Alderman Dowell Co-Hosts South Side Youth Explosion

Organized by 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, Alderman Dowell co-hosted the Southside Youth Explosion on May 23rd at Fuller Park (331 W. 45th St.). The event brought youth together for a safe and fun day filled with music, games, food, resources and community. It's these types of safe spaces and access to resources that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighborhood youth. Thank you Alderman Taylor and everyone who participated in this wonderful event.

Alderman Dowell Releases Statement that Demands Accountability for All Government Employees

Alderman Dowell released a statement in May regarding her vote on Alderman Martin's ordinance aimed at prohibiting City police officers with access to sensitive locations from participating in extremist activity. To read the full statement, please click here.

FY27 City of Chicago Budget Engagement Sessions

The City of Chicago invites residents to attend one of three Budget Engagement Roundtables to share insights and priorities for the 2027 Budget. The Youth Budget Roundtable will be held on June 25th.

Doors will open one hour before each Roundtable for a City Resource Fair, where representatives from City departments will be available to answer questions and provide information about City services and programs. The City looks forward to hearing from you and working together to build a budget that reflects the values and needs of our communities.

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE I

Weds, June 3rd, 2026

Resource Fair: 5:00 PM

Roundtables: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Malcolm X College

1900 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60612

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT ROUNDTABLE II

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

Resource Fair: 9:00 AM

Roundtable: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Harry S. Truman

1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

BUDGET ENGAGEMENT

ROUNDTABLE III

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Resource Fair: 5:00 PM

Roundtable: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Kennedy-King College

6301 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621



Alderman Dowell Honors Geneva Searcy in City Council as Part of Older Americans Month

With the Chicago City Council honoring the contributions of our City's elders as part of Older Americans Month, Alderman Dowell had the pleasure of welcoming 3rd Ward Resident Geneva Searcy to the celebration! Ms. Searcy retired from AT&T in 2021 after 29 years in the Personnel Department. Congratulations to Ms. Searcy and than you for making the trip down to City Hall!

Every May the nation observes Older Americans Month (OAM), a time to recognize

older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in our communities.

Poplar Park Splash Pad Upgrade and Construction Updates

The Poplar Park (4044 S Prairie Ave.) splash pad is getting an upgrade as part of the Chicago Splash! Program led by the Chicago Park District. The Chicago Splash! Program works to improve splash pads across the city. The project will deliver an engaging, family-friendly water play area that enhances seasonal recreation while prioritizing durability and accessibility.

As part of the open community engagement process, the community selected Option B as the preferred concept (pictured to the right), featuring a nature-inspired design with playful elements influenced by flowers, trees, and native grasses. The Park District's Department of Natural Resources will also detail Poplar Park with fibar in the playground and mulch in the tree pit. Once a construction schedule and other associated details are established, Alderman Dowell will alert the community immediately.

Remember to Curb Your Dog

Chicago is a very dog friendly city, from our many parks, to designated dog friendly areas, to outdoor eating/drinking establishments, to even portions of the beach that allow pets at certain times. To keep our City beautiful for all of our two- and four- legged residents, please be sure to curb your dog and carry dog doo bags wherever you go. Picking up after your pet isn't just neighborly, its the law!

Chicago Municipal Code Section 7-12-420 Removal of excrement reads:

"No person shall appear with a pet upon the public ways or within public places or upon the property of another, absent that person's consent, without some means for the removal of excrement; nor shall any person fail to remove any excrement deposited by such pet...Any person found to have been in violation of this section shall be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00 for each offense."

The 3rd Ward Public Service Office also has curb your dog signs free for residents' yards and windows. Please be a good neighbor and make sure to pick up after your pets, whether it's on the parkway or in your own yard.

South Side Community Art Center and South Side Home Movie Project Receive Grants from Getty Foundation

Two 3rd Ward-based organizations, the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) and the South Side Home Movie Project received grants from the Getty Foundation. The grants are part of a broader $1.8 million effort by the Getty Foundation to support Black visual arts archives.

The South Side Community Art Center, located at 3831 S. Michigan Ave., was awarded $250,000. The art center is currently undergoing an extensive renovation to expand the building's footprint, thanks in part to a separate $2 million grant from Chicago's Driehaus Foundation. SSCAC is the oldest Black American art center in the country, founded in 1940 as part of the Works Progress Administration.

The South Side Home Movie Project, based out of the Washington Park Arts Incubator at 301 E. Garfield Blvd., received $170,000 to support their mission to preserve and digitize home movies created by South Side residents, and will help the organization build a website resource guide, ramp up fundraising and support teaching. The project has already gathered more than 1,200 films dating back to the 1930s.

The Getty Foundation partners with people and organizations in Los Angeles and around the world by awarding grants that support art historical scholarship, conserve art and architecture, increase access to museum collections and archives, and train visual arts professionals

Bronzeville Classical Elementary School Principal Wins Golden Apple Award

Huge congratulations to Nicole Spicer, Principal of Bronzeville Classical Elementary School (8 W. Root St.), who was awarded the prestigious 2026 Golden Apple Leadership Award. She is so deserving of the honor acknowledging her long standing commitment to educating CPS children. Principal Spicer was the inaugural principal at Bronzeville Classical Elementary School, guiding it from concept to the wonderful educational opportunity that it is today.

Golden Apple elevates the teaching and school leadership professions through recognition of master teachers and school leaders with the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership. Award recipients play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers by providing instruction and mentorship to future teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs. 

43rd Street CTA Temporary Station Closure - June 13th

Please be advised that CTA is currently projecting a 48-hour station closure at the 43rd Street Station beginning Saturday, June 13th at 3:00 AM and concluding Monday June 15th at 3:00 AM. During this closure, the General Contractor (ICC) will remove the main stationhouse stairs, install shoring on both sides leading to the platforms, and construct a temporary stair system to the southbound platform to allow passenger service to resume on Monday morning.

Following the stationhouse closure, the project team anticipates beginning a 28-day ride-by condition on the northbound platform. During this phase, the contractor will remove the existing exit stairs, install a new foundation, and reconstruct the stairs in a revised configuration. In addition, the majority of the remaining work on the northbound platform will be completed during this closure in an effort to minimize future impacts to the public.

Additional impacts anticipated over the coming months include a 14-day ride-by on the southbound platform to accommodate reconstruction of the exit stairs, as well as another 48-hour weekend station closure to finalize reconstruction of the primary stationhouse stairs.

Questions can be directed to Alderman Dowell's Public Service Office at Ward03@cityofchicago.org or 773-373-9273.

Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ Recognized in 2026 Preservation Excellence Awards

Congratulations to Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ (4021 S. State St.) for being recognized during the 2026 Preservation Excellence Awards presented by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Roberts Temple underwent extensive exterior work in 2024, including masonry and window restoration of the front façade. The project team retained and recognized the different elements from the different periods of the church’s evolution, renewing its role as life as a place of worship and center for education, reflection and community engagement.  

Roberts Temple is best known as the location of the funeral and visitation for Emmett Till after the 14-year-old was murdered by lynching in Mississippi. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, insisted that his body be brought home to Chicago for an open casket funeral and later, burial. Till-Mobley requested the funeral be held at Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ. The event was an important catalyst for individuals seeking social and political justice and equality for African Americans, and the building exemplifies the importance of Emmett Till’s tragic death to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Temporary Street Closure - Calumet Ave. from 21st St. to Cermak Rd.

Digital Reality Trust has contracted with a crane operator to remove mechanical units from the roof of their building located at 350 E. Cermak Rd. between June 8th and June 13th. 

A large crane to be stationed on Calumet Ave. will be used to remove the mechanical units from the roof. The process of erecting the crane and removing the units will require the full closure of Calumet Ave. from 21st St. to Cermak Rd. Detour to northbound Calumet Ave. is west on Cermak Rd. to north on Indiana Ave., to east on 21st St., to north on Calumet Ave.

Chicago Brand Museum Opens in Bronzeville

The Chicago Brand Museum (2412 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Fl.) opened on May 28th and features a collection of packaging, advertising artifacts, and consumer objects from around the world that tell the story of culture through the brands we know and love. Think: a 1950s Coca-Cola bottle, a 1973 Kellogg’s Corn Flakes box, a 1939 Kiwi Shoe Polish tin, or a 1920s Wrigley’s gum pack.

With more than 30,000 artifacts spanning virtually every consumer category, the museum offers a nostalgic tour of design, advertising, and everyday life that is both deeply personal and universally accessible. Whether you are a design enthusiast, history buff, or simply curious about what brands can tell us about ourselves and our culture, there is something for everyone.

Rain Doesn't Stop Annual Bronzeville 5K

Runners, walkers and watchers gathered early in the morning for the annual Bronzeville 5K Run/Walk organized by Bright Star Community Outreach. After a gentle rain, Bronzeville was green, peaceful, and ready for a healthy start to the day. Kudos to Pastor Chris Harris and his team for modeling “Hope in Action.”

Bright Star Community Outreach works to develop impactful community development initiatives aimed at facing Chicago's largest societal challenges: violence in our communities, poor economic opportunities, inadequate mental health services, homelessness, child safety, and drug abuse. Their efforts are designed to strengthen local families and communities, as well as leverage key partnerships with organizations and businesses that share Bright Star's passion for seeing renewal in Chicago.

Jeweled Tiffany Window Returns to 2nd Presbyterian Church

The renowned, 133-year-old Jeweled window designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, will be reinstalled at 2nd Presbyterian Church (1936 S. Michigan Ave.) after 14 months of conservation work by acclaimed artisans in a $750,000 effort. This project’s investment was funded by more than 200 individual donors and family foundations through a three-year campaign led by Friends of Historic Second Church. Friends is a non-profit organization separate from the church founded in 2006 to restore, preserve and share the art and architecture of Historic Second Church.

Tiffany’s Jeweled window is one of nine in the church designed by the firm of Louis Comfort Tiffany. The dazzling polychrome window contains thousands of pieces of glass and stands more than 16 feet high and is 8½ feet wide. It is composed of more than 12,000 pieces of glass, with more than 1,000 glass jewels capturing daylight with the brilliance of a rainbow. 

Upcoming CASPER Survey

From June 8 through 12, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is planning to conduct a community household survey to better understand how prepared and ready Chicagoans are for future emergencies (such as natural disasters or infectious diseases). By collecting information from a select group of Chicago households, the survey results will help determine how to best help Chicagoans prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

Thirty census blocks will be randomly selected from prioritized Chicago neighborhoods, after which 7 households will be randomly selected from each block for interview. See the map for the area selected in the 3rd Ward (in red). Each survey interview should only last around 15 minutes and will be completely anonymous. All CASPER-associated interviewers will provide identification.

If your household is selected for an interview, CDPH would greatly appreciate your help! Your responses will help Chicago understand your community’s unique needs and prepare for how to best assist you and your neighbors during an emergency.

Airbnb Community Updates and Resources

In response to community concerns and to provide a better experience for guests and residents alike, Airbnb is offering the following updates and resources. These include:

1. Instituted a ban on disruptive and unauthorized parties, pursuant to Airbnb’s community disturbance policy as well as a prohibition on party houses;
2. Launched reservation screening technology, which blocks certain bookings that show an increased risk for parties and property damage;
3. Deployed heightened rules and technologies aimed at helping to stop parties;
4. Established a Neighborhood Support Line so neighbors have a way to speak directly to Airbnb about any concerns they may have about a listing;
5. Provided a 24-hour safety line so Hosts and guests can quickly reach Airbnb’s Safety team for support during an active stay;
6. Offers free noise sensors for Hosts in partnership with property tech company Minut;
7. Provides Tips for Hosts about how to help prevent parties in their listing;
8. Institutes consequences for violations of Airbnb policies, up to legal action; and
9. Created a Law Enforcement Response Team (LERT) Portal: online portal for law enforcement. Provides a secure and streamlined channel for law enforcement to submit valid legal requests for information from Airbnb. Through the portal, law enforcement officers are able to securely track requests, receive status updates and customized email notification.

Of particular note, the Neighborhood Support Line and the Law Enforcement Response Team Portal are specifically dedicated to ensuring community safety and guest/host accountability.

Update on Sewer Improvement Project - Pershing Rd. from Giles Ave. to Cottage Grove Ave.

As part of the planned sewer improvement project on Pershing Rd. from Giles Ave. to Cottage Grove Ave. the project's contractor began installing traffic control measures on Pershing Rd. just west of Giles Ave. on May, 26, 2026. Digital messaging signs are placed at both ends of the project limits along Pershing Rd. to inform the public of upcoming changes to traffic patterns.

Traffic control measures will be set up from Giles Ave. to Martin Luther King Dr. Traffic will be reduced to a single 10-foot lane in each direction. Parking will not be permitted adjacent to the construction zone with no parking signs posted within the appropriate limits. Once the work zone is established, the contractor will proceed with sewer installation and other proposed improvements. All work up to and through the intersection of King Dr. is anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2026.

ComEd Releases City of Chicago Reliability Report

ComEd has released its Chicago Annual Reliability Report which highlights their community engagement efforts as well as their suite of programs, from financial assistance to STEM initiatives. For the 3rd Ward, the report indicates ComEd has replaced approximately 4,200 ft. of mainline underground cable, completed 4 corrective actions identified through Thermography and Overhead Inspection Programs, completed approximately 15 miles of distribution tree trimming, installed 6 Distribution Automation Devices to help reduce customer impact during service interruptions, and that 3rd Ward reliability has favorable performance. For issues related to ComEd please visit ComEd.com.

Business Violation - South Loop Hotel (11 W. 26th St.)

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has issued citations to the Chicago South Loop Hotel (11 W. 26th St.) for operating without a license, failure to notify of corporate change, ineligible to hold license due to licensee not having a State Liquor License, operating without a Liquor License, failure to notify of change of officers, and operating violations. On February 3, 2026, the business was fined $10,000 and voluntarily surrendered their liquor license. Questions regarding this order can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Ordinances Sponsored by Alderman Dowell in May 2026

R2026-0025443 - Submission a referendum to Chicago voters on whether Chicago should make its contribution to city pension funds in first quarter of year to reduce long-term debt. For the last few years, the City of Chicago has made an advanced pension payment to the City's pension systems to bring them closer to full funding and save taxpayers millions of dollars in long term liabilities. This is a sound financial strategy and even helps the City's bond rating, lowering overall borrowing costs. Alderman Dowell has fully supported this policy and fought for its inclusion in the recent FY26 City of Chicago Budget. In order to maximize the financial benefit of this policy, Alderman Dowell and her colleagues are advocating for this payment to be made in the first quarter of every year. This means more time in the market for the City's funds and a better return on the taxpayer's investment. The ordinance asks Chicago residents whether this policy should be followed in future year's budgets.

R2026-0025122 - Call for hearing on 2026 primary election updates, vote by mail, and absentee voting procedures. With the unprecedented attacks on the foundations of our democracy coming out of the White House, Alderman Dowell is calling for a hearing in City Council which would bring together relevant stakeholders to discuss, in advance, how the City can protect voting and voting access in future elections.

South Loop Event Parking Restrictions

Parking restrictions are in place for the South Loop from Roosevelt Road to Cermak Rd. from Lake Shore Drive to Clark St. during all Chicago Bears football games and many other Soldier Field events. Wintrust Arena events have been removed from the parking restrictions. Vehicles parked in the South Loop without a valid South Loop Event Parking Pass, South Loop Event Guest Pass or Residential Permit Parking pass (for Residential Permit Parking Streets ONLY) are subject to ticketing or towing.

For a complete list of Soldier Field events, please visit www.soldierfield.com/events/all. The 3rd Ward is providing the list below as a courtesy to residents and visitors and does not assume liability for the accuracy of the monthly list of South Loop events. All Soldier Field events are subject to change, including cancellation or the scheduling of additional events. It is your responsibility to adhere to the parking restrictions in place. 

US Men's National Soccer Team vs Germany

Saturday, June 6th at 1:30 pm

Morgan Wallen: Still the Problem Tour

Friday, June 19th and Saturday, June 20th at 5:30 pm

Ed Sheeran Loop Tour

Saturday, June 27th at 5:30 pm

Chicago Park District Summer Updates

Welcome to summertime Chicago! Beaches opened Memorial Day weekend, the start of outdoor pool season is on Friday, June 19, and the first day of Summer Day Camp is on Monday, June 22. The Chicago Park District has reached 45,590 enrollments across all summer program types, up roughly 35% from this time last year, and all traditional day camps are at 96% of systemwide enrollment target.

The Chicago Park District is also proud to announce that it has returned to the Top 10 park systems in the United States in the 2026 Trust for Public Land ParkScore rankings and continues to be the highest-ranked U.S. city with more than 1 million residents. Also, the Park District has launched a Strategic Plan Dashboard on their website. The dashboard highlights progress on the strategies currently being implemented across the six goals of the Strategic Plan. At this time, the dashboard reflects data from the conclusion of the first year of the plan.

Third Summer at the Arts Lawn Kicks Off in June

UChicago Art + Public Life is kicking off the third Summer on the Arts Lawn with a host of programs designed to welcome residents back to their outdoor arts space, from First Monday Jazz under the stars, to celebrating PRIDE at the L1 Retail Store, to mindful evenings of Poetry at the Pavilion and Sunset Yoga.

Whether you’re looking to celebrate South Side artists, connect with neighbors, or just soak up the sun, there is a place for you here. Bring a friend, grab a spot on the lawn, and let’s make the most of the season together.

24th/Michigan TIF District Opens June 1st

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and SomerCor will roll out the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) grant program for applications in the following TIF district in June.

• 24th/Michigan

Applications open: 9 a.m. Monday, June 1st

Applications close: 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 30th

The SBIF program uses revenue from TIF districts to help owners of commercial and industrial properties repair or remodel their facilities for their own business or on behalf of tenants. Tenant businesses are also eligible to apply on their own. Please note that residential projects are not eligible for the SBIF program, and residential developers should not apply.

Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. The grants are administered by SomerCor on the City's behalf and do not have to be repaid. Those interested in applying can verify that their property is located in an eligible district by using the SBIF Locator Map tool.

Fame Center x Nourishing Hope Summer Camp

Looking for something fun for summer? Sign up for the Fame Center x Nourishing Hope's summer camp where campers can explore, imagine and create. Activities include music, theater, drama, visual art, outdoor activities and creative projects. Camp runs from June 15th through August 14th at the Fame Center (1319 S. State St.) and will conclude with an end of camp artistic showcase! Register online at www.famecenter.org.

Arts and Public Life Backstage Production Program

Applications are officially open for the summer sessions with Arts + Public Life’s Education Programs—an incredible, paid summer experience designed for South Side Chicago youth ready to ignite their creativity and build leadership skills.

Backstage Production Program is designed to introduce the fundamentals of theater production while providing hands-on experience in audio and lighting design, sound engineering, and stage management.

If you or a young person you know is ready to explore creative careers and connect with an amazing community of peers, apply today! APPLY TO BSP

Women in Business Power Hour Lunch

South Side Connection Series, organized by the SECC, is hosting a Women in Business Power Hour Lunch featuring Kimberly Jones from Self-Help Federal Credit Union, Roz Stuttley from Choose Chicago, Abigail Ingram from the University of Chicago, and Hannah Jones from the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development. For tickets visit secc-chicago.org.

Where: The Study Hotel (1227 E. 60th St.)

When: Wednesday, June 3rd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

NHS Home Buyer Education Webinar

Learn about the home buying process such as the basics of budgeting, improving credit, understanding the closing process and down payment assistance programs. This is a virtual eight-hour course delivered in four 2-hour sessions. Register here.

When: Wednesdays, June 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th at 6:00 pm

Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Chicago Event

The US-based Pokémon GO Fest returns to Grant Park in 2026, just in time for the 10-year anniversary of Pokémon GO! The ticketed event gameplay is split into two shifts— with all attendees spending half a day within the event’s park footprint and the rest of the time exploring Chicago as they work to complete in-game tasks and quests.

GO Fest 2026: Chicago will feature photo opportunities, lounges, influencer meet an greets, merchandise sales, food, and more. All GO Fest activities conclude at 6:00 p.m. local time each event day. There will be no alcohol sales or playing of amplified music at this event. Tickets range from $20 to $33 per day. Buy tickets and get more event information at pokemongo.com/en/gofest/chicago.

Where: Grant Park Butler Field, Buckingham Fountain and Hutchinson Field

When: Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

NHS Financial Literacy Webinar

Whether you are planning to purchase a home or simply need to improve your finances, this webinar will prepare you for financial security. Learn How To: develop a spending plan, reduce your debt, and increase your credit score.

When: Tuesday, June 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Shades of Chicago: Mezcla Film Screening and Conversation

Enjoy an evening of film and conversation with 9 independent Chicago filmmakers who explore the beauty and breadth of life, from the anxieties of parenting to observations on mental health to the anticipation of falling in love and beyond. Registration is free.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Thursday, June 11th from 6:45 pm to 9:30 pm

SLBC Fest - Celebrating Juneteenth

Hosted by True Rock Ministries, come celebrate the contributions Black individuals have made to America. A dozen vendors, a $5 raffle, and food will be provided to guests.

Where: True Rock Ministries (57 E. 16th St.)

When: Saturday, June 13th from 10:00 am to 4:000 pm

The Lake Effect Storytelling Event

The SOL Collective and Little Black Pearl present The Lake Effect a special storytelling event. General admission tickets are $30, members/seniors (60+) and students are $20. Get more information and tickets at www.blackpearl.org.

Where: Little Black Pearl Workshop (1060 E. 47th St.)

When: Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th at 2:00 pm

DuSable Black History Museum Juneteenth Celebration

The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is proud to host its annual Juneteenth Celebration, recognizing a tradition of freedom, culture, and community. This year, the museum is especially excited to support and celebrate their new neighbor, the Obama Presidential Center, as it opens its doors. At the event, guests can enjoy family activities, local vendors, yoga, live music, and educational and cultural programming. This is a free event.

Where: DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (740 E. 56th Pl.)

When: Friday, June 19th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Repair Chicago Public Hearings

Your voice is essential in shaping reparations in Chicago! Join the Repair Chicago Public Hearings to discuss the impacts of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism on Black Chicagoans. Share your perspective, and contribute to the Reparations Study for future actions.

Where: City Hall Council Chamber (121 N. LaSalle St., 2nd Fl.)

When: June 22nd and 23rd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Free Dog Vaccine Clinic

Alderman Dowell and the Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control are hosing a free Dog Vaccine Clinic. Space is limited to the first 100 dogs only. Must be a resident of the City of Chicago, 18 years or older, with a valid photo ID. Only two pets per household. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in a carrier. If your pet requires a muzzle during vaccinations or around other animals, you must bring and use your own. Owners must be able to handle their pets around other animals. Registration is required at 773-373-9273.

Where: 3rd Ward Public Service Office (5046 S. State St.)

When: Thursday, June 25th at 10:00 am

Poetry at the Pavilion

Chicago is a city of poets, from Gwendolyn Brooks to Mayda Del Valle, from Langston Hughes to Jamila Woods. This summer, meet us on the Arts Lawn at golden hour for a monthly celebration of Chicago’s contemporary poets and the South Side writers who inspired them. The June stage features poets Ireon Roach and Raych Jackson. Registration is free.

Where: The Arts Lawn (337 E. Garfield Blvd.)

When: Thursday, June 25th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Monthly Bronzeville Business Corridor Community Cleanups

The Bronzeville Green Initiative hosts monthly community cleanups for targeted business corridors in the community. This month, they are cleaning 43rd St. from King Dr. to Cottage Grove Ave. If you live in the area or frequent the businesses along 43rd St., come out and do your part to beautify the community! More information at www.qcdc.org.

Where: 43rd St. and Forrestville Ave. (Park 43)

When: Saturday, June 27th from 10:00 am to noon.

South Michigan Ave. Block Fest

The Friends of Historic Second Church and Second Presbyterian Church are hosting a free South Michigan Avenue Block Fest featuring bouncy maze, live music, musical cakes, scavenger hunt, blessing of the animals, face painting, and puppet wonder wagon. For more information visit www.friendsofhistoricsecondchurch.org.

Where: Cullerton Street between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave.

When: Saturday, June 27th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

8th Annual Historic CRR19 Bike Tour

Join the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CRR19) for a bike tour to learn about the history of key places and people connected to the 1919 Chicago Race Riots. Celebrate the completion and installation of all 38 artistic markers created through community collaboration. Sign up and donate at chicagoraceriot.org/donate.

Where: 35th St. and State St.

When: Saturday, July 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Congratulations to 3rd Ward resident Gabriel Nasir Kosovo, the 2026 recipient of a $10,000 scholarship from the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation. Gabriel currently attends Jones College Prep and in the fall begins college at Florida A&M University (FAMU). This young man is serious minded, a swimmer and loves math!

Annually, the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Foundation awards scholarships totaling up to $10,000 per student that are disbursed over four years, providing meaningful financial support to graduating Chicago high school seniors pursuing their undergraduate degree. Applications are typically due in the spring. For more information please visit chicagoblackcaucus.com/services/cabc-foundation-scholarship.

Attending and participating in the Chicago Police's Community Policing Program (CAPS) is one of the best ways to address crime and quality of life issues in your neighborhood. By attending CAPS meetings, you can share important information with the police that will assist them in making arrests and preventing crime as well as receive valuable information about resources that promote homeowner and community safety. Visit www.chicagopolice.org to find out what district you live in and click on each district title to learn more about what is happening in your neighborhood.

1st District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 131

Date: June 18th at noon

Location: Walking Beat Meeting - For location information email CAPS.001District@cityofchicago.org or call 312-745-4381

Beat: 133

No Meeting This Month

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 211

Date: June 8th at 6:00 pm

Location: Illinois College of Optometry (3241 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 213

No Meeting This Month

Beat: 221

Date: June 24th at 6:00 pm

Location: The King Center (4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)

Beat: 224

Date: June 18th at 6:00 pm

Location: Taylor Park (39 W. 47th St.)

Beat: 225

Date: June 10th at 6:00 pm

Location: 2nd District Community Room (5101 S. Wentworth Ave.)

Beat: 231

Date: June 17th at 6:00 pm

Location: Washington Park Field House (5531 S. King Drive)

9th District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 915

Date: June 9th at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom - For information contact the 9th District Community Policing Office at 312-747-3501 or caps009district@chicagopolice.org

Beat: 925

Date: June 17th at 6:00 pm

Location: Zoom - For information contact the 9th District Community Policing Office at 312-747-3501 or caps009district@chicagopolice.org