the alley Newspaper | News & Views of Phillips Since 1976

Ilhan and Neegonnweedun

Written by editor on 09 December 2016

By Peter Molenaar

Was it fifteen years ago that a Somali man named Jaylani suffered a psychotic breakdown at the Chicago Crossing parking lot off Franklin Avenue? He would be executed by the police before that day was done.Â Had he been white, people believed another outcome would have occurred.

So then, Neegonnwayweedun ”“ The Thunder before the Storm ”“ yes, Clyde Bellecourt led a long column of Somali people and their supporters.Â Protesters marched from Lake Street down Chicago Avenue to the County Government Center.Â Clyde said to the Somali people “Don”'t let them send you back!”

Note:Â This summer, at the Phillips Community Center, I witnessed a beautiful cultural exchange between Native and Somali youth.

November 4, 2016”¦

We gathered at the American Indian Center to purchase copies of The Thunder before the Storm ”“ the autobiography of Clyde Bellecourt.Â In one passage of the book, in the spirit of forgiveness, Clyde approaches a man who had attempted to kill him.Â He gently asked “Why did you shoot me?”

Any lingering ambivalence of judgement should be resolved by reading the book.Â By historic proportion, Clyde Bellecourt is the most honorable figure of this community.Â … Read the rest “Ilhan and Neegonnweedun”

Phillips Neighborhood is a Treasure Stay strong; Stay together; Speak for justice; We are a family here. Â

Written by editor on 09 December 2016

BY JANA METGE

The Election has caused me to reflect;

Each and Every day. I wake up thankful for this Community, for the different cultures represented, for the Sharing – for Caring -Â for Standing together.

The history of Activism in this Neighborhood has changed the way the city and county do their businesses.Â Policy has been changed in areas ofÂ development, environment, criminal justice, and economics just to name a few.

We have a world view in our little Phillips Neighborhoods because of all ourÂ residents, businesses, and organizations which are here building community every day.

I have no doubt we will all stick together, stand up for each other, and look out for each other.Â Now and movingÂ forward.

The Phillips Neighborhood is a Treasure.

Thank you to everyone – Every effort from greeting a neighbor, to running fabulous youth programs, to new housing,Â to outreach whichÂ helpÂ folks caught inÂ prostitution turn their lives around,Â to Fabulous local businesses & restaurants, to making meals & delivering food to thoseÂ who need a good meal, to campaigns for a livable wage & environmental justice, toÂ Solidarity with Standing Rock.

Stay strong.Â Stay together.Â Keep speaking for justice.Â We are a family here.… Read the rest “Phillips Neighborhood is a Treasure Stay strong; Stay together; Speak for justice; We are a family here. Â ”