Investing in our Communities

Investing in our Communities

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On this week’s Barber Shop Show, we revisited a few memorable conversations about investment (or lack of investment) in communities. Host Richard Steele was joined by: - Journalist Whet Moser. He talked about his recent Chicago Magazine article that sets up the connection between health, economics, and crime in communities. They also unpacked the history of North and South Lawndale, and talk about how those very different histories impact life for present day residents. Then Richard talked to Angela Caputo. According to Angela’s recent blogpost on the Chicago Reporter’s website, Chicago “has collected 169 million dollars to address the vacant properties left in the wake of the foreclosure crisis”. But her report goes on to uncover that “the city spent money on buildings with luxury finishes in gentrifying areas while distressed properties in some of the city’s hardest hit neighborhoods were left to languish.” They were also joined by: - Kevin Jackson, Executive Director of the Chicago Rehab Network , and - Ghian Foreman, the executive director of Chicago’s Greater Southwest Development Corporation. They also talked about the impact of just one vacant property on a block, as well as how community engagement can tip the scales in the right direction. Lastly we talked to Linsey Robinson, a 5th grade teacher whose class wrote an editorial to the Tribune in defense of their South Shore neighborhood. We also heard from two of her students, Damiontaye and Rondayle. The Barber Shop Show airs on Fridays and Saturdays at Noon on 90.7FM, 89.5FM, and 91.1FM. You can also stream live at vocalo.org. In addition, the show broadcasts on Sundays at 3pm on WBEZ 91.5FM.