“Neighborhood Nights” was a community initiative I organized in 2009 and 2010 with the help of many dedicated volunteers. Together, we supplied positive programming every Monday night of the summer months right outside on street corners known for their negative activity in Edgewater and Uptown.
After several months, dozens of games of checkers and other activities, hot dogs, and marshmallows, a diverse group from the neighborhood became an even stronger, closer-knit community. Even reputed members and leaders of the gangs who were hanging out on those various corners peacefully joined in on the fun.
A survey of community residents and business owners demonstrated how the weekly Neighborhood Nights events made everyone feel safer and more welcomed on their own blocks.
Organizing Neighborhood Nights was one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
More about Neighborhood Nights can be read in “In the News”