Author: Tanesha Peeples

South Side community leader Tanesha Peeples is a Chicago Public Schools alumna and proud Englewoodian. She currently serves on the board of the Montessori School of Englewood. Formerly, she served the Deputy Director of Outreach for Education Post, for whom she penned the long-running column Hope and Outrage. As an undergraduate student at Northern Illinois University, Tanesha began to develop a passion for and understand the importance of public service. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration, she returned to Chicago with a new perspective on community, politics and civic engagement. Tanesha then attended and graduated from DePaul University with a master’s degree in public service management and urban planning and development. Throughout her professional career, Tanesha has used her education, passion and experience to navigate a number of nonprofit, political and independent ventures, advancing her mission to educate and empower marginalized populations. Prior to joining Education Post, she also managed her own consulting firm specializing in community relations. Tanesha’s vision is one where everyone—regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or zip code—can have access to a comfortable quality of life and enjoy the freedoms and liberties promised to all Americans. Find her on Twitter at @PeeplesChoice85.

Every Day Super Heroes

Scrolling through Facebook this morning, I came across a status post of my friend Charles’ conversation with one of his students at Hyde Park Career Academy: Charles: How was your summer? Student: I was in jail. Charles: For what? Student: Pistol charge…rather get caught with it than without it. The sad truth is that many teens in Chicago have this…

Chicago : A Tale of Two Cities

I don’t know how many times I’ve taken a ride down Lake Shore Drive and just had to take the same picture of the skyline or the sun rising/setting over the lake.  Still rolling along, the extravagant high-rises, vibrancy of downtown and visions of people enjoying what Chicago has to offer makes you feel like you are really a part…

They Must Have Forgotten About Us… Again

A little over a week ago, CPS laid off 1,000 employees—half of those were teachers.  Today, in doing my daily Facebook rounds, I learned that there is an upcoming hiring fair in which CPS plans to hire 1,000 teachers.  What kind of game is the district playing? Additionally, there will be public hearings in which parents can come and voice…

Because the Civil Rights Movement Wasn’t Just a March…

I’m probably going to piss some people off with this post but it’s a risk I’m willing to take because I’m here to tell you that…marches are not movements.   Selma didn’t just happen, ya know.  Fresh in people’s minds is Bloody Sunday when hundreds of civil rights activists were terrorized and brutalized by Alabama law enforcement while marching through…

One, Two, Sallie Mae is Waiting for You…

I am a first generation college graduate who didn’t have a plan.  I attended a diverse, magnet elementary school in Brighton Park and received a very different education than some of my peers in Englewood.  Scoring above average on the IOWA test and getting good grades afforded me the opportunity to be accepted to one of the best high schools…

Lost Accountability

I want to reminisce a little bit.  There used to be a glorious time when youth were able to ride bikes, jump double-dutch and play Hide and Seek with their only concern being the street lights coming on – indicating that it was time to go in the house.  Nowadays, some youth are missing out on the simple joys of…

Moments that Matter

Earlier this week, the University of Chicago Charter School-Woodlawn Campus held their annual commencement ceremony for its graduating seniors.  Kai Stewart, the class valedictorian, stepped to the microphone to address her classmates, school administration and hundreds of proud family members in the audience.  During her speech, Kai reflected on her high school journey, spoke passionately and enthusiastically about her future…

When Enough is Enough: The Political Circus in Illinois

I hate to write articles complaining about the issues because I’m usually a solutions-oriented person but sometimes, the occasion calls for a little griping.  So, here it goes.  I was scrolling through Facebook today and came across an article written in the Chicago Sun-Times titled, “Gov. Rauner Says Some CPS Schools Almost Like “Crumbling Prisons”.  Curious to know how the…