Caption by Ashmar Mandou

As Chicago’s Mayoral race heats up, Grassroots Collaborative member organizations Action Now, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, SEIU Healthcare, and campaigns, such as #NoCopAcademy, Obama Presidential Center CBA campaign, and Erase the Gang Database held a neighborhood storytelling bus tour on November 13th through Chicago neighborhoods in an effort to shift attention to the city elections in February. “After years of racist economic policies that focus on downtown, relegating Chicago neighborhoods to hope for prosperity to trickle down, residents are organizing to #ReimagineChicago. Participants uplifted the latest proposal by Emanuel to give away over $1.5 billion in tax money to mega developers like Sterling Bay is an urgent example of this failed approach, share how they have personally been impacted by Emanuel’s failed policies, and outline what a new Mayor must do differently,” stated Grassroots Collaborative. Prior to the tour Grassroots Collaborative held a press conference calling on the next Mayor of Chicago to listen to the need of city residents on housing and gentrification, school closings and disinvestment. Along the neighborhood tour, community leaders shared their personal stories at six stops including the 606 trail, a homeless encampment, and the Obama Presidential Center to name a few.

Photo Credit: Aaron Cynic