Knowledge is Power

Success is not only in the hands of each and every student, but is also the responsibility of each school, each parent, and each community. As a society, we have gotten to a point that the cost of doing nothing is far greater than the cost of doing something. We can no longer afford to continue to do what we know doesn't work. We must engage our youth to help them identify and then achieve their goals; it is a steep climb, but we have to find ways to help them to climb the mountain toward success.

As stated by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Knowledge comes by eyes always open and working hands; and there is no knowledge that is not power". We must continue with our efforts in lowering high school dropout rates because the future of our children, our community, our city, and our nation are at risk. Ignorance and failure is no longer acceptable. We are at a juncture and we must pursue interventions that will ultimately stem the tide of high school dropout rates. We all know that knowledge is power; lets find the will to achieve the power.

Positive Results Don't Just Happen

There are many reasons why high school students dropout of school. In part, social issues, familial dysfunction, low income family situations, and the demands of the institution itself all contribute to school failure. The outcome of school failure is discussed in an article by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). It states that "failure to graduate affects not only those individuals who do not have high school diplomas but also our economy, communities, and the nation." Students who do not graduate are likely to come face to face with "reduced earnings and employment prospects, and are also significantly more likely to become single parents and have children at young ages. They are more likely to rely upon public assistance or be in prison as well", as stated in J. Greene's High School Graduation Reports.

In considering potential intervention programs, it seems to me that the educational system should adopt an effective service learning program in an effort to stem the tide of drop out rates. Both schools and students could see "improved grades, increase attendance in school, and the development of students' personal and social responsibility", as reported in "Learn and Serve America". Service learning also strengthens the connection to the community, builds leadership skills, and brings positive changes to the community, through stronger self-concept, political engagement, and increased tolerance of others. Service learning can also help students become more connected to their school. In short, service learning creates an active and authentic approach to learning.

Another intervention program is to establish an alternative night school program which offers students an educational choice in helping them meet their academic needs. For many of the at-risk students attending day school is often too difficult an option due to the social issues and stressors of attending day school. Again, in part, due to social and familial dysfunction, and the demands of the institution itself. An alternative night school program should include a traditional classroom setting, and the curriculum should also align with the day school in offering core courses such as English, Math, Science, Art and Humanities.

A program such as the one already operating at a northwest Chicago suburban high school, helps students meet their graduation requirements so they can receive the same diploma that the day school students receive. At this high school, the administration has reported that the program has been very effective in helping their most at-risk segment of the student population reach their goal to graduate; last year's graduation rate was 100%.

How Long Is It Going To Take?

Chicago, along with many other cities across the country, have an alarmingly high percentage of high school dropouts. That said, I believe that school, parents and the community are committed to addressing this very important issue. Steinmetz Academic Centre School has programs in place that are designed to address the issue of drop-out rates. Two of these programs focus on the importance of both service/social as well as academics; service learning and a night school academic program. However, I do not believe that neither the service learning program nor the night school program is digging deep enough in an effort to meeting the needs of these students. For example. the night school program only benefits those students who have to remediate a failing grade in order to graduate. It is my belief that in order to keep students from dropping out, these two programs need to offer more than just community service and passing a class.

Service learning must involve "applying classroom learning through investigation of a community problem, planning ways to solve it, action through service, reflection on the experience and what was learned, and demonstration of results", as stated in the article, Engaged for Success. Also, in order to bring about effective service learning it must be "integrated into the curriculum, involve[s] cognitively challenging reflection activities, while incorporating students' voices in decision making, and requires students to participate in meaningful service".

Students are looking for something that they enjoy and that keeps them engaged enough in education to want to stay. This has been the voice of students who have dropped out. These young people are looking for schools to offer more real-world learning experience, which offers more interesting, relevant, and hands on learning. The power of service learning has the potential to keep these students engaged in community as well as preparing them for success in college. Service learning has a win-win potential, and that is academic achievement and a sense of civic responsibility.

By directly addressing the issues that usually lead students to drop-out, as cited in The Silent Epidemic, the following strategies may help to increase graduation rates:

• Improve teaching and curricula to make school more relevant and engaging and enhance the connections between school and work;


• Improve instruction and access to supports for struggling students;


• Build a school climate that fosters academics;


• Ensure strong adult-student relationships within the school; and


• Improve the communication between parents and schools.

Service learning also has the potential to lower and/or prevent high school students from dropping out as hands on learning creates a more authentic, meaningful and purposeful learning opportunity.

In addressing Steinmetz' night school program, it is important to go beyond remediating a student's failing grade. By way of one example, there is an alternative after school program currently in place at a suburban high school that is designed to meet the academic needs of students who are unable to function in the day school program. These students have many factors/issues that prevent them from succeeding in the day school. These issues, in part, include social and economic challenges, familial dysfunction, and the demands of the institution itself, which all contribute to school failure.

There are no clear cut answers, but clearly some programs are more effective than others. It seems our responsibility is to adopt those that will have the greatest positive impact.

Making a Difference

West Town Academy (WTA), located near Damen and Fulton on Chicago's near west side, is an alternative high school for young men and women who are not enrolled in a traditional high school or GED program. WTA's target population are young men and women who have dropped out of their home school. WTA recruits and re-enrolls these former Chicago Public School (CPS) dropouts from over 25 Wards throughout Chicago.

As part of the Greater West Town Community Development Project (GWTP), West Town Academy "has come to be considered by community and education leaders, as one of the City's most effective dropout retrieval programs, successfully re-engaging and graduating over 70% of the former dropouts it serves".

According to WTA, the "...Greater West Town Community Development Project has helped inspire a growing public awareness of the scope and impact the dropout crisis locally and across the country. They are committed to addressing the dropout crisis through community education and advocacy". As stated by GWTP, "West Town Academy graduates receive a high school diploma recognized by Chicago Public Schools and the State of Illinois. Former CPS dropouts that WTA re-enrolls and graduates count to lower the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate of Chicago Public Schools".

West Town Academy has helped so many students from low income families to achieve their goals, which may have otherwise been lost. Some of WTA students had been out of school for more than two years. WTA has not only provided these students with the academic education needed to graduate, but it has also taught them important leadership skills. One of the more meaningful programs (which is also a CPS requirement) is the Service Learning requirement. Each student at WTA completes 10 hours of volunteer work per semester (double that which is required by CPS) in order to receive their diploma. It is fair to say that the programs and course work that WTA has developed has also had another benefit; it has nurtured a sense of value and positive attitude inside and outside the classroom.

The attached websites will provide more in depth information about these two organizations and their amazing work in re-engaging at-risk students by creating an effective alternative educational program that also prepares them to more effectively address life's challenges.

http://www.gwtp.org/WTA/index.html

http://www.gwtp.org/kiae/articleonereadmore.html

The Old Ways Just Don't Work Anymore

In an effort to understand what programs are currently in place to reduce the student dropout rate at Steinmetz Academic Centre High School, I felt it was necessary to contact the school directly. In a conversation with Ms. B. Eshoo (library), she stated that Steinmetz has a Service Learning Program, mandated by the Board of Education, and that all Chicago Public Schools (CPS's) must meet this program requirement as a student graduation requirement.

In order for students to comply with the requirements of the Service Learning Program, they must complete 10 hours per year, (total 40 hours at graduation), with a not-for-profit organization as a community volunteer, e.g., animal shelter, food drive for pet shelters, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, etc. Each student must complete a consent form which they sign as well as a parent or guardian signature. All students are required to produce a reflection summary about how (or if) the volunteer project changed their outlook toward people, service to others, or the importance of community service. Students keep a time sheet on their day's activities which is attested to by a supervisor's signature.

Ms. Eshoo also confirmed that Steinmetz does offer students an after school, or night school educational program, but that it is only intended to remediate a previously failed course. The program is in session Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to 5:30 pm.

As I appreciate the programs and effort that Steinmetz is trying to do to meet the educational needs of their student population, I believe that there is more that can be done to expand students interest and, in so doing, encourages them to continue their high school education at Steinmetz. As I stated earlier, students are looking for real-world applications which, for example, can also come from work study and internship programs. Also, Steinmetz' night school program does not seem to include students that just can't function in the high schools mainstream.

As a final thought to Steinmetz' service learning program it seems to me that an expansion to the program could achieve the goals and desired outcomes, as stated in the article from Engaged for Success, "the skills the students develop, the habits they form, and the communities they build will determine the future of the nation and hold the keys to its progress".

Footnote: The photo is of Steinmetz alumni.

Let's Go Right To The Source

Finding ways to reduce high school dropout rates is always challenging for schools, administrators, parents, and the city's community leaders. In order to determine why students are dropping out, we need to ask them directly this important question. A variety of reasons and explanations have been given by students who were surveyed for The Silent Epidemic. In an article entitled, "Engaged for Success", by the National Conference on Citizenship and Civic Enterprises LLC, they asked students why they dropped out of school. According to the survey, dropouts offered a multitude of explanations, from the fact that they missed too many days and could not catch up, too much time spent with people who were not interested in school, too much freedom and not enough rules in their lives, and to their perception that they were failing in school. But the most common explanation was that classes were not interesting.

As stated in the "Engaged for Success" article, students were then asked, "What would improve the chance of success for high school students?" The dropouts surveyed offered some possible useful recommendations.

• Eighty-one percent of the dropouts said that schools should offer more real-world learning experiences, such as internships to make the classrooms more relevant.


• The same percentage indicated that better teachers who keep classes interesting would improve students' chances of staying in school.

Others indicated the need for:

• Smaller classes with more individual instruction.


• Better communication between parents and school, and by getting parents more involved.


• Parents making sure their kids go to school everyday.


• Increased supervision at school to ensure students attend classes.

It was with these recommendations that students who dropped out believed that it would have helped them from making the decision to dropout. So, are there any real interventions that may help to stem the tide of student dropout rates? We must implement successful solutions that will prevent a "Dropout Nation" from continuing to perpetuate. It is the job of school, administrators, parents and the city's community leaders to promote a safe, challenging, interesting and real-world learning experiences for these students in order for them to "Engage for Success".

Promises Broken

In reviewing the 2007 Illinois School Report Card for Steinmetz Academic Centre High School, under the 'Academic Performance' category with a subcategory listing Steinmetz' 'High School Graduation Rate'. In this subcategory it lists the graduation rate of Steinmetz by gender, race/ethnicity, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students as compared to the Subregion, District and State of Illinois. Out of all the students enrolled at Steinmetz, 62.7% of the students graduated. By gender, 53.8% of males and 71.6% of females graduated. By race, 73.9% of whites, 71.5% of blacks, 54.9% of Latinos, 72.7% of Asian/Pacific Islander, 88.9% of multiracial/ethnic students graduated,. Of the economically disadvantaged students, 67.1% of those students graduated, while a staggering 38.9% of students with disabilities graduated.

When you compare Steinmetz graduation rates with the State of Illinois, Steinmetz does not seem to fare well. Across gender, and race/ethnicity except for the categories of 'Multi Racial/Ethnic' groups, Steinmetz scored lower than its reference group, the State of Illinois. In comparing the differences between the highest and the lowest graduation rates spread across all of the above categories between Steinmetz and the State, the greatest disparity is with students with disabilities where the graduation rate is only 33%. In an article from the Manhattan Institute For Policy Research, their Civic Report, revised April 2002, reported "High School Graduation Rates in the United States". In that report it states that Chicago was one of five districts among the 50 largest districts in the U.S. having an overall graduation rate below 50%; Chicago had a graduation rate of 47%. The report stated, when focusing on the district results for African-American students, an even more negative picture revealed Chicago's graduation rate of only 45%. The picture is even bleaker for Latino graduation rates.

As stated in an article from the Chicago Sun-Times which was reported by the Manhattan Institute, "Chicago is not alone in the graduation crisis. There is a near-consensus that too few students across the nation earn a diploma each year. However, the city is a major offender and needs to look for ways to improve the education it provides. When graduating high school is only a 50-50 proposition, it is time to consider dramatic changes to the system".

Education As a Stately Institution

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, published July 5, 2006, Chicago is the third largest school system and yet has only a "52.2 percent graduation rate". This data corresponds with a study by the Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago, which reported in 2006, that "...fifty-four percent of Chicago public school freshman receive a diploma". Another article from the Chicago Sun-Times entitled, Chicago Must Find Way To Help Students Finish High School, states that "In part, minority males are likely leaving school because they are not learning sufficient skills in school for attendance to be worth their time". So what is the system doing wrong? Is the system the one who is failing?

Looking at a variety of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), I chose to focus on Steinmetz High School, located on the west side, in part, because my father graduated from Steinmetz. Born and raised by European immigrants, my father and his family lived only a few blocks from the high school. The neighborhood and the school has changed over the last 70 years since my father attended Steinmetz. After looking at Steinmetz 2007 report card, I decided to write to the principal in an effort to gain a better understanding of the reasons for its drop out rates. Some of the questions I will be addressing to the principal are; 1) Which causal factor would you most attribute to the drop out rate: family influences, social experiences, or school/curriculum based issues? 2) Could you hypothesize as to the etiologies for the drop out rate of students with disabilities who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP)? 3) In an effort to reduce drop out rates, what have you found to be most effective?

Do Students Choose Failure?

I find it a little unsettling that Steinmetz High School, or any high school that shares these statistics, has reported staggering drop out rates especially among Latino students, and students with disabilities. The latter being a segment of the student population that is entitled to receive the highest intervention rate. Students with disabilities are those who have been made eligible to receive special services, and whose education is suppose to be governed by the goals and objectives written into his or her Individual Education Plan (IEP). So, why are so many students dropping out of high school?

In a report that was released in 2006 entitled, The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts, "highlighted the fact that almost one-third of all public high school students - and nearly 50 percent of minorities - fail to graduate with their class". The report indicated that the principal cause was not academic failure. About 70% of the students reported that "they did not see the real-world applications of their schoolwork, and that nearly half felt bored by their classes".

Another report also released in 2006 entitled, America's Civic Health Index, indicated that "high school dropouts are no longer even a part of the civil society that would enable them to be effective advocates in their communities". This civic category goes from "volunteering and work on community projects to attending meetings and voting". These students are suffering from a "lack of learning and a lack of service". As I conduct my research on this very important issue of high school drop out rates, I hope to find some of the answers as to why student drop out rates are so high.

Where's Bryan?

I have been working in an elementary school for the past 4 years as a Special Services Assistant. This experience has provided me with the opportunity to work with children who have emotional, behavioral and/or learning disabilities. In helping students on a one-on-one basis, I have found it to be both challenging and rewarding. It is challenging in that some students may have not just one but overlapping disabilities that need to be addressed daily across the academic and social spectrum. It is rewarding because you see the progress that these students are making within the academic year.

In many Chicago schools, as students move through middle school and onto high school the underlining issues that create poor or failing academic achievement intensify. Identifying the causes of school failure and high student drop out rates seem apparent, unfortunately the solutions are elusive. In general terms, research focuses on demographics in attempting to understand the etiologies of failure.

Chicago Public School (CPS) report cards analyze a broad spectrum of demographic variables that provide a profile of each of CPS's high schools. Steinmetz High School on Chicago's west side offers a profile that could be used to quantify characteristics that exist throughout Chicago Public Schools. Attached is the report card on Steinmetz High School. http://schoolreports.cps.edu/StateSchoolReportCard/ssrc_2007_unit1560.pdf. So why do these numbers exist? What are the underlining reasons for drop out rates? Will reviewing the data, help us to determine what happened to Bryan?

Extra Blog 2 - "Chicago Diner Burger"

The Chicago Diner is one of my favorite restaurants. Located in the heart of Boys Town, the Chicago Diner is a vegetarian restaurant, serving a strictly meat-free menu for over 20 years, and catering to the health-conscious vegetarians and vegans. The recipe below is an excellent substitute for all those burger lovers. The Chicago Diner Burger is made without soy, tofu or beans. Give it a try. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised.

The Chicago Diner Burger

4 cups water1 onion, finely chopped

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking)

12 ounce mushrooms, finely chopped

1/2 cup white whole wheat flour

Place the water in a large pot with the onion, celery, soy sauce, onion powder and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in oats, mushrooms and flour and cook 5 minutes longer. Transfer to a bowl and chill for at least 1 hour, preferably longer.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil baking sheets (see hints below). Shape mixture into burger sized patties and place on baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes (see hints below). Carefully flip over and bake 10 more minutes.

Before serving:

Place baked patties on a non-stick griddle and grill for about 7 minutes on each side, until browned. Serve on buns with Red Pepper Aioli (recipe follows).

Hints: They are quite fragile until after they are baked, so use extra care when flipping them for the first time. Let them rest out of the oven for at least 5 minutes before trying to loosen them from the pans. Use non-stick baking sheets, but still lightly oil them before using. To lightly oil pans, use a very small amount of vegetable oil on a paper towel, and then rub that over the pan.

Red Pepper Aioli

Use this as a topping for the Chicago Diner Burgers, as a dip for raw veggies, or as a spread for crackers or bread.

1 (12.3 oz.) package soft silken tofu

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon cider vinegar

dash salt

1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers

Place the tofu in a food processor and process until fairly smooth. Add remaining ingredients and process until very smooth (this may take several minutes). Refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to blend.

Extra Blog 1 - "Chicago" a poem by Carl Sandburg

HOG Butcher for the World,

Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,

Player with Railroads and the Nation's Freight Handler;

Stormy, husky, brawling,

City of the Big Shoulders:

They tell me you are wicked and I believe them, for I

have seen your painted women under the gas lamps

luring the farm boys.

And they tell me you are crooked and I answer: Yes, it

is true I have seen the gunman kill and go free to

kill again.

And they tell me you are brutal and my reply is: On the

faces of women and children I have seen the marks

of wanton hunger.

And having answered so I turn once more to those who

sneer at this my city, and I give them back the sneer

and say to them:

Come and show me another city with lifted head singing

so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning.

Flinging magnetic curses amid the toil of piling job on

job, here is a tall bold slugger set vivid against the

little soft cities;

Fierce as a dog with tongue lapping for action, cunning

as a savage pitted against the wilderness,

Bareheaded,

Shoveling,

Wrecking,

Planning,

Building, breaking, rebuilding,

Under the smoke, dust all over his mouth, laughing with

white teeth,

Under the terrible burden of destiny laughing as a young

man laughs,

Laughing even as an ignorant fighter laughs who has

never lost a battle,

Bragging and laughing that under his wrist is the pulse.

and under his ribs the heart of the people,

Laughing!

Laughing the stormy, husky, brawling laughter of

Youth, half-naked, sweating , proud to be Hog

Butcher, Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat, Player with

Railroads and Freight Handler to the Nation.

A Discussion of a Classmate's Blog

In reviewing the blogs of other classmates I was drawn to Justyna's particular blog on the city of Camden, New Jersey. She observes that this city is probably the poorest city in the country. Justyna attached a video by Father Michael Doyle who works with the people of Camden. After viewing this provocative short tour of some of the streets in Camden, I wanted to know a little more about Father Doyle.

Father Doyle is a missionary priest of the Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and has spent the past 35 years working with the people of Camden who are struggling with poverty, drug addictions, and those who have been marginalized and alienated. Father Doyle works to restore human dignity for the citizens of Camden while working to stamp out the many injustices within the community. He works to bring better living conditions to Camden residents, and he works hard to promote positive relationships with all segments of the community.

His work reminds me of the work of my uncle who has spent over fifty years as a Franciscan Missionary Priest working on a Navajo Reservation at the "Four Corners" of New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado where his life's work has been to try and improve the quality of life for the most underprivileged within that society.

Community Building

I see 'Community Building' as a partnership between the community leaders and the community members themselves, in an effort to strengthen the social fabric of the community. This could be accomplished in many ways. Community building at a social level could be the organization of special events such as farmers markets, summer concerts, fall festivals, art and craft exhibits. At a more structural or intervention level it can include senior citizen outreach programs, unemployment seminars and job fairs, after school programs for children whose parents work, community education organizations and neighborhood watch groups.

An example of a more intensive intervention of a community organization whose goal is to restore versus maintain the stability of a community is a Chicago community organization that is currently partnering in community building, and that is the Pilsen Alliance; a grassroots organization working for quality public education, affordable housing, government accountability's and healthy communities. Their goal is to promote community education by facilitating the "reflection and development of social consciousness in order to develop a critical analysis of the political, social and cultural realities" that affect the Pilsen community. The Pilsen Alliance also organizes community members in building community power to create social change. So, the spectrum of community building can range from maintaining simple social interactions to the more intense interventions of trying to reconstruct or resurrect a community in decline.

The Sprawl People "America's Newest Suburbs"

Many people are moving their families to the "New suburbs", now coined as the Sprinkler City. These are fast growing suburbs where the homes are middle class "mini McMansions Gable-gable" new style and affordable, pristine landscaping , streets are huge and newly paved, golf courses abound, schools with playgrounds are glistening with spanking new equipment, and of course, shopping malls and new restaurants. The article, "Patio Man and The Sprawl People, by David Brooks, tells how people are moving from their older suburban neighborhoods to head West in search of a dirt free and toxin free environment where crowding and inconvenience of their former communities is left behind.

But as they seek the "good life", there are many more people that will follow, and where people thought they found nirvana they will eventually be looking again. Brooks states, "the moment they move in, they begin soiling their own nest...bringing crowding with them. They move to get away from stratification, snobbery, and inequality, but as the new towns grow they get more stratified". And the migration continues, only being satisfied for the moment until a new community may and can satisfy them again. So, the suburban sprawl continues feeding on the sheer momentum of suburban sprawl. This phenomenon is clearly displayed by the sheer geographic component; growth continues further and further from established urban centers despite any rational defense against such irrational growth.

Chicago's 'Chance for Change'

There are a lot a mixed emotions about Chicago's loss to Rio for the 2016 Olympics. People worried about the millions of dollars of lost revenue and the tax implications placed on the city's taxpayers are looming issues. While many thought that an 80,000 seat Olympic sports stadium was not exactly what Chicago needed, others saw it as an opportunity to draw attention to a city, little known by the world, as one of the greatest cities in the Country. But now with the Olympic plans gone, what future plans could Chicago have for a second 'Chance for Change'? Unfortunately, demolition had already begun on the Michael Reese Hospital's property, bulldozing a formal designed landscape feature. Also, a large piece of land was already being cleared for what was going to be the Olympic Village, which now poses a dilemma for the city.

Some issues and benefits are apparent with the Olympics not being held in Chicago: the lessening of traffic congestion, the lessened threat of international and/or homegrown terrorism, the elimination of the threat to the integrity of our lake front parks, and freedom of movement by the average citizen, e.g., being able to "cross a bridge" (Katrina). On the other hand, by not having the 2016 Olympics would mean fewer job opportunities, loss of tourism revenue to restaurants, hotels and the general hospitality industry throughout Chicago. Also, both the long and short term loss of general business and real estate investment opportunities that would have given the city yet another outlet to show off the city.

But, now that the city's taxpayers don't have to worry about the huge cost that would have been needed in infrastructure, and in industrial and residential building construction, maybe we do have another real 'Chance for Change' in that the focus could now be on meeting the basic needs of the people of Chicago that have long been forgotten, e.g., housing, transportation, education, and homelessness. Chicago's bus and rail lines need improvement, such as environmentally cleaner CTA buses, and bringing the "L" system up to the 21st century. Currently, the city has trouble handling the transportation issues for Chicago's population of 9.6 million, a rise of 73,000 between 2007 and 2008.

So, we now have another opportunity to show the world what can be accomplished by "NOT" getting the bid for the Olympics. It is that our city takes pride in its people and not just big corporate conglomerates. Yet another 'Chance for Change.'

Urban Murals in Public Spaces

Urban murals add a creative dimension to once drab public areas in sometimes unfashionable places. Murals are painted on walls of abandoned buildings, under via-ducks, sidewalks, and streets. They are expressive, entertaining, political, and sometimes provocative. Mural projects bring people together from all ethnic and racial groups allowing their work to be seen by a broader audience, e.g., the average person on the street. They beautify public areas that have been neglected by public or municipal authorities, and serve to offer creative alternatives for people to express their realities in a productive and positive medium.

Attached is a video of young adults in Newark, New Jersey, who are working with a professional artist, and former art teacher, bringing their original art to public spaces. More cities should foster this approach as an expression of the city itself, as well as a reflection of the talents of the people of their community. It certainly is better than graffiti which is often replete with gang signs, messages, and obscenities.

http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2009/09/newark_through_city_murals_put.html

Jane Jacobs, "Urban Activist"

Jane Jacobs was one of the country's top urban thinkers and activists. She fought to preserve neighborhoods from the onslaught of many urban planners who saw the top-down approach to development as a way to revitalize downtown businesses and communities. Jacobs was opposed to the development of expressways and believed in public transportation over cars. She advocated for a more pedestrian friendly environment where people would spend time interacting with each other, on bench filled sidewalks, in parks, and in neighborhood where the homes were built with front porches. Jacobs spent her life working for the people, and city planners, in preserving the neighborhoods where people live, work and play.

Having a community business district combined with residential living, "mixed use buildings", she contended, "with eyes on the streets", would make for safer neighborhoods and create more accessable and humane cities. She believed that Communities with differences in incomes, ethnic and racial groups, should and could live in "close proximity" to each other.

Jacobs was instrumental in helping to keep cities more vibrant by focusing on the people's needs and not the big corporate power base who were more interested in large scale projects, e.g., shopping malls, versus neighborhood corner stores. Her non-stop activism helped to give people the strength to fight against the "urban bulldozer" and in working together to save their cities. Jacobs once said, "cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, whey are created by everybody".

Jane Jacobs has inspired so many people to commit themselves to helping communities across the country by, in part, creating the "Jane Jacobs Homepage". These people are students who are devoted to working toward the ideal of "healthy communities -- communities that are economically, socially, politically, and environmental vibrant". Their major areas of study include Philosophy, Government, Urban Planning, Latin American Studies, Architecture, Sociology and Environmental Studies. In creating this homepage, these students hope to bring about a better understanding and awareness to the many contributions Jane Jacobs has made in the field of urban planning. Please take a minute to read about these students and their commitment to the "Power of Jane Jacobs". I'm sure that these students, touched by the works of Jacobs, will continue their quest to contribute to the growth of "healthy communities". http://bss.sfsu.edu/pamuk/urban/

Transforming Detroit's Auto Plants for Fashion Showrooms?

Well, that is one of many structural changes that is happening within Detroit's economic transformation. In a recent article in CNNMoney it discusses how the city of Detroit is trying to reinvent itself in the aftermath of the once vibrant Detroit based auto industry. It is pursuing the idea that innovation is within its reach. There is a focused drive to look at how the existing talents can be reinvented to take advantage of a new economy, as opposed to dwelling on the past. City planners are reaching out to the city's "creative minds and craftsmen" to bring about a new and growing field in "fashion", and shifting Detroit's paradigm toward a new prescribed method. Their plan is to tap into the creative expertise of former auto designers. Instead of designing cars why not put that talent to use in another way, so why not in fashion? The article contends that these car designers already have an eye toward fashion, and "understand the principles of design", so why not come up with different ways to re-innovate Detroit.

With the growing public support for "made in the USA" products, this seems like the perfect opportunity for local designers to show off their creations. A laid off auto worker, Jenna Kator, is now designing her own line of handbags. Each of her handbags are named after a Michigan city. She will be showcasing her collection in a Detroit Fashion Week show. Jenna states that as "everyone thinks of Detroit as automotive, we need to be known for more than that".

With Detroit's low overhead costs, the up and coming entrepreneur can help to bring about new industry as there are many new entry level opportunities given the depressed level of Detroit's economic condition. It seems to me that what needs to happen in Detroit, is not just a shift in a economic paradigm, but also a shift in the City's social paradigm; that diversity is an inherent strength that also must be addressed. S0, the good news is that there is more affordable housing available for many of these innovators than ever before, where profits can be in their reach in new business opportunities. This could become the basis of a truly new beginning for what was once our fourth largest and greatest city.

Immigrant Workers and Social Justice

Northeastern Illinois University held an Equity in Action conference highlighting "Immigration and Social Justice Issues". The discussion related the tremendous abuses of the Chicago Police Department against contingent and day workers, and violence perpetrated by riders against cab drivers. These two groups have withstood violations from the Chicago Police as well as various members of surrounding communities. The speakers of this conference told of incidences that demonstrated the injustice that these two groups endure, from arrests and fines, to the issuance of tickets amounting to hundreds of dollars, to physical and verbal attacks, low wages, and discrimination and racism.

As the contingent and day workers gather on public grounds, the police send a clear message to them that they will start arresting people unless they leave the premises. The speaker indicated that, "by shutting down a corner", where they gather to look for work at a local factory, "is like shutting down the factory". Many individuals have, over time, been issued tickets, arrested, or have been targets of discrimination. The speaker went on to say that "people need to change, but I can't change them unless they want to change". Many of these workers are Latinos who are employed by community members to paint their homes, or clean up landscaping, but they don't want them to live in their towns. Through a grassroots effort, the Latino workers campaigned to have a Workers Center which subsequently opened and it is the only one of its kind.

The next speaker was a former NEIU graduate in Anthropology who is continuing to take classes at the University. He is currently a cab driver who works with African Americans on rights issues. He states that 90% of the Yellow Cab drivers are an immigrant workforce and the remaining 10% are North Americans. Of that 10%, 60% are African Americans who are mostly Somali. These cabs are being ticketed for violating certain "long term" parking restrictions. The cab drivers would like to see these restrictions lifted, so that they can park overnight on business streets for more than two hours at a time through the overnight hours. This is being opposed by community efforts who do not want them parking on their streets. So, the battle continues against the conflicting interests of economic and community interests.

As an ongoing social, legal, and economic matter, many of these cab drivers suffer from physical attacks, and many of these attacks are perpetrated by people under the influence of alcohol. Through grassroots efforts, the cab drivers have started an Anti-Violence campaign which has its roots in the attack of the cab driver who had his cheekbone broken in a violent attack.

Through these grassroots organizations their goal has been to stop these atrocities against immigrant workers. They are hoping that through the success in working with the community and legislators the immigrant workers will have the proper protection they deserve and laws in place to uphold their welfare and safety rights.

The Growing Abuse of Eminent Domain

The power of eminent domain can be tough to stop, but with community support in fighting for the rights of a given neighborhood, it can be achieved especially when that power is not used in the spirit in which it was intended. Too many government agencies have been allowed to drift away from their power to condemn private property through their power of eminent domain for the public benefit. I see it in my own community where the local government is acquiring private property for private, for profit, re-development. This was not the intention of the power of eminent domain; it was to acquire private property for the public benefit as in, let's say, building a new roadway.

A coalition was formed in 2002 to try and stop this abuse. Castle Coalition is a grassroots organization helping to work with citizens and legislators to reform eminent domain laws across the country. In Chicago, coordinator Christina Walsh has been helping property owners keep their homes and small businesses in the Lincoln Square community from the hands of the city. An individual may find it difficult to 'fight City Hall', but with the support of members of the Lincoln Square community, this neighborhood has been removed from the city's "involuntary acquisition" list". "The city planned to place 16 properties - housing more than 30 businesses - on an acquisition list to make way for future private development". http://www.ij.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2042&Itemid=245

A predominantly elderly African-American Lawndale neighborhood, with a median income of $18,000, was being threatened by economic development. There were 41 properties, on the city's west side that "would qualify to be condemned by the city". This is where Christina Walsh puts on her boxing gloves as she helps organize the citizens to form the "Lawndale Alliance, which will work to ensure that the city takes out the threat of eminent domain". http://blog.castlecoalition.org/blog/?p=91

This is a typical 'David and Goliath' story where a community organizes together against the city's practice of using their power of eminent domain for the unjust acquisition of private property. These two cases became success stories because of the impact that grassroots efforts had in mustering public support against neighborhoods being added to the city's "involuntary acquisition list".

http://www.castlecoalition.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=118

Joel Kotkin's "Uncool Cities"

In Joel Kotkin's article, Uncool Cities, he states that "everywhere, the middle classes are deserting the core for safer and more affordable suburbs". The safer the community, the more people desire to live there. It is not just the individual but families that want a safer, moral and affordable environment to raise their children. The middle classes may be exiting the cities for a safer community but it is certainly not a guarantee that the suburbs will provide that security; it goes beyond the middle classes. It goes to all classes. Wanting a safer place to live is what makes for a productive and, therefore, economically stable community. In order to establish a community that propagates safety, you must have the services that will provide that security in making a community desirable. It is not security alone that will draw people, it is diversity, schools, family, community, infrastructure, industry, job opportunities and yes, entertainment.

Joel Kotkin is a opposite ends of the spectrum with Robert Florida, who believes that without the help of the "Creative Class" a city will fail to be a community of "coolness". You can't have a community of technology based professionals and expect them to live in an "uncool" city. After work, there has to be something that will draw them to live there. A community needs both a reputable safe haven for families, and professionals with the expertise in research and development and also the arts, culture and other forms of entertainment, e.g., bars. If not, then it will just be a place for them to work; they will live and play somewhere else.

1890 Census Forms and Questions

The gathering of information for the U.S. Census has changed dramatically over time. Beginning with the first census in 1790, areas with a population of less than two persons per square mile were designated wilderness. A "frontier line" was drawn dividing the wildeness from populated areas, and maps were used in census to show where the population density was high or low. New immigrants to America moved out to the frontier because land there was either cheap or free. During 1890, gathering accurate information was difficult due to migration, immigration, the Civil War, and the American Indian population on and off reservations.

Question: Why do you think "Indians not taxed" were an exception in the instructions on enumeration?

"Indians not taxed" were those not living in settled areas and paying taxes; they were living on reservations under the care of Government agents. In my opinion, the Indians who were not living in settled areas were an exception because the government wanted to incorporate into the U.S. Census only those Indians that had become a part of the "ordinary" population. These were the Indians living within the white population. The government wanted a separate count, not to be included in this population, for those who were not considered "civilized". But later, by the 1940's, all American Indians were considered to be taxed.

Question: Why do you suppose the government wanted an enumeration of surviving Civil War soldiers and widows?

The simple answer is that they wanted to count their casualties. However, it was extremely difficult to gather accurate information for those soldiers who were casualties of the Civil War as; for example; many were buried in mass graves and were not accounted for by the Union Army. Further, there were soldiers from both sides who were not enumerated due to political tensions in the South, which, as one could imagine, could become somewhat problematic. For example, Confederate veterans were enumerated, but the Census Bureau later crossed their names out from the census.

A Discussion of a Classmate's Blog

The Urban Surgeon's blog by Bilal, has a variety of interesting and provocative entries. As you enter this blog you are presented with a picture of a surgery in process. This is a fitting portrayal and analogy of a city going through the necessary steps to repair many of its injuries that have long been neglected. In so doing, it is restoring the health of some of its neighborhoods to vibrant and productive communities. An unfortunate comparison, albeit a brief one, could be the long term neglect of one of America's once great cities, which is that of Detroit, now being called "Notown". To further this analogy, there maybe no surgery that could repair the injuries that Detroit has sustained.

One of Bilal's interesting blogs is a poem entitled, Chicago, written by Carl Sandburg, a surgeon through poetry. He had grown, over the years, increasingly concerned with the plight of the American worker and has written approximately 55 poems just on Chicago. A provocative entry by Bilal is his entry on Hurricane Katrina. The picture alone is a telling reminder of one of the many struggles people had to endure. As Bilal had notes, "It just goes to show how unorganized things can be. No one would think that this could happen in such a developed country as the United States. But, I guess that just goes to show that almost anything is possible". Yes, anything is possible as for the failure to humankind, but what is also possible is for "surgery" to repair Louisiana to its neighborhoods again.

U.S. Census

The 2000 Census that I have reviewed is of the Village of Barrington and its Census Tract for the area in which I reside. The Village, at the time this census was conducted, was over 96% White, 2% Asian, .6% Black, and a small percentage of other races. the Census Tract, which encompasses a small area but is tracked farther south from the Village, is comprised of 87% White, 10.1% Asian, 2.3% other races and again .6% Black.

As I look at the demographics of the Village of Barrington and the Barrington Census Tract I have seen certain realities. For example, people self segregate especially according to ethnicity and/or race. An example of this is in the Barrington Census Tract data as it relates to the Asian population. There is a huge collective migration of various Asian groups to the South Barrington geographic area. The confluence of this Asian migration is a great example of self segregation. It is also clear, that it is based on economic strata in the convergence of the Asian population to South Barrington, a predominantly wealthy community. From a sociological perspective this is of no surprise.

Photographing Chicago

The tapestry of Chicago is varied from the cities expansive and rejuvenated lakefront parks, to the beauty of its skyline. I have always marveled at the magnificence of Chicago's skyline especially from the many bike rides I have been on along the lakefront. I have enjoyed photographing these features from Lincoln Park to Soldier Field. In viewing the attached websites, http://www.revealingchicago.org/; http://www.picturingchicago.com/; and http://tigger.uic.edu/depts/ahaa/imagebase/index.html, as well as one that I have discovered on Chicago's neighborhoods, http://www.panoramio.com/ and http://www.odysseyphoto.com/portfolio/Chicago/Chicago-Neighborhoods.html, I have discovered a new found appreciation in the tapestry that makes up Chicago. I have always known Chicago's reputation of being a city of neighborhoods but now I am beginning to realize why because of the intense diversity that our city has to offer. So what I will hope to be photographing more of will be the richness in the many diverse communities that make of this wonderful city.

Videos of Chicago Skyline, Downtown and more

I found these exciting Youtube videos of Chicago's magnificent skyline accompanied by some great music. Also check out the other related videos that are listed on youtube. I hope that you will enjoy this great journey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYFwUi7kDiI - great view of Chicago's skyline

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Cb5XXlmw7c - Chicago skyline, downtown and more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ53mphPjr8 - Chicago skyline

Water and Urban Life

Throughout history, people have been drawn to locations along or near waterways. At its simplest level, it is because we all need water to survive. In terms of economy, we need water to transport our goods and services. But to do that we also need a social order as well as a belief in ourselves that we can create economic systems while meeting our overall needs. This natural migration created the beginnings of our urban tapestry. These locations have provided hopes and dreams for so many that have migrated to these areas. But it can also be a source of frustration due to the affects of pollution that can ravage our lives. We have to decide how we want to move ourselves forward.

I hope that the website attached will give you the same degree of enjoyment that it provided me in learning more about the geographic, social, cultural and overall historic roots of Chicago. Have fun as you tour the history of the lakes and waterways that has helped to shape the urban life of Chicago. http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/300020.html

"What is Gentrification?"

In the words of sociologist Ruth Glass, London, 1964, who coined the term "Gentrification", she states that;

"One by one, many of the working-class quarters of London have been invaded by the middle-classes - upper and lower. Shabby, modest mews and cottages - two rooms up and two down - have been taken over, when their leases have expired, and have become elegant, expensive residences....Once this process of 'gentrification' starts in a district it goes on rapidly until all or most of the original working-class occupiers are displaced and the whole social character of the district is changed ."

It has been my observation that we have seen Chicago neighborhoods experience the same process that Ruth Glass reported in her studies of what occurred in London. In fact, there are several neighborhoods that I lived in from childhood into my early adult life that I can no longer afford to live in because these neighborhoods have become more expensive than much of today's suburbia. Specifically, it is the same process of gentrification that is causing major demographic shifts throughout Chicago and its suburban areas.

Not all of this is negative. While it must be recognized that many disadvantaged people are being displaced, I believe that it may provide those individuals an opportunity to move from the desolation of the failed social engineering experiments of the Robert Taylor homes and Cabrini Green, to cite just two examples, to scattered site housing throughout the suburban areas.

In Tom Slater's article entitled, What is Gentrification?, he eloquently states, "Wondering how it affects all kinds of people, comparing the neighborhood's past and present, thinking about who wins and who loses, and more importantly what can be done about it, are steps towards making a difference".

The "Creative Class"

In the article by Richard Florida entitled, The Rise of the Creative Class, he reports that in order for cities to prosper and grow it is necessary to attract and retain people of the "creative class". Florida states that the creative class is a "fast-growing, highly educated, and well-paid segment of the workforce on whose efforts corporate profits and economic growth increasingly depend". he goes on to say that these are individuals who "share a common ethos that values creativity, individuality, difference and merit". Florida continues that "places like Austin, Boston, Washington D.C., and Seattle are places that are more tolerant, diverse and open to creativity. As creativity becomes more valued, the creative class grows".

I agree that is it important for cities to be open to the benefits that the diversity of a creative class offers. People young and old of all walks of life need to feel that they 'fit in' to a community which then strengthens the foundation of that community. It is where they love to work and live and can be themselves. Cities and regions that have a large population of individuals of the creative class are, as Florida comments, the most affluent and are the fastest growing. These are people who value diversity "in all its manifestations". Clearly, it is the case that members of the creative class add a certain vibrancy and enthusiasm. As a nation we would be well advised to cultivate more creative class communities through stronger and more consistent support of educational opportunities and economic support, e.g., public infrastructure projects such as parks which contribute to a variety of outdoor recreational activities. But equally important are, in part, creative community features, as Florida cities, the inclusion of a strong historical and cultural foundation.

Bridge Blockade after Katrina

Generally, the events that unfolded in the aftermath from Hurricane Katrina may go down in history as even more catastrophic than the hurricane itself. With that said, the bridge blockade could very easily be near the top of the list of unfortunate events. As some people have argued, there was a strong element of 'racial profiling' that led to many of Louisiana's victims being neglected, humiliated, dehumanized and in fact still are suffering today.

As I contemplate the article entitled, Bridge Blockade after Katrina from our text Urban Society, I am both ashamed and appalled that the event even occurred in the first place but even more horrifying is that the people who created the blockade still unapologetically defend their decision. Their defense is really pitiful in that their claim was that it was all in an effort to prevent the spread of looting. Also they indicated their lack of available resources, but where these people were coming from they had none. People were attempting to travel over the bridge in an effort to escape deplorable conditions, many being children, elderly and others in wheelchairs. As Rev. Jesse Pate, pastor of the Harvest Ripe Church in Gretna, has said, "...but during that time, (law enforcement) valued property over the lives of those people. And that's where the tragedy is". My contention is that the reason why the Cantwells, who are white, were not allowed to cross the bridge, along with others, was that it would prove that the Jefferson Parish law enforcement officials were racist.

We are a nation, which supposedly, stands as a leader in an effort to help those in need all over the globe. But what happened to our policies here on our own soil? Why did it take our government so long to respond and provide for its citizens? We must never let this unfortunate lack of respect for human kind to be allowed to ever happen again.

"Predatory Lending" - shame, shame

As I was reading the article on Predatory Lending, in our test book titled, 'Urban Society', I was applauded and yet not too surprised. What we had for some time prior to last years near financial meltdown was the result of a sort of 'Wild West Show'. In other words, a no holds barred, with an anything goes home loan lending practice mentality to meet the objective of maximizing short term lender profits. It is typical of a classic Wall Street mentality; which is looking only at next quarter's profit reports.

Historically, redlining was the practice of not lending to certain demographic profiles or specific geographic areas, e.g., inner city neighborhoods. The idea of 'redlining in reverse', as discussed in our text, became an unscrupulous lending practice, i.e., predatory lending to many of those same demographic profiles and geographic locations that had been previously ignored or out rightly rejected as a potential customer base. So now, 'the chicken has come home to roost' and we are all paying the cost of the absolute, unconscionable greed of an all too unregulated lending industry.

One of my favorite things to do in the city is ride my bike along the lakefront.