Michael Liptrot

1 week ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

NORTH LAWNDALE — A West Side arts center is expanding its in-demand youth programs after receiving a donation from actor Jussie Smollett as part of the legal battle surrounding his hate crime hoax. Building Brighter Futures Center For The Arts is getting a $50,000 donation from Smollett as part of the actor’s legal settlement with the city following the 2019 attack on Smollett in Streeterville police and prosecutors later said was staged. The funding will help Building Brighter Futures, 1512 S.

1 week ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

AUSTIN — In her first two years as an art teacher at Nash Elementary, Hailey Rodden saw many of her students’ works highlighted at Chicago Public Schools’ All-City Visual Arts Exhibition. Every year, she submits 18 students’ works of art to the CPS exhibit, and every work she submitted in her first two years was either shown in the gallery or received an honorable mention and was displayed in a virtual gallery.

2 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

NORTH LAWNDALE — A West Side mom is turning her pandemic side hustle into her dream career as she prepares to open an ice cream shop and cafe in North Lawndale. Ida Nelson will open Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream this fall at 3935 W. Roosevelt Road. The scoop shop is taking over a 1,900-square-foot vacant storefront and will feature a cafe with grab-and-go food items and an outdoor patio. Nelson currently sells her products online and through local partnerships, including with McCormick Place.

2 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

AUSTIN — West Side residents are rallying against the new owners of an affordable housing complex in Austin, saying the building’s conditions have deteriorated and their questions have gone unanswered. Residents of Parkside Apartments, 143 N. Parkside Ave., have formed the Parkside Terrace Alliance as they push for something to be done, and they held a demonstration outside the building May 10 where residents spoke out about their concerns.

3 weeks ago | blockclubchicago.org | Michael Liptrot

GARFIELD PARK — Neighbors and leaders from across Chicago are planning to gather on the West Side this weekend for a show of peace and unity to counter summer violence. The second March for Peace will kick off 9 a.m. Saturday in Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave. The march will begin 10 a.m. from the park and go along Madison Street, Independence Boulevard, Cicero Avenue and Jackson Boulevard before ending back at Garfield Park.