Muralist Ahmed Burson reflected on his journey into Chicago’s mural scene and his hopes for using art as a tool for connection, visibility and youth empowerment.
Viewing entries tagged
Fellows
Community-based workforce development programs can play a key role in providing youth opportunities. Beyond job placement, many emphasize comprehensive support with housing, transportation and cultural identity to create lasting outcomes and opportunities.
Documenters asked young people in Chicago about how they navigate finding work and career development opportunities.
Young people don’t always feel safe in parks by themselves, especially ones where violent crime is more common. But group outings such as those with Chicago Run offer a sense of security, they said.
In search of opportunity, some young South and West siders are turning hobbies into side hustles, building skills for possible careers and leveraging personal connections.
Young trans people came to Chicago for safety and community. Increased anti-trans attacks and policy from President Donald Trump’s administration are making it harder to put down roots as they look for good jobs and affordable housing.
Ante el aumento vertiginoso de los precios de la vivienda en un barrio de Chicago en proceso de gentrificación, vivir en la casa familiar es una forma para que los jóvenes latinos permanezcan en su comunidad.
Artists on the South and West sides rely on free or subsidized community housing and the support of mission-driven arts organizations to maintain their art practices.
As housing prices skyrocket in the gentrifying neighborhood, living in the family home is one way for young Latino adults to stay in their community.
It’s a myth that young people don’t care about politics or social issues. In Chicago, organizers are building relationships among Black youth and young adults so they feel empowered to participate in their communities and vote.
CPS teacher resignations and retirements spiked in the early part of the pandemic, and schools throughout the district are struggling with teacher shortages. Advocates say there should be more focus on teachers’ mental health, as well as that of their students.
More than 55,000 Chicagoans over 18 are experiencing homelessness, and it’s difficult to prioritize voting alongside immediate needs. But advocates say it’s important to mobilize, especially with a presidential administration targeting government spending.
Thousands of Illinoisans could not vote in November, as the state bans people from voting while serving time for felony sentences. This exclusion from the civic process highlights how incarceration and reintegration challenges can prevent someone participating in democracy.
Mental health challenges among U.S. college students peaked early in the pandemic. More students are reaching out for help, but many are unable to get proper treatment – so they are left to cope and find support on their own.
One big issue was largely missing from the election season: Covid-19 and Long Covid. Chicago organizers and disability advocates are still fighting for locals to take the issue seriously. They are urging residents to demand that public officials reinstate citywide Covid mandates, such as mandatory masking and testing.
The city needs more spaces for young people to connect and support each other. The best ones are spearheaded by the young people they’re meant to serve, organizers say.
Auburn Gresham residents are leaning on block clubs, community gardens and more as they fight for better mental health resources and social services.
Chicagoans in under-resourced neighborhoods say barriers to accessing mental health services affect youths, adults — and whole communities.
Raymond Thompson, a South Side organizers, believes better mental health will come from having open, self-aware and mindful communication between generations.
Schools across the country — and in Illinois — are facing drastic teacher shortages. One researcher says trauma-informed training could help.