"We Are Here. Now What?" diverse panelists share personal experiences about living in Chicago's northern suburbs

Focus groups conducted by Open Communities in 2012 found that most African Americans and Latinos living outside of the northern suburbs do not feel welcome. But what about those who already live in this Chicago sub-region? Do they feel welcome and at home? What does an “inclusive community” really mean in 2014? Much has changed in the north suburban region in the past fifty years, both in terms of civil rights protections and demographically, but the area’s reputation remains one of exclusion. Suburbs want to be thought of as tolerant, but sometimes the experiences of residents tell a different story. What changes do residents still want to see? What can we do to see more change?

Moderated by Dr. Mary Trujillo, an Evanston resident and professor at North Park University, panelists Corrie Wallace of Skokie, Samina Hussain of Morton Grove and Galya Ruffer of Highland Park will discuss what it means to truly “belong” and feel welcome in the northern suburbs. All who attend are invited to participate in conversation with the panel.

We Are Here. Now What? will launch the “2015 Justice Project: The March Continues”, a grassroots initiative to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the North Shore Summer Project (NSSP), a grassroots open housing campaign that gathered a rally of thousands with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Winnetka Village Green. The NSSP, Open Communities predecessor, was a catalyst for local fair housing laws. Fifty years later, what still needs to be done so that Open Communities’ 16 community service area can further embrace “togetherness”. As MLK said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

When: Sunday, November 2, 2014 from 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: Niles West High School, South Commons - 5701 Oakton St. in Skokie (enter door 13A)

This event is free and open to the public. Click here for flyer.

Please RSVP to Jes Scheinpflug by October 31 at (847) 501-5760 ext 502 or jes@open-communities.org

About Open Communities
Founded by local activists in 1972, Open Communities’ mission is to educate, advocate and organize to promote just and inclusive communities in north suburban Chicago. Its membership includes residents, congregations and civic organizations. A not-for-profit organization, its free and confidential services include investigating fair housing discrimination and landlord/tenant complaints, foreclosure and predatory lending counseling and prevention, Homesharing, immigrant leadership development, education justice advocacy, fair housing education and affordable housing advocacy, and grassroots organizing. Formerly known as The Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs, Open Communities expanded its mission and changed its name in 2012.