3rd Ward Resource Fair

Alderman Dowell is welcoming 3rd Ward residents to her annual Resource Fair! Attendees will be able to access important government resources and receive paper shredding, electronic recycling, drug takeback, and other services. For more information, please contact the 3rd Ward Public Service Office.

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

When: Wednesday, May 7th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

3rd, 4th, and 5th Ward Blood Donor Day

The Community Blood Center, in partnership with 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell, 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson, and 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy is hosting a blood donor day. Come together to save lives. It can't be done without you! Sign up to donate here.

Where: Insight Hospital (2526 S. Michigan Ave.)

When: Thursday, May 15th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Alderman Dowell Attends Clean and Green Day, Bronzeville Trail Day

Alderman Dowell participated in a full day of community events on April 26th. The day started at True Rock Ministries (57 E. 16th St.) where Pastor Earl Grandberry Sr. led a meeting of Chicago pastors on strategies to collectively work for economic empowerment. Mayor Brandon Johnson, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, State Representative Kim Du Buclet and Alderman Dowell spoke to the large crowd in attendance.

Next, Alderman Dowell stopped by South Loop Elementary School (1212 S. Plymouth Ct.) to support their annual family friendly Clean and Green Day event where participants also spread mulch to beautify neighboring Mary Richardson Jones Park. Then she joined in the celebration of Bronzeville Trail Day at the Lake Park Crescent circle with John E. Adams, Walter Freeman, David Ali and other supporters of the Bronzeville Trail Task Force. Next, was a stop at Hadiya Pendleton Park (4345 S. Calumet Ave.) where the Park PAC and their volunteers spruced up the park with mulch. Alderman Dowell ended the day at a private screening of a really heartfelt film about Chicagoan and former NBA player Dr. Lloyd Walton called The Education of Lucky Lloyd Walton.

Easter Celebrated in the 3rd Ward

The 18th annual South Loop Easter Egg Hunt was a hit again this year!! Thank you to Tina Feldstein and the entire Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance for bringing smiles to the hundreds of local children and families that get together every year to celebrate this holiday.

Separately, a big thanks and kudos to businessman and philanthropist Larry Huggins for organizing the Easter Extravaganza by Christmas in the Wards. And thank you to the generosity of sponsors such as Amazon, Walsh Construction, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, S2Express Grill, Mariano’s, Black Men United and others, who stepped up to provide families with food, clothing, toiletries, shoes, and other gifts. Each ward was also able to offer a laptop to one worthy student, and Black Men United raffled off appliances and other items.

CPS Construction Updates

Chicago Public Schools has planned for the following capital improvements in 3rd Ward neighborhood schools:

• Beasley Elementary School - swimming pool renovation
• Beethoven Elementary School - bathroom renovation and library renovation ($413,000 investment)
• Bronzeville High School - keyless entry program
• Ray Graham High School - modular renovation of four classrooms ($3 million investment)
• Mollison Elementary School - A new playground with community space (Space to Grow Program), a new roof, parking lot reconfiguration and new lighting, a new boiler, and a new keyless entry system ($1.97 million investment)
• Wells Elementary School - Pre-K classroom renovation and playground renovation

Black Men United, Acclivus, Alderman Dowell Host Free Community Giveaway

On April 5th, Black Men United, Acclivus, World Vision, National Baptist Convention U.S.A., and Alderman Dowell hosted a free community giveaway at Metcalfe Park (4134 S. State St.). The event was a powerful example of the community coming together to honor the rich history and enduring resilience of Chicago's South Side by providing needed goods and giveaways to neighborhood families.

Community Comes Together for Buy Out Sundays

Alderman Dowell led and participated in multiple Buy Out Sunday events. Buy Out Sundays are a coordinated effort by local leaders, businesses, and community members to support neighborhood businesses and commercial corridors.

As part of Buy Out Sundays, Alderman Dowell's office and Pastor Earl Grandberry of True Rock Ministries rallied around The Burger Point, owned by Michael Strotter, at 1900 S. State St., filling it with folks who spent their dollars to buy out all the burgers, wings, fries, and soft drinks. The following week, a Buy Out Sunday was held at Momentum Coffee, located at 2119 S. State St. to support this great business owned by Tracy Powell, and Nikki Bravo. The final Buy Out Sunday was at Fruitful Delight at 2 E. Cermak Rd. where smoothies, sandwiches and more were enjoyed by all. Stop in anytime and support owner Robin Petty! 

Alderman Dowell also participated in a Spend in Black event on 75th St. led by Alderman Hall and Pastor Charlie Dates. Let’s continue this positive momentum and be intentional about supporting black owned businesses!

Curiosity Classrooms Come to Burke, Hendricks Elementary Schools

In partnership with the Chicago Children's Museum, Burke (5356 S. King Dr.), and Hendricks (4316 S. Princeton Ave.) Elementary Schools now have Curiosity Classrooms. Curiosity Classrooms are designated spaces where students can engage in experiential learning by exploring the physical world around them. These rooms feature art spaces, book nooks, block play areas, nature corners, and sensory tables to inspire the schools' early learners. In addition, students will be able to visit the Chicago Children's Museum to integrate hands-on learning methods, and engage in strategies to incorporate learning from the classroom at home.

Curiosity Classrooms are funded by Crown Family Philanthropies, and were developed through a STEAM Partnership between CPS and the Chicago Children's Museum.

POD39 Studios Receives Community Development Grant

Congratulations to Eric Dantzler, Sheila Rugege Dantzler, and Nigam Shah, owners of POD39 Studios (70 E. Pershing Rd.), for their project's selection as part of this round of Community Development Grant awards. This $225,324 grant will allow for the buildout of podcast studio in the Bronzeville community.

Community Development Grant awards are administered by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and distributed incrementally as individual project phases are completed. This round's awardees were selected from 167 applications, based on project viability, applicant experience, neighborhood needs, and other factors.

XS Tennis Hosts Senior Pickleball

Kamau Murray, owner of XS Tennis, transformed multiple tennis courts into pickleball courts for the community to enjoy. To promote the new courts, XS Tennis hosted dozens of seniors to encourage fitness and provide an opportunity to socialize with other senior community members.

Pickleball is a great, low-impact activity for people of all ages. Alderman Dowell is encouraging the expansion of the sport by bringing additional pickleball courts to the ward at local parks like Metcalfe Park (4134 S. State St.) and Anderson Park (3748 S. Prairie Ave.).

Alderman Dowell Welcomes Lvl Up Coffee to the 3rd Ward

Alderman Dowell was proud to celebrate the opening of a new women-owned business in Bronzeville, Lvl Up Coffee at 70 E. Pershing Rd. Owned by Wendy Onofre, the atmosphere is relaxing and bright, the coffee and pastry menu is amazing, and their focus is on precision brewing! Check it out. Thanks to Eric Dantzler and Sheila Rugege Dantzler and the Department of Planning and Development for supporting this business venture.

Neighborhood Opportunity Fund Accepting Applications

This is a reminder that the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) application remains open and is accepting applications on a rolling basis (continuously throughout the year)!

Submitted applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis, the next deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 16^th (applications submitted after May 16 will be reviewed the following quarter.) Find the list of deadlines here.

NOF is an innovative program that invests downtown development fees in catalytic commercial corridor investments on the South, West and Southwest Side. Designed to stimulate business activity, strengthen amenities, and deliver essential services, NOF grants up to $250,000 may be redeemed by successful applicants through reimbursements or construction escrows.

The upcoming application round includes the following improvements for grantees:

• Additional technical assistance for up to 20% of the grant amount to cover services provided by pre-selected project managers and architects.
• Grant coverage up to 75% of project costs, up from 50%.
• Loan Loss Reserve funding from pre-selected Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

For more information on the program, informational webinars, and in-person community meetings, please visit https://chicago.gov/nof or contact NOF@cityofchicago.org.

Alderman Dowell Named to Budget Working Group

As part of Executive Order No. 2025-01 issued by Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderman Dowell has been selected as a member of a newly created budget working group. The working group is tasked with addressing the City's chronic budget gaps through equitable and disciplined proposals that meet the needs of all Chicagoans. The working group will present a preliminary report of its findings and recommendations by August 31, 2025, with a final comprehensive report expected by May 31, 2026. The working group consists of stakeholders drawn from the local business community, non-profits, civic organizations, Chicago’s labor community and City Council. 

Alderman Dowell Sponsors Resolution Honoring Retirement of James Cunningham

The City Council celebrated the retirement of James Cunningham as Deputy Regional Administrator of the Great Lake Region of the Department of Housing and Development (HUD) after 33 years of meritorious service. Jim was responsible for the administration of HUD programs in Chicago, where he was the primary point of contact for HUD with elected officials and staff of the City of Chicago. His service earned him a well-deserved reputation as a responsive and collaborative partner and excellent problem solver.

Jim was born in Belvidere, Illinois and graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign. Prior to his service in Chicago, Jim led the HUD office of Cincinnati, OH.

Alderman Dowell Cosponsors Resolution Calling on State to Fully Fund Transit

Along with a number of her City Council colleagues, Alderman Dowell is cosponsoring a resolution calling on the State of Illinois to pass a transit omnibus package that addresses the pending fiscal cliff faced by the CTA, Metra and Pace, while ensuring the continuation of reliable, safe transit service. According to the Regional Transportation Authority's own numbers, approximately one million residents and visitors use public transportation daily, and ensuring there is fair and equitable funding to meet our transit needs must be a priority during the current legislative session in Springfield. Alderman Dowell looks forward to working with her partners at the state and county level to help solve this difficult financial issue and keep public transit running for everyone that relies on it for travel to work, school, shopping, and recreation.

Business Violation - Kelli's Chicago (200-210 E. 35th St., 2nd Fl.)

An Order to Cease and Desist was issued on April 6, 2025 to Kelli's Chicago (200-210 E. 35th St., 2nd Fl.) for conducting activities without the required Public Place of Amusement License. The order prevents the business from offering "Steppin on Tuesday, April 8, 2025" with a live DJ and $5 admission drink ticket, or similar activities, without first obtaining the proper license. Any violation of this order shall subject the business to a fine of no less than $250 nor more than $500 for each offense. Questions regarding this order can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

Business Violation - Clippers Incorporated (78 E. Pershing Rd.)

An inspection of Clippers Incorporated (78 E. Pershing Rd.) by the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection was conducted on March 21, 2025, resulting in a ninety (90) day Notice to Correct for maintaining an awning attached to the building over the public way without the required Grant of Privilege. The business now has ninety days to obtain the required permit or face penalties/fines. Questions regarding this case can be directed to the 3rd Ward Public Service Office at 773-373-9273.

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. 

Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City SC

Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30 pm

Chicago Fire vs. Atlanta United FC

Saturday, May 10th at 1:30 pm

Beyonce Cowboy Carter Tour

May 15th, 17th and 18th at 7:00 pm

AC/DC: Power Up North American Tour

Saturday, May 24th at 8:00 pm

The Weekend After Hours Til Down Tour

Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st at 7:00 pm

Backyard Compost Bin Give-Away

Backyard composting is a rewarding, do-it-yourself way to reduce your household waste, and the Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) is offering FREE backyard compost bins to help Chicago residents get started!

DSS will provide up to 60 compost bins for residents in each of the City's 50 wards. Requests may be made using an online form, and city staff will deliver the bin to your door. To be eligible, you must live in the City of Chicago in a single-family home or building with 4 dwelling units or less. Learn more about backyard composting and request a FREE compost bin here.

South Side Fireflies

South Side Fireflies is a free early childhood music program that introduces toddlers and preschoolers to sound and play through the Earth, Wind & Fire songbook. Led by teaching artists Shanta Nurullah, Zahra Baker, Angel Bat Dawid and Julian Otis, Fireflies is a place for families to gather on Saturday mornings from 11:00 am to noon for music and fun on the Arts Block (301 E. Garfield Blvd.).

Presented by Arts + Public Life in partnership with Music Moves Chicago, Old Town School of Folk Music's place-based, youth-focused, intergenerational initiative that aims to inspire, restore, and transform communities by providing access to high-quality arts education, concerts, and workforce readiness through partnerships with community organizations, schools, and other institutions located in South and West side neighborhoods.

This program is most suitable for children ages 1-5, but all age groups are welcome to participate. Registration is not required, but encouraged to receive email updates and reminders about the other dates in this series.

Cook County Health Birthday Screening Program for Prostate and Breast Cancer

For your birthday, give yourself the gift of health! Cook County Health is proud to offer free prostate cancer and free breast cancer screenings to eligible Cook County residents during the month of their birthday. Call 312-864-4289 for more information on the program and to schedule your appointment.

OEMC Extreme Weather Resources

Below are a series of informational resources provided by the City to help alleviate the effects of extreme weather. This information can be found on the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC and includes:

• Extreme Heat graphics and safety information

• Severe Weather/Flooding graphics and safety information

• Summer Safety graphics and safety information

• If You See Something, Say Something graphics and safety information

Throughout the year, OEMC monitors weather conditions 24/7 with the National Weather Service (NWS) and issues public alerts for any NWS advisories, watches, and warnings for extreme situations. The City of Chicago also has more than 300 cooling areas citywide that can be activated during extreme heat. For locations, you can visit Cooling Centers - Map | City of Chicago | Data Portal. Residents can contact 3-1-1 for the nearest location and hours. The City strongly encourages all residents to download the Chicago OEMC App for preparedness tips, alerts, weather information, and more. Users also have access to current forecasts and radar. The app is available through the Apple or Google Play stores. 

Legacy Speaks - Reclaiming Healing Her Story

Girls Like Me and True Star Foundation are offering free workshops for girls ages 12-18 to engage with black women leaders, activists and elders. During the workshops, participants will create DIY healing projects like vision boards and herbal blends, while sharing stories that uplift identity and cultural pride. Workshops are Saturdays beginning in March. Sign up at bit.ly/girlslikemeproject.

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 an eight-hour course delivered in two 4-hour sessions.

Where: 3330 W. Carroll Ave.

When: Saturdays, May 3rd and May 10th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

2nd Annual Dear Mama Pop Up Shop

Hosted by Mt. Pisgah, this pop up shop features food, clothing, houseware vendors, and much more! This is a free event and all are welcome to support.

Where: Mt. Pisgah MBC Social Hall (4622 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Early College Awareness

The Harvard Law Society of Illinois and the University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement is hosting an early college awareness event with keynote speaker Jessica Qaasim, a CPS Alum, Harvard graduate, and Google Executive. Get financial aid and scholarship information, and hear from a college student panel. Free lunch provided. RSVP at tinyurl.com/eca042025.

Where: Kent Chemical Laboratory (1020 E. 58th St.)

When: Saturday, May 3rd from noon to 3:00 pm

Bronzeville Family Kite Day

Come out and enjoy the weather while getting to know your Bronzeville neighbors. Bring your kites, blankets and a light snack.

Where: Lillian Armstrong Park (4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave.)

When: Sunday, May 4th from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Shifting Perspectives: Spring 2025 Teen Arts Showcase

Join UChicago Arts and Public Life as they celebrate the power of perspective—how design influences community engagement, how books become more than just words on a page, and how the unseen magic of backstage production brings stories to the stage. Shifting Perspectives is more than a showcase; it’s a glimpse into the young creative minds shaping the future of the arts. Register here.

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

When: Tuesday, May 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

1st Police District Council Monthly Meeting

The Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability's 1st District Council is hosting a monthly meeting featuring guest presenter Dionne A. Tate, Director of 311 City Services.

Where: Grace Episcopal Church (637 S. Dearborn St.)

When: Tuesday, May 6th at 6:00 pm

Community Brain Health Event

Over 50? Take charge of your brain health. Alzheimer's begins years before symptoms. Get free memory screening and simple blood tests. Free parking, food, flowers for mom and more courtesy of Neurogen Biomarking. Registration is required.

Where: Insight Hospital (2524 S. Prairie Ave.)

When: Saturday, May 10th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Saturday Stories and Mother's Day Craft

Start your weekend at the library with stories and songs celebrating mothers. Then make your own picture frame craft to take home! Recommended for children 2 to 8 with their caregivers.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, May 10th from 11:00 am to noon

Celebrating All Who Mother

Mothering shows up in many ways—and we see and honor them all. Whether it’s the aunties, grandmas, chosen fam, mentors, or birth moms, this day is for you. Come to the Arts Block for a joyful gathering to recognize and uplift those who show up with care, guidance, and love.

Expect sweet vibes and beautiful moments: Get your portrait taken at the GlitterGuts photobooth, craft something lovely at our DIY Bouquet Bar, sip on something bubbly from KaySue’s Mobile Mimosa Bar, enjoy brunch treats + light bites, kiddos welcome—L1 will have fun activities and special items for sale! Register here.

Where: Green Line Performing Arts Center (329 E. Garfield Blvd.) + L1 Retail Store (319 E. Garfield Blvd)

When: Saturday, May 10th from noon to 2:00 pm

WTTW Chicago Stories Documentary Screening: House Music

Join King Branch for a screening and discussion of the WTTW Chicago Stories documentary House Music: A Cultural Revolution. This documentary discusses the creation of house music in Chicago during the early 1980s.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Saturday, May 10th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 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, May 13th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (link to register)

Black Modernism and the Black Church

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund presents "Black Modernism and the Black Church" panel and reception featuring Dr. Charles L Davis II, Lee Bey, and Brandon Bibby.

Where: First Church of Deliverance (4315 S. Wabash Ave.)

When: Tuesday, May 13th at 6:00 pm

MBE/WBE Grow Your Business with the Chicago Park District

The Chicago Park District’s Department of Purchasing invites MBE & WBE firms to learn more about doing business with us at our Vendor Networking Events at Columbus Park, Humboldt Park, Fosco Park, Gage Park, South Shore Cultural Center, and Brands Park.

Join us! Meet and connect with internal departments to explore possible future business

opportunities. Representatives from the Chicago Park District will be in attendance to meet and answer questions. RSVP here.

Where: Fosco Park (1312 S. Racine Ave.)

When: Thursday, May 15th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Hyde Park Garden Fair

The 64th Annual Hyde Park Garden Fair will feature thousands of unique and heirloom plants, including herbs, veggies, native plants, shrubs, containers, house plants and more. More info at hydeparkgardenfair.org.

Where: Kimbark Plaza (53rd and Kimbark/Woodlawn)

When: Friday, May 16th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, May 17th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

2nd Police District Council Monthly Meeting

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability's 2nd Police District Council Monthly meeting agenda consists of: approval of minutes, public comment, a presentation from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, district councilor reports, and announcements.

Where: Timothy Corporation Center (4351 S. Drexel Blvd.)

When: Saturday, May 17th from 10:00 am to noon

Building Blocks: Stories and Play

Bring some of our littlest patrons to the library for a short story time and open play with blocks and building toys! Recommended for children 1 to 5 with a caregiver.

Where: King Branch Library (3436 S. King Dr.)

When: Tuesday, May 27th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

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: May 21st at 3:00 pm - Virtual

Location: For Zoom information, please email Caps.001District@chicagopolice.org or call312-745-4381

Beat: 133

Date: May 21st at 5:30 pm

Location: The Hub at Prairie Shores (2901 S. King Dr.)

2nd District CAPS Meetings

Beat: 213/215

Date: May 15th at 6:00 pm

Location: St. Elizabeth Church (4058 S. Michigan Ave.)

Beat: 221/223

Date: May 20th at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 224

Date: May 22nd at 6:00 pm

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

Beat: 231

Date: May 15th at 6:00 pm

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