music teacher, is on a mission to assert the role black women played in popularizing various American music genres.

City funds East Garfield Park orchard only after securing grant to use it to mitigate expensive stormwater damage

For four years, the people of East Garfield Park have pushed the city for solutions to the daunting scarcity of healthy food in the neighborhood. On Feb. 26, the city finally agreed to help fund the development of the East Garfield Park Community Eco Orchard.

In Chicago, not all protests are equal: A look into the politics of policing black and brown youth

As the dust settles on last week’s National School Walkout, youth activists have been praised and sanctioned by the public for their civic participation. However, in Chicago not all students have been treated equally, with many from majority black and brown schools facing heavy scrutiny from school administrators.

The Media’s story, but NOT the community’s truth

VIDEO: Chicago’s black and brown neighborhoods are depicted and looked at as dangerous. Lacking work programs, positive resources for the youth and community at large, many outsiders looking in only get a small glimpse of what is really happening.

Video Profile, The Real ChiDonell McNairyMarch 5, 2018Chelsea Berry, RCY News Package/Doc, neighborhood & politicsComment

CPS makes a final call: Despite weeks of protests and community opposition, CPS votes to close South Side schools

VIDEO: On Feb. 28, students, parents, teachers, organizers and concerned community members filled the Chicago Public School’s downtown office as the board was scheduled to take their final vote on the closure of four South Side high schools and an elementary school.