“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
-John Lewis
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In our nation’s history, rarely has there been progress in economic, political or social justice, without a major movement led by ordinary people collectively fighting for equity and inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent civil unrest have shed further light on deeply rooted systemic racism and divestment in communities of color. It is up to each of us to advocate for resources and investments to uplift our most disenfranchised neighborhoods.
Here in Chicago, there is a network of youth activist groups, many interconnected, fighting for equality. As you read on, please take a moment to learn about some of the organizations working hard each day to advance equity in Chicago.
To highlight the work of young individuals organizing to create awareness and reverse policies that disproportionately impact health and economic wellness in their communities, I will host a virtual youth town hall, “In Their Words: Chicago Youth Fighting for Equality," on Monday, August 3, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Join me, Vic Mensa, and inspiring young activists to learn how they are leading a social movement. Register
here
.
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In Their Words: Chicago Youth Fighting for Equality
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Please join us Monday, August 3, at 7 p.m. for “In Their Words: Chicago Youth Fighting for Equality.” Our guests will include:
- Vic Mensa, Activist and Rapper
- Derrianna Ford, Youth Activist
- Jalen Kobayashi, Youth Activist
- Diego Garcia, Youth Activist
- China Smith, Youth Activist
We hope you’ll join us!
Community Clean Up
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Please join us for our Community Clean Up events this Saturday, August 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help our friends and neighbors in need of assistance at the following locations:
- In Garfield Park at the People’s Church of the Harvest, located at 3570 W. 5th Ave.
- In Woodlawn at Woodlawn Baptist Church, located at 6207 S. University Ave., with Alderman Jeanette Taylor.
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It’s not too late to complete your 2020 Census! You can fill out your questionnaire
online
, by phone or by mail. While Illinois has an overall response rate of 67%, Chicago is lagging at only 55%, which means our city could lose important resources, including funding for:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Community and mental healthcare services
- Public transportation
- Infrastructure improvements
- Head Start and early childhood education
- SNAP and financial assistance for low-income residents
- Housing assistance
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If you did not receive an invitation to respond from the Census Bureau, you may respond online at
2020census.gov
or through any of these toll-free phone numbers:
- English: 844-330-2020
- Spanish: 844-468-2020
- TDD: 844-467-2020
- Mandarin: 844-391-2020
- Cantonese: 844-398-2020
- Polish: 844-479-2020
- Arabic: 844-416-2020
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Request Your Vote-by-Mail Ballot Today!
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Voting by mail is a safe alternative to in-person voting for this November’s General Election, and requesting your ballot now will help the Chicago Board of Elections process the unprecedented number of vote-by-mail applications they are expecting. You can request your ballot online
here
.
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The Chicago Department of Public Health added Wisconsin, Missouri, North Dakota and Nebraska to the list of states with travel restrictions. Find a complete list and details
here
.
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Property Tax Deadline
The second installment of property taxes is due August 3, but property owners may make partial payments through October 1, 2020, without being charged late fees. Property tax owners are now able to make payments
online
with an address only. Property owners will be charged a late penalty of 1.5% per month after October 1.
Housing Assistance
To help residents impacted by COVID-19, the City of Chicago recently announced $33 million from the federal stimulus bill to be used for housing grants.
- The first grant will be administered through the Department of Family and Support Services and will provide between 3 and 6 months worth of rental support. Families can make only up to 50% of the area’s median income in order to qualify.
- The Department of Housing will provide grants between $2,000 and $3,000 based on need to households earning up to 60% of the area’s median income.
Both grants can be applied at by visiting
chi.gov/housinghelp
.
Applications are due August 10.
CPS Summer Meals
Chicago Public Schools is continuing to offer free summer meals to students and families throughout the summer. Meals can be picked up at
locations
across the City.
Paycheck Protection Program Extension
The
Paycheck Protection Program
is designed to provide loans to small businesses that keep their workers on payroll. The loans can be 100% forgivable under certain circumstances.
There’s still money available, and every eligible business should take advantage of this funding opportunity.
The new deadline to apply is Saturday, August 8.
To apply, complete this
application
and take it to your bank, which will submit the application to the SBA. If your bank is unable to help, search for a program lender
here
or find one on this
list.
Small Business Relief Grants
LISC has opened another round of Small Business Relief Grants for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are open now through August 3. Apply
here
.
Red Backpack Fund
Spanx is opening another round grants for women-owned small businesses through the Red Backpack Fund. Applications for these $5,000 grants will be open August 3 to 10. To learn more about the program or apply, visit
globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund
.
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There are many organizations that support and help youth looking to get involved in the push for social justice. Below are a few organizations in Chicago.
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Don't Forget to Follow Us!
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