Garland Thomas-McDavid: Addressing trauma is paramount in helping North Lawndale to rise and thrive

By Garland Thomas McDavid for The Chicago Tribune

“A recent report from the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois at Chicago focused on revitalizing the North Lawndale community. It was uplifting and gratifying to see North Lawndale making headlines for its incredible potential while simultaneously being acknowledged for the steep uphill battle this neighborhood continues to face after generations of strategic, damaging disinvestment. But there was a key issue that appears as a mere afterthought. As impactful as it may be to make targeted efforts to revive North Lawndale’s economy — from housing to employment to food scarcity — there is a piece of this equation that we cannot overlook: community violence and the trauma that comes with it.”

 

Cubs Scholar Freddie Golden earns $1 million in scholarships

By Larry Hawley for WGN

“Anytime a student receives money through an academic scholarship for college, it’s a big deal and certainly something to celebrate. It’s an honor that North Lawndale College Prep High School senior and Chicago native Freddie Golden has earned during his time at the school through coursework and extra-curricular activities. But the amount he’s received over the last year has been quite extraordinary. The Cubs & Chicago Scholar has been awarded over $1 million dollars in academic scholarships as he’s continued his very busy high school career.”

 

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez tests positive for COVID-19

By ABC7 Chicago Digital Team

“Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, announced Thursday he has tested positive for COVID-19. Lunar eclipse during Super Flower Blood Moon appears in Chicago sky Martinez said he started to experience cold-like symptoms on Wednesday and tested positive on Thursday. Martinez said his symptoms are mild and he will work from home while following the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for isolation.”

 

As violence spikes, CPS taking need to provide activities for students ‘very seriously’ — and says teens shouldn’t get all the blame

By Nader Issa for The Chicago Sun Times

“As debate rages over Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s new, restrictive policies for teenagers this summer in response to a weekend shooting at Millennium Park that left a Chicago Public Schools student dead, district leaders said they’re focused on connecting kids with safe spaces and engaging programming. The schools officials said students are “not to blame for everything that is going on” and should feel welcome anywhere in the city. They said the district, in partnership with Lightfoot’s office, is working to make that a reality in the months to come. Lightfoot’s policies have been criticized by the American Civil Liberties Union, families and activists. The mayor announced kids won’t be allowed in Millennium Park after 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays without a “responsible adult.”

 

Friday’s Chicago Teachers Union election is its most contentious in years. With 3 slates, ‘it’s anybody’s guess’ who will win.

By Tracy Swartz for The Chicago Tribune

“There soon will be a new president of the Chicago Teachers Union — as three contenders battle for the chance to lead one of Chicago’s most influential unions through a new contract, the historic transition to an elected school board and the persistent COVID-19 pandemic. This race has been particularly rancorous, with two election-related lawsuits set to be decided after the union’s 25,000 members cast votes Friday. Since there is no public polling, one Chicago labor researcher said “it’s anybody’s guess” which of the three slates will win the “heated” contest that has drawn significant attention during a busy election season. “The community should care about this election because the Chicago Teachers Union plays such a big role in Chicago politics, and these are the teachers of our children,” said Steven Ashby, professor in the University of Illinois’ labor education program and co-author of “A Fight for the Soul of Public Education: The Story of the Chicago Teachers Strike,” on the 2012 CTU walkout.”