Tag: Chicago

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Chicago Parents and Activists Say “Our Kids Can’t Wait”

“Our Kids Can’t Wait” That was the overarching theme of a recent education-focused, community town hall in Chicago, led by activist Tanesha Peeples and Chicago Unheard. The gathering saw parents and advocates brave a snowstorm to talk about real solutions for meeting the needs of each and every student in Chicago.  The night was a powerful reminder of the value of community organizing…

Why Are Black Families Leaving Chicago? Maybe Our Kids Can’t Wait for Better Schools.

My hometown of Chicago has touted itself as a progressive city for many years. We’ve stood firm in our position as a sanctuary city and recently moved towards the legalization of marijuana—pushing a social equity initiative to ensure people in blighted areas have skin in the weed game. We even formed a progressive caucus within the city council in 2013. We also received national…

Dr. King Would Have Shined a Light on the Shame of ‘Progressive’ Cities. So Should We.

On the day that the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was taken in 1968 he had become increasingly focused on the least of these, the poor, people suffering in the margins, families left behind as the country’s economic prosperity boomed and the U.S. found it easy to fund its war machine. Today we will once again honor Dr.…

I’m a Chicago Teacher and I Want You to Challenge Me, Not Honk for Me

I am a teacher.  I care about my students and work really hard.  I have spent my entire 14-year career working in urban schools, and wouldn’t change it for anything.  Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, allow me to share some of my unpopular opinions. Here’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately, in light of…