Let's Celebrate Freedom this Juneteenth ⭐️
Dear Neighbor,
I'm reaching out to wish you a happy and healthy Juneteenth Day! Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery and the liberation of Black Americans at the end of the Civil War. It's been celebrated for 150 years by Black communities across America, and it became an official state holiday in Illinois last year with the passage of legislation I was proud to support.
It also recognizes the tremendous amount of work we have ahead of us to achieve true liberation for Black people in our country. From poverty and violence to Covid-19, from underfunded public schools to overcrowded prisons, Black people still disproportionately experience the worst aspects of American life. That's due to intentional policy decisions — past and present — that have caused profound and deliberate harm to Black people. I view undoing those policies, and replacing them with laws that center equity, as integral to my work as your State Representative.
What can you do to celebrate Juneteenth? A few ideas. Consider eating at a Black-owned restaurant (here's a list). Take some time to read a book about racism in America. Donate to an organization that's supporting Black liberation in our city. Invite friends over for a meal and have a conversation about race — here's a phenomenal guide to a conversation like that. Whatever you do, I hope you'll remember that the struggle for true liberation, true freedom, true equality, is all of our struggle. As the great Fannie Lou Hamer said, "nobody's free until everybody's free."
Sincerely,
Will
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE 39TH DISTRICT
This past week, my staff and I attended community events like the Kelvyn Park Clean & Green Sponsored by the Kelvyn Park PAC, and we hosted a Bingo for seniors at Belmont Place Sr. Apartments!
If you and your neighbors are hosting a block party this summer, let our team know — we’d love to stop by and say hi! My staff and I are going to try to attend as many block parties as we can over the next few months, and we’ll be sure to bring something fun to the party: free popsicles, giveaways, raffle prizes, that kind of thing.
FREE TICKETS TO THE SHEDD AQUARIUM
Stop by my office any time Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm to get free tickets to the Shedd Aquarium for you and your family. You can also reach us at via phone or email at 773-853-2570 will@repguzzardi.com to request tickets delivered virtually.
A DISCUSSION FOR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is working with the Avondale Chamber of Commerce and the Avondale Neighborhood Association (ANA) to create a neighborhood-wide plan that will guide choices and decisions that are made in the future.
Please join for a local business workshop on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 6:00 pm. This 1-hour discussion will help planners understand your business needs and concerns. Your input is important for creating a more vibrant local economy in Avondale
Attendees can join the discussion in person at Revolution Brewing (3340 N Kedzie Ave) or online (via Zoom). If you'd like to join online, a link to the Zoom meeting invite will be e-mailed to you after submitting this form.
COOLING CENTERS
As we continue to experience dangerously hot temperatures, we want to encourage any resident facing unsafe conditions to call 311 for assistance & to find info on their nearest cooling center.
Please share and be prepared! Cooling centers are welcome to all.