STEP UP!

     This summer, I am participating in a fellowship program called STEP UP. For this program, I am living with a host family in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago. Auburn Gresham is a predominately black neighborhood, so being Caucasian, I'd say that my coworkers and I are pretty easy to spot. During the program, we all teach summer school in the morning, work at a local community organization in the afternoon, and participate in classes and other activities during the evenings and on the weekends.

       I am teaching the third grade summer bridge program at Westcott Elementary school, and in the afternoons I am working for the Greater Auburn Gresham Corporation, with the Neighborhood Development Corporation. I contact local small business owners and try to engage them in some of the GAGDC programs and set up interviews with them.

       This program is designed to create a unique experience that allows us to make connections within the community we are living and working in. Living in Auburn Gresham is so unlike anything you'll find in the suburbs. Being from Vernon Hills, I can see just how different the two lifestyles are despite their proximity to one another. Traveling just 40 miles south, I've been introduced to a completely different lifestyle. The people in Auburn Gresham form somewhat of a family, the people look out for one another and have created their own unique community. However, Auburn Gresham still has its problems. At home, I walk around any time of the day without a care, and I have access to just about any type of food product, type of clothing, or other everyday item within about a five mile radius. Auburn Gresham has a few food vendors, most of which are fried food or southern style food, a Walgreens and a CVS, and a few gas stations. There are not many options when shopping for fresh food or produce, clothing, or basic household items. Many of the buildings appear abandoned or are boarded up, and those that are not appear old or run down.

       The GAGDC has a number of amazing programs that are working to lift morale and improve the area, but it appears that this neighborhood is almost frozen in time. I cannot imagine growing up in a town with so few resources and programs. There are almost no programs for children to participate in outside of school and during s summers, and I feel that this contributes to some of the other problems that exist in the area. Being one of Chicago's south neighbors, the area is accompanied with numerous negative stereotypes and violence problems. I am not going to deny that this community is scotch free when it comes to violence, but this is not a war zone as many people might think. Yes, there are gangs here; but no, I am not in direct danger. Gangs are groups that participate in organized crime, and I myself am not part of a gang or any other group that poses a threat to gangs in the area; which means I am not a target for any of the gangs or groups in this area. I don't walk around alone, and I don't take nightly strolls with friends. I have taken the necessary precautions to ensure my safety, but overall this area is not as scary as people might think. Yes, I do feel out of place and sometimes hesitant, but nobody has abruptly come up to me or made me personally feel threatened.

        The street that I live on along with other fellows in the program is made up of beautiful, nineteenth century brick houses. There are a mix of two-flats and single family homes. The houses have so much charm and character, and it's sad to see that such charming areas are virtually invisible to the rest of Chicago simply because the area has a negative stigma attached to it. I believe that if the GAGDC and other organizations keeps working, eventually, conditions in the area will start to improve. If people could look past their stereotypes and fears, they would find that Auburn Gresham is just another community with normal families who want the best for their children. I think that in a few years, Auburn Gresham could blossom into a safer and more inviting area to outsiders. With the right investments, time, and care, this community could turn into a more positive area and possibly attract more outsiders to come by and visit. My hope is that one day, Auburn Gresham appears to be as lively as some of Chicago's other neighborhoods and that visitors can see the character and community atmosphere that exists in Auburn Gresham.