A New Chicago: A Solution to Vacant Lots + Violence

Five Black developers transform 11 Woodlawn vacant lots into 30 new homes. Will this reverse decades of disinvestment on Chicago’s South Side?

Happy Women's History Month!

Chicago Southsider Supporter

Chicago Southsider has been around since 2021, and we have just reached a major milestone.

Our work has helped us land a spot in the Solutions Journalism Network Class of 2023 LEDE Fellowship.

We are excited to share our second solutions journalism piece:

5 Black Real Estate Developers on the South Side of Chicago

The ribbon cutting ceremony for phase II of the West Woodlawn Pointe development was held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Elected officials, developers, funders, investors, and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.

Vacant Lots for Sale

The city is selling vacant lots to revitalize neighborhoods on Chicago's South Side. Will this spur economic development?

Applications are now closed for the first round of vacant lot sales through the city's latest program. Learn more about the program and get ready for the second round of vacant lots.

Students Are Helping Each Other Heal From Violence

At charter schools in Chicago, the Peace Warriors program teaches students how to mediate conflicts and support their peers to reduce violence.

If you like our work, help us continue to make it free for all. Become a Supporter of Chicago Southsider here. Every dollar that you contribute will help us keep the story of Chicago's South Side alive.

Here's what we have in store for today's newsletter.

  • Women's History Month: Chicago's First Major Street Named After a Black Woman

  • Brunch: Grab your girls and register for the Power Her Women's Conference!

  • Beauty: Meet the Winners of the Miss Chicago Pageant

Now, let's dive into all things Women's History, Brunch, and Beauty for the week.

Women's History Month

Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago

Women's History Month. There will be generations that think it's perfectly normal for a major street in downtown Chicago to be named after a Black Woman. Read more.

Brunch 

Power Her Women's Conference

The Power Her Conference is a weekend long celebration of black womanhood.

General Event Overview

Date: March 10-12, 2023

Location: Hampton Inn by Hilton McCormick Place Chicago, 123 East Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616

Discounted all-inclusive tickets can be purchased in full or in installments using the link below.

Beauty

Miss Chicago 2023 Winners, Photo Credit: Hanna Poitras Photography

Miss Chicago 2023 Winners, Photo Credit: Hanna Poitras Photography

Meet the Women Who Were Crowned at the Miss Chicago Pageant:

Miss Chicago Outstanding Teen Competition; Image Credit: Instagram

Miss Chicago Outstanding Teen Competition; Image Credit: Instagram

Three teens were crowned at the 2023 Miss Chicago pageant held on January 7, 2023. They will compete in the Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen competition in June.

Meet the Winners:

Miss Illinois USA pageant. The 2023 Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant will take place from May 26-28, 2023 at the Braden Auditorium of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

Miss Illinois State Competion. The 2023 Miss Illinois competition will take place at the Marion Civic Center from June 6-10, 2023.

“You want to set a goal that is big enough that in the process of achieving it you become someone worth becoming.”

Jim Rohn

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