A week’s worth of developing stories, events, and signs of the times, culled from the desks, inboxes, and wandering eyes of the editors
Notes
Food Gap Grows with Healthy Hub’s Departure
After three years in South Shore, the USDA-designated Healthy Food Hub is moving from the Quarry Event Center to Englewood’s Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, the organization announced through a series of Facebook posts last week. The decision will leave South Shore residents with even less access to fresh food—the former grocery space in Jeffery Plaza has been vacant ever since Dominick’s closed in late 2013 (though a Shop ‘n Save may be negotiating for the space), and there remain only corner stores and Walgreens to fill the produce gap opened by the Healthy Food Hub’s departure. The Hub, which is run by the Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Renewable Living, provided non-GMO, local, Black-grown produce, herbs, teas, and spices—from growers like Eden Place, the Green Lots Project, Growing Power, and Basu Natural Farms—as well as blood pressure screenings and dishes prepared by local family physician Dr. Jifunza Wright. Produce could be ordered in advance for pick-up on Saturday market days. In the new location, the Hub is looking to transition into a “vertically integrated cooperative of growers, worker-owners, and consumers.” The Hub is leaving South Shore “with a heavy heart,” but would like to hear from those, South Shore residents or otherwise, who are interested in participating in the organization’s transition—and can be reached at healthyfoodhub@gmail.com.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
The perpetually embattled Chicago Public Schools system found itself in a myriad of controversies this month. Not only did it announce plans to close four Englewood high schools— Harper, Hope, TEAM Englewood, and Robeson—but Forrest Claypool also resigned from his position as the district’s CEO after Inspector General Nicholas Schuler exposed Claypool as being complicit in what he called a “full-blown cover up.” Claypool’s firing was sparked by a stunning Sun-Times piece that revealed Ronald Marmer (the district’s top lawyer) was overseeing his former law firm, which was contracted to build a case for more state funding, while also receiving annual severance payments of $200,000 from that law firm. Despite CPS’s ethics rules banning oversight in cases of potential conflicts of interest, Claypool approved of Marmer’s oversight, ignored and concealed the disapproving legal advice from six different attorneys, and deliberately searched for an approving seventh legal opinion that came from none other than one of Claypool’s former campaign contributors. Throughout the scandal, the one man who stood by Claypool’s side was none other than Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who once hired Claypool as his former chief of staff. Emanuel doggedly called Claypool “selfless” and his actions a mere “lapse in judgment”—but the damage to CPS’s battered reputation of integrity (see: Byrd-Bennett, Barbara) was already done.
Taking Claypool’s place is Janice Jackson, a former CPS student, educator, and principal, with a daughter who also attends a CPS school. Perhaps Jackson’s first challenge is the Illinois State Board of Education’s recent and “unprecedented” (per the Tribune) inquiry into CPS special education programs. The district drastically changed its special education manual in 2016, citing low test scores, a lack of oversight, and inconsistent standards despite increasing costs and a tightening budget. An investigation by WBEZ found not only that these guidelines were made in secret but also that instead of fixing the issues noted by CPS, they caused many students—disproportionately Black and brown ones—to lose necessary services[delete space] like physical and occupational therapy, extra class time, and social work. The Chicago City Council’s Education Committee promised a public meeting on special education funding this week, but the hearing was abruptly canceled without an explanation on Sunday despite many parents, teachers, and students waiting to testify. Despite taking a few small steps forward, CPS’s unwillingness to face or even acknowledge its own problems with inefficiency and corruption ultimately—and obviously—continues to prevent it from making any substantial progress.
Calendar
bulletin
Southside Community Holiday Jamboree
South Shore United Methodist Church, 7350 S. Jeffery Ave. Saturday, December 23, 3pm–6:30pm. (773) 752-6233. bit.ly/SouthSideJamboree
Those interested in giving back, community uplift, education of different cultures, and above all, “Holiday FUN” are welcome at this community holiday event, which will feature community service projects and toy giveaways as well as treats, various artistic activities for kids, and a performance by KidWorks Touring Theatre Co. (Julia Aizuss)
Conscious Dating, Relating, Marriage
Bop Biz Center, 644 E. 79th St. Sunday, December 24, 3:30pm–7:30pm. (773) 891-5939, bit.ly/ConsciousRelationshipsBopBiz
Acclaimed author, certified development coach, and expert on relationships Kelley Porter (Coach Kelley) is coming to Chicago to help us with ours. Come to her talk this Sunday to hear her discuss “conscious dating, relating, and marriage.” Mature adults are welcome, and the first ten (couples or singles) get her book Overcoming Toxic Relationships for free. (Michael Wasney)
Holiday Gift Making Classes
Englewood Enterprise Gallery, 7039 S. Wentworth Ave. Every Saturday and Sunday from December 2 to December 30, 2pm–4pm. $5. (773) 719-9848. bit.ly/EnglewoodEnterpriseGallery
The Englewood Enterprise Gallery is hosting a series of classes to teach children and adults how to make bags, jewelry and jewelry stands, t-shirts, and more that you can give as a gift to your loved ones. The cost of materials is not included in the cost of the class. (Adia Robinson)
Steam Radiators 101 with The Steam WhispererTM
ReBuilding Exchange, 1740 W. Webster Ave. Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 21, 1pm–3pm. $10. (773) 252- 2234. rebuildingexchange.org.
Hssssss…there isn’t a snake in your apartment—just an old steam radiator. And if yours is making loud clanking sounds or heating the unit unevenly, it may be time to pick up some advice from Dave Bunnell, the Steam WhispererTM. Relying on twenty years of experience, Bunnell will be giving a workshop on maintenance, spotting and solving common problems, and improving the efficiency of your steam radiators for a better, more comfortable experience. (Adam Przybyl)
Brown Books and Paintbrushes NFP. INC. “Kid Party & Book Drive!”
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, Saturday, January 6, 10am–1pm. Free. RSVP at bit.ly/BrownBooksPaintbrushes. promontorychicago.com
Brown Books and Paintbrushes NFP. Inc. supports exposing the community to Black authors and artists. Join the fun by donating new and gently used diverse books as this organization hosts their annual Kid Party and Book Drive. Children ages one to five will have the opportunity to enjoy African and African-American arts and crafts, book giveaways, literacy stations, movement and music, and so much more. (Maple Joy)
Racial Justice for South Loop Schools
Location in South Loop TBD. Wednesday, January 10. 6pm–8pm. (312) 448-8900. chicagounitedforequity.org
Chicago United for Equity will be leading its third of three “Racial Justice and South Loop Schools” meetings pertaining to CPS’s proposal to close the National Teachers Academy (NTA) and open a new high school. This final session will focus on ways to promote racial equity and justice in the NTA proposal. (Michael Wasney)
VISUAL ARTS
A Tribute to Eduardo Galeano
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Wednesday, December 20, 6pm. $10. (312) 738-1503. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
Come celebrate the life and work of late Uruguayan journalist and writer Eduardo Galeano at the National Museum of Mexican Art this Wednesday. Sandra Cisneros, English professor Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, and poet Raul Niño will share anecdotes, analysis, and readings from Galeano’s work to commemorate his amazing career. (Michael Wasney)
Make PR Lit Again
Chicago Art Department, 1932 S. Halsted St., Ste. 100. Saturday, January 6, noon–10pm. $5–$50. bit.ly/MakePRLitAgain
Months after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, more than half of the country is still without power. Join Chicago Creatives for Change as they fundraise for solar relief and water filtration. Guests can enjoy an artists’ gallery, sip and paint, Caribbean yoga, and a live talent showcase followed by an afterparty. Small plates of authentic Puerto Rican food will be available for purchase; BYOB. (Maple Joy)
B-Side Vinyl Shop + Swap
Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. Saturday, January 6, 11pm–4pm. Free. arts.uchicago.edu/artsandpubliclife/ai
Curated by local vinyl stores and collectors, the Arts Incubator will be transformed into a one-day-only pop-up record & swap shop, all to the tune of local DJs Ayana Contreras, Jesse De La Peña, and Mr. Jaytoo. (Rod Sawyer)
Artist Talk with Pope.L and Dieter Roelstraete
Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Thursday, January 4, 6pm–8pm. Free. wrens.uchicago.edu
As part of the event “What’s Next: A five-hour marathon conversation and more on immigration, migration and home,” artist Pope.L and curator Dieter Roelstraete will talk Pope.L’s contribution to Documenta 14, Flint Water, and the Brown People Are the Wrens in the Parking Lot project. (Rod Sawyer)
MUSIC
Roy Ayers
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Wednesday, December 20, 9pm. $25–$55. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
The Godfather of Neo-Soul Roy Ayers comes to the Promontory this December with his generation and genre bridging hits such as “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” “Searchin’,” and “Running Away.” (Adia Robinson)
The Dojo Presents: Dark Daze
The Dojo, message on Facebook for address. Friday, December 22, 9pm–1am. $5 donation. thedojochi.com
Winter days are dark and long, but the Dojo has a show lined up for you that’ll be sure to warm you up and light up the night. Catch an all-star lineup of local acts—Cado, Syren, Roy French, Solo the Dweeb, and Draco’s Iron Lungs—with sounds by Lord Haiti, all for just a five-dollar donation. (Andrew Koski)
Party Noire presents Black Metropolis New Year’s Eve 2017
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Wednesday, December 31, 9pm. $75–$100. 21+ (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
This New Year’s Eve, the hottest party in Hyde Park will be at the Promontory. Special guest artists will give live performances, surprise artists will be making appearances, and there will be music curated by DJ Rae Chardonnay and Party Noire resident DJ Lisa Decibel. Make sure to snag a ticket because you’ll get “tasty hors d’oeuvres, a two-hour open bar, a midnight champagne toast, and an assortment of goodies from local Hyde Park favorites.” (Andrew Koski)
FuzZz
Reggie’s, 2105 S. State St. Friday, January 12, 8pm. $5. 21+. (312) 949-0120. reggieslive.com
Chicago-based funk band FuzZz “has been making crowds groove since mid-2011.” The five-piece band has toured as far as New Orleans, and for one night at Reggies, they’ll be bringing their usual mix of originals and reinvented covers to our fair city, with Kansas City–based groove jazz band The Sextet and local prog rock brass band Robert J. Zimmer?. (Andrew Koski)
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Wednesday, January 31, 8pm, 7pm doors. $38-$58. 17+ (312) 526-3851. thaliahallchicago.com
The Mothership will be touching down in Pilsen this January and you know what that means—an unforgettable night with funk legend George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. With over forty R&B hit singles, three platinum albums, and decades of legendary performances, this isn’t a show to be missed, so get your tickets soon. (Andrew Koski)
STAGE & SCREEN
BACinema Presents: “White Christmas”
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Wednesday, December 20, 7pm. $6, $5 BAC members. (773) 446-3838. beverlyartcenter.org
What are you up to tonight? If the answer is “not much,” you might as well head down to 111th Street to see this 1954 classic featuring the best titular Christmas song written by a Jewish man. (Julia Aizuss)
Black Cinema House Presents: “Pariah”
Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island Ave. Friday, December 22, 7pm–9pm. Free. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.org
Whether you want more Dee Rees after seeing her latest feature, 2017’s Mudbound, or are new to her work, it’s worth returning to her wrenching 2011 film Pariah, about a teenaged Black lesbian living in Brooklyn. (Julia Aizuss)
eta Family Theatre Initiative: “The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves”
eta Creative Arts, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave. Through Saturday, December 23. $40, discounts available for seniors and students. (773) 752-3955. etacreativearts.org
Nora Brooks Blakely’s musical adaptation of a book by her mother Gwendolyn Brooks was already a fitting choice in the year of the Brooks centennial, to start off eta’s 2017–18 season. Even more fitting, given Brooks’s dedication to youth poetry, is that the musical will launch eta’s partnership with the Chicago Teachers Union Foundation. The initiative will encourage Chicago students to read the book and then to see the musical. (Julia Aizuss)
Lemonade, with Julie Dash and Jacqueline Stewart
Harper Theater, 5238 S. Harper Ave. Thursday, January 4, 7pm–9:30pm. Free. (773) 834-1936. bit.ly/Cinema53Lemonade
Cinema 53’s four-part series in honor of the fortieth anniversary of the Combahee River Collective Statement fittingly comes to a close with the most recent and probably most famous artistic statement of Black feminism yet: Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade. The screening will be followed by a discussion with UofC film professor and Cinema 53 curator Jacqueline Stewart and pioneering filmmaker Julie Dash. (Julia Aizuss)
Hyde ya Kids, Hyde ya Park!
The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St. Saturday, January 6, 7:30pm. $20, $10 students. the-revival.com
This somewhat confusingly capitalized show, the Revival’s Winter Sketch Comedy Revue, promises “fierce, silly sketches” on matters topical to Hyde Park and the world at large: graduate student unionization, Barack Obama’s law school days, male privilege, and more. Come the first week of January for a preview performance of the revue. (Julia Aizuss)
Collected Stories Auditions
Augustana Lutheran Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Ave. Sunday, January 7, 4pm–7pm, and Monday, January 8, 6pm–9pm. info@hydeparkcommunityplayers.org, hydeparkcommunityplayers.org
Interested in putting your acting chops to the test? Come audition for Donald Margulies’ Collected Stories—a two-hander that dramatizes the relationship between an older writer and her protégé over a period of sixty years. If you haven’t gotten a chance to work with the wonderful Hyde Park Players yet, this is your chance. (Michael Wasney)
Lorraine Hansberry: ‘Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart’
Du Sable Museum IBLA Theater, 740 E. 56th Pl. Thursday, January 11, 6pm–8pm. Free. (773) 947-0600. dusablemuseum.org
On the night before the anniversary of Lorraine Hansberry’s death, the DuSable will screen a new documentary that illuminates her life and work through interviews with those who acted in her plays. The filmmakers will be present to discuss the film. (Neal Jochmann)
FOOD & LAND
Cleo’s Pop-up
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine, 4312 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Friday, December 22, 5pm. Free. (773) 575-7120. cleossoutherncuisine.com
Catering company Cleo’s Southern Cuisine and clothing brand Pillars are inviting you to the pop-up shop they’re co-hosting this Friday. Cleo’s is supplying the menu; Pillars, the looks. RSVP to take part in this night fun, fashion, and Southern flavors. (Michael Wasney)
Healthy Food Hub Market Day
The Quarry Event Center, 2423 E. 75th St. Saturday, December 23 and Saturday, December 30, 11am–3pm. Preorder at healthyfoodhub.org. (773) 357-6097. facebook.com/healthyfoodhubchicago
Stop by the Quarry for the Healthy Food Hub Market for their last two days at the South Shore location. “Far more than a farmer’s market,” the market provides produce, dry goods, teas, herbs, and prepared foods—last week was a black bean soup—available through pre-order. Cash, check, credit, and LINK are all accepted. Come next year, they’ll be operating from Englewood. (Emeline Posner)
Meals for Christmas
Brave Space Alliance, 237 E. 58th St. Sunday, December 24, noon–4pm. (773) 424-2959. bit.ly/Meals4Christmas
Black Lives Matter is putting on their second annual Meals for Christmas event this Christmas Eve, aiming to feed and provide a warm, welcoming space for 400 individuals. To reach that goal, they are looking for volunteers to help with the event and donations of personal hygiene products, hats, and gloves to be served with the hot meal. (Emeline Posner)
Community Dialogue on Pilsen Land Use
Rudy Lozano Chicago Public Library, 1805 S. Loomis St. Saturday, January 6, 12:30pm. (312) 243-5440. facebook.com/thepilsenalliance
Join the Pilsen Alliance for a community dialogue about the role, and lack of transparency, of the Pilsen Land Use Committee (PLUC), which serves as an advisory committee for Alderman Danny Solis. The meeting, which will be youth-led, will look at how PLUC’s practices relate to gentrification. Both Ald. Solis and members of PLUC have been invited to participate. (Emeline Posner)
Beginning Farmer of the Year Nomination
Submission due by January 12 to Advocates for Urban Agriculture, info@auachicago.org. (773) 850-0428. Details: bit.ly/FarmerOf2018
New to sustainable farming,and want to share your accomplishments to date? The Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA) wants to hear from you in the form of three-minute video submissions. All videos received will be posted on the AUA website and voted on by viewers. The winning submission will be nominated by AUA for a $1,000 prize. (Emeline Posner)