WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Chicago right now seems to be known most for the violence that happens here – especially the violence perpetrated by and visited upon young people.  With so much violence fresh in our minds, and with summer – historically the most violent season in our city – almost upon us, what can we do to make Chicago a more peaceful city, for all its residents?

Help us explore Chicago's history as a gateway for hopeful migrants from the 20th century to today with a community conversation that starts with Wright's words about seeking "the warmth of other suns" and asks if those who sought out Chicago during the Great Migration found what they were looking for. Are those migrants' grandchildren living better lives?

As conversations around who can marry, who should be allowed to live in this country, and the policies governing these areas of American life continue to be present in our media, how are conversations taking shape in diaspora communities? Come explore how queer diasporas navigate the issues of marriage equality and immigration reform that have taken center stage. Presented by WBEZ, the Center for Black Diaspora at DePaul University, and The Public Square - a program of the Illinois Humanities Council.

Join us for a facilitated discussion about how we each think about food and our relationship to what it is and where it comes from. What responsibilities do we have to participate in our own food production & preparation, support local farmers, or learn the origins of the food we buy? How are we supported in these efforts, and what realistic challenges do we face? Co-produced by WBEZ and Fourth Presbyterian Church, in collaboration with the Center for Civic Reflection.

There is a lot of talk these days about immigration—about fences, amnesty, dreams, and citizenship. Much of this talk is polarizing and aimed almost entirely at influencing policy rather than understanding one another and even ourselves. This conversation will get us talking across and about the differences between us, and also about the lives and communities we have in common. Facilitated by the Center on Civic Reflection.

With the November elections right in front of us and all around us, consider joining your fellow Chicagoans to think and talk about how we participate -- and what we hope for when we do. Voting is one way to get involved and be heard, but how does it stand next to other forms of involvement and action?

The fall 2012 selection for One Book, One Chicago is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Selected as part of the "Now is the Time" initiative, the selection aims to stimulate a citywide conversation about making positive change in our communities and stopping the trend of misunderstanding and violence. Join us for a discussion of the book and its themes with WBEZ and Project on Civic Reflection.