Chicago Trip

Betty Shabazz International Elementary School:

Cafe Teatro Batey Urbano:

Friday morning, March 2, our group traveled to the café to meet with one of the founding females. The 21 year old who has been a large part of the beginning and recent relocation of the café filled us in on the humble beginnings as well as the role that the café plays in the historically Puerto Rican community of Chicago. Founded as a space for local youths to speak their minds and participate in such events as slam poetry, open mic nights, local band shows, a radio broadcast, or helping to run the actual café held within the space. The building itself was also designed and decorated by the youths themselves and has become a sort of "safe space" where they are free to explore and expand their own identities through various activities. While spending time at the café, learning about the community and the activities that are open to local youths, we were also pleasantly surprised when the woman performed her award winning slam poetry dealing with many of the issues the café itself is focused on. All in all, it was an enjoyable cultural experience.

Azim Ramelize, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Department of Children and Youth Services: 

When a former gang member turned community activist enters the room, your attention is somehow captured. This was the case during our afternoon with Azim Ramelize. Following introductions from all in the room, he spent time talking about his own life. Growing up in the slums of New York, gangs became his family and lifestyle. After an injury from a gang fight left him crippled and in the hospital for a year where doctors told him that he would never walk again, Azim tells us that a social worker believed in him, pushed him, and helped him turn his life around. After he healed the best he could (his mobility is still aided by crutches), he decided that he wanted to become all of the things that people always told him he couldn’t. In short, an astonishing life story turned into an inspirational speech about being who you want to be and reaching out to help others do the same. His story was a real inspiration for us as we work with our fifth grade mentees and help lead them on in their lives.

Fatimah Baeshen, a Saudi Arabian woman:

We were fortunate enough to meet with Fatimah Baeshen, a Saudi American woman who grew up in the south. It was interesting, to say the least, to listen about all of her serious experiences with her having a southern accent. She spoke of what it meant to be a Saudi American woman growing up in the United States. We gained great insight into the background of the Arab nations as well as Muslim communities. I personally was extremely uninformed on the history of both societies and was glad to be more informed. Knowledge is power.

Leesa Albert, growing up black middle class:

Play: BLAXPLOITATION: 

Dinner at an Ethiopian Restaurant

The first night we arrived in the city we were all able to experience the goodness of authentic Ethiopian food. We ventured to the Ethiopian Diamond restaurant where we all enjoyed dinner on a large communal plate. This was a new experience for most of us, and we all loved it. There is no silverware to be used, rather a piece of injera (a light, airy, pancake-looking bread) that you pinch together to grab your food. The food is all rather simple, consisting mostly of vegetables and meat sauces. The seasons were not very spicy and every plate was wiped clean! It was a relaxed atmosphere and our Ethiopian waiter was very informative.