Public Vigil for Ernesto Garcia

(Art by Andrew Willis)

On August 30, a homeless man named Ernesto Garcia was beaten to death in the alley behind the 1800 block of N. Ridgeway in Logan Square. We have learned that he was an immigrant from Guatamala who had been in the community for about 10 years and had connected to our community through Center for Changing Lives and area churches. Because he has no family to grieve his death, the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance has scheduled a public vigil for Mr. Garcia. It is our intent that a vigil will give Mr. Garcia the dignity he deserves and will allow us all to grieve his death. It is also an opportunity to advocate for the needs of men and women who daily face exposure to harm because of housing insecurity.

The vigil for Mr. Garcia will take place at the Logan Square Eagle Monument on Thursday, September 11, starting at 6:30 pm. Please pass this information along to your social networks and organizational contacts.

Bruce Ray
Pastor
Kimball Avenue Church

Vigilia Publica para Sr. Ernesto Garcia: Vecino y Hijo de Dios
(See full photo gallery)

Remarks from: Lissette Castaneda, Center for Changing
Lives (l) and Tanya Lane, Alliance of Local Service
Organizations (ALSO) (r)

VIGILIA EN MEMORIA DE 

ERNESTO GARCIA

En Agosto 30, Ernesto Garcia, un hombre desamparado fue atacado y golpeado a muerte en el callejón de la cuadra 1900 Norte de Ridgeway en la comunidad de Logan Square. Hemos aprendido que Ernesto quien solo estaba días por cumplir 59 años y imigrante de Guatemala habia vivido en la comunidad por un promedio de diez años. El había conectado con residentes y la comunidad por medio de Center for Changing Lives e iglesias en el area. Ya que Ernesto no tiene familia identificada para compartir en el duelo de su muerte, La Alianza Ecumenica de Logan Square está organizando una vigilia pública en memoria del Señor Ernesto Garcia.

Es nuestra intención que esta vigilia/velorio exprese la dignidad que el Señor Garcia merece y un espacio para juntos compartir en el duelo de su muerte al igual de ser una voz fuerte en abogacía y solidaridad por las necesidades de las mujeres, niños y hombres que diariamente estan expuestos a violencia por falta de vivienda.

La Vigilia de el Señor Garcia se llevara acabo en el monumneto de la Aguila en Logan Square que se encuentra en la Milwaukee y Kedzie este septiembre 11 a las 6:30 de la tarde.

Porfavor pase la informacion y unase a nosotros en este momento tan crucial. La vigilia sera bilingue.

(l-r) Pastor Luiz Munoz, Pastor Eardley Mendis, Delia Ramirez, Pastor
Bruce Ray, Pastor Pastora Paula Cripps-Vallejo, Pastor Erik Christensen.
(See full photo gallery)

Related posts

The City of Chicago is finally taking action to preserve single room occupancy (SRO) buildings, which prevent homelessness. But developer Mark Fishman, who wants to buy the Milshire Hotel, refuses to meet with our community to explain his plans for the building.

(See Tuesday September 23 - "Logan Square for All" Rally)






Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance plans for October, November, and December (2014) will focus on our housing advocacy, culminating with posada events in December.

(See Looking Ahead: Posada Planning for December )


 

Meet Sept 9, 16, 30 - Shape Logan Square EL Stop Development

Give voice to your vision for Logan Square!

Participate in a three-part workshop: 

Sept. 9 • Sept. 16 • Sept. 30, 2014

Please join us for this unique opportunity to plan an important development for Logan Square!

Influence the re-use of the bus terminal, parking lot and plaza around the Logan Square Blue Line entrance at the northwest corner of Milwaukee and Kedzie Avenues.

Work with fellow community members and a team of development professionals to create specific, realistic, community-based proposals.

Each meeting builds on the one before, so we strongly encourage you to attend all three.

All meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Tuesday, Sept. 30

Hairpin Arts Center

2810 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Council 

and the office of Ald. Rey Colón (35th Ward).

metroplanning.org/logansquare

Preliminary survey:

I’d like to see more ________ in Logan Square

A Open space
B Arts and art centers
C Affordable housing
D Entertainment venues
E Grocery options

Text the letter of your top choice to (773) 340-4232.

# # # # # # # #

¡Dale voz a tu visión para Logan Square!

Participa en una serie de talleres: 

9, 16 y 30 de septiembre, 2014

¡Le pedimos que por favor participe y de su opinión, la cual puede influenciar un desarrollo importante para Logan Square!

Sé parte del equipo que influye el desarrollo del terminal de autobuses, el estacionamiento y la plaza al lado de la estación CTA Blue Line (Línea Azul) de Logan Square.

Trabajarás con vecinos y un equipo de expertos para formar propuestas comunitarias que son especificas y realistas.

Cada taller tiene objeto único, así que se recomienda asistir a los tres.

Los talleres son desde las 6 a las 8 de la tarde.

Martes, 9 de septiembre, 2014

Martes, 16 de septiembre

Martes, 30 de septiembre

Hairpin Arts Center

2810 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Organizado por el Metropolitan Planning Council

y la oficina de Ald. Rey Colón (35th Ward).

metroplanning.org/logansquare

Me gustaría ver más ________ en Logan Square.

A Espacios abiertos
B Arte y centros de arte
C Viviendas accesibles
D Locales de entretenimiento
E Mercados

Textea la letra de su mejor idea para este sitio a (773) 496-4823

Logan Square Good News - August, 2014: Housing, Climate, and New Participants!

The Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance held its monthly meeting today -- August 5, 2014.

(1)  We were pleased to welcome the Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo from Humboldt Park United Methodist, who was accompanied by HPUM member and colleague Delia Ramirez.  To learn about Rev. Cripps-Vallejo, see the recent profile on the LSEA website.

(2) The Rev. Dr. Terry Gallagher of the Climate Reality Project is available to come give a slide presentation at area congregations. The Climate Reality Project is an effort to raise awareness about the risks climate change poses to our planet and our communities. The project is based around presentations that are given by volunteers which offer clear, non-partisan information about the ways that climate change will impact us as human beings. From extreme weather to rising sea levels, the dangers posed by climate change are substantial and are already being felt on every continent. However, these presentations also focus on the opportunities we have to protect one another, as well as future generations, by acting quickly to address the causes of climate change. As parents, grandparents, neighbors, community members and parishioners we have a responsibility to care for one another and that involves preserving the delicate natural balances our society depends on.  These presentations can be adjusted to any audience or length of time. (Contact Terry at terrenceggallagher@hotmail.com .)

(3) "LOGAN SQUARE FOR ALL" Housing Justice action: An action related to development of the Milshire SRO is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 at 6:00 p.m. See separate listing for full event details.


The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, at 1:00 p.m. at ALSO (2401 W. North).

Logan Square Welcomes the Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo!

Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo is the new Lead Pastor of Humboldt Park United Methodist church, and is an ordained United Methodist clergywoman. Paula received her Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology (located right outside Los Angeles, California) and has served local churches as well as being assigned as an inter-faith community organizer for economic justice and immigrants’ rights with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in California. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa she loves being in Chicago for this part of her journey.

An avid believer that we should see the world the way that God sees the world, Paula has little respect for borders and policies that keep families and loved ones apart. Growing up, one of her most formative experiences is that she spent many weeks each year on the border of Mexico/Texas with her grandparents’ mission “Casa Y Mas” to build homes and be transformed by the community of God’s people in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico. Paula is blessed to be married to her wonderful husband, Santos Cripps-Vallejo, Jr., who is a Humboldt Park (Chicago) native of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. Though Paula still tries to use “Mexican Spanish” at home, they often enjoy “habichuelas guisadas” together! Paula and Santos are blessed to have one beautiful daughter who is two years old, and a black lab mix dog.

Rev. Paula Cripps-Vallejo truly believes that “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” (Translation: “The people united will never be defeated”) and feels that being a part of a faith community is one of the most important and powerful ways that God works to make the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. She is excited to be a part of the ministry of HPUMC, and the Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance, and trusts that when we unite our hearts and minds to live for God and unite our voices and actions to make God’s kingdom come that there is a God-sized revolution overflowing with grace, peace and justice!

Paula can be contacted via email at revpaulacrippsvallejo@gmail.com, found on Facebook at Pastora Paula Cripps-Vallejo or reached via phone at 773-342-0441.

SAVE THE DATE: Rev. Pinkney at FIrst Lutheran July 11!

What: Speech and Rally by Rev. Edward Pinkney
Where: First Lutheran Church, 3500 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago 60647
When: Friday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.

Join the Facebook event and invite friends!

Contact: Andrew Willis, 773-680-7627, lesandy@ameritech.net

Persecuted Michigan Faith Leader and Activist to Make a Rare Appearance in Chicago

Despite House Arrest and Pending Trial, Rev. Pinkney to Speak Here

In Benton Harbor, the residents recently managed to recall a mayor they felt was working against their interests, and for the interests of local corporations. The response was swift: the state took control of the city, and prosecutors pressed charges against the leader of the recall effort.

Despite being under house arrest and facing trial in July on trumped-up "voter fraud" charges, Rev. Pinkney will be in Chicago on July 11 to help lead a discussion of what is happening in Benton Harbor and how it relates to developments in Chicago and the rest of the country.

According to John Anthony La Pietra, Elections Coordinator, Green Party of Michigan, “For over a decade, Rev. Pinkney has devoted time and energy to helping individual citizens have a voice in their government and their lives — in Benton Harbor, across Michigan, and around the country."

Faith leaders and activists for racial and economic justice around the country have been following the struggle of people in Benton Harbor, MI. Despite the express wishes of the residents, reflected in a recall election, corporations, developers, and neighboring municipalities have conspired to control the city of Benton Harbor. "They were shocked when the recall went through. Michigan is a test ground. If they see how easy it is to get us, it will soon be coming your way,” said Patsy Heinz, a Benton Harbor resident.

Join the Facebook event and invite friends! 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

http://peoplestribune.org/pt-news/2014/06/fighting-the-corporate-dictatorship-in-michigan-2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBzkuiD6LD0

Report - Discussions at LSEA June 10, 2014, Meeting

We had an excellent meeting on Tuesday, June 10. See below for key points, and please mark your calendars for our next meeting: August 5, 2014 at ALSO (2401 W. North).


(1) Inclusive and Affirming Ministry for LGBTI People in Africa

Pastor Erik Christensen from St. Luke's Logan Square shared information about a series of events taking place in the next several days relating to human rights for LGBTI people in Africa. The events start Friday afternoon with Judith Kotzé and Ingrid Schoonraad from Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM) South Africa joining in conversation and reflection on the theological resources for the work of LGBTI liberation in Africa. They will consider the intersections of North American liberation theology and South African post-apartheid theology, as they inspire, encourage, and challenge the work of solidarity and liberation for LGBTI people.

Full details of Friday event, plus more on Saturday and Sunday: June 13-15, 2014 - LGBTI Solidarity in Africa Weekend, including special Sunday worship at St. Luke's.

(2) Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal process

Immigration attorney Christopher Elmore -- who is a member at St. Luke's Logan Square, and who volunteers with the Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) program at Humboldt Park United Methodist -- gave a brief introduction to DACA.

DACA is a discretionary policy that began in 2012 that allows eligible undocumented individuals to temporarily remain in the United States. Individuals who benefit from DACA must renew their deferred action every two years. The first opportunity for renewal begins this summer and it is very important that DACA recipients submit their renewal documentation before their initial 2-year DACA term expires.

Next step: A full presentation on DACA and the renewal process is being scheduled for the very near future - to be held at Nuestra Señora de las Americas at the corner of Logan Boulevard and Francisco. The entire community is invited and an announcement will be emailed.

You may also contact Mr. Elmore directly at christopher@celmorelaw.com.

(3) Concern about police-community relations

An incident was discussed that led us to consider the need to be more attentitve with how police officers are engaging with people in the community, particularly with young people.

Next step: (a) Clergy members of LSEA will connect with others who are active with the local police district clergy council. (b) A "know your rights" training for youth is being scheduled - to be held at ALSO. Further details will be emailed.

(4) Upcoming Event: SCUPE Congress June 23-26

Pastor Bruce Ray of Kimball Avenue Church will be speaking at the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE) Congress from June 23-25 at De Paul University. More info at: www.congressonurbanministry.org

(5) Support for activist clergy in Benton Harbor

The case of activist pastor Rev. Edward Pinkney in Benton Harbor was brought to our attention. Press coverage from the People's Tribune and Rachel Maddow describes the fact that this pastor is being prosecuted for his activism on behalf of the poor in Benton Harbor, and faces court proceedings in July.

Next step: Andy Willis of Kimball Avenue Church is scheduled a solidarity event, at which Rev. Pinkney will speak here in Chicago: July 11, 6:30 p.m., First Lutheran.

(6) Looking ahead to fall: "Labor in the Pulpit"

We were reminded that many area churches will invite labor movement representatives to speak on labor day weekend.  Contact Luke Sullivan at ARISE Chicago luke[at]arisechicago[dot]org for help arranging speakers.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Next meeting: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 -- ALSO - 2401 W North Avenue in Chicago.

We meet at 1:00 p.m.  (If interested, please come early and join us over a brown-bag lunch for informal discussion at noon.)

We will have a focused discussion on housing issues in the neighborhood. Additional topics for the meeting will be added to this post closer to the time of the meeting.

Thanks!

Resource Page: Recent Developments in Affordable Housing in Logan Square

LSEA continues to focus on developments in Logan Square related to affordable housing.

We are assembling links to useful information on recent developments with respect to affordable housing in Logan Square.

If you have additional useful links, please add them as a comment!



General

Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA): Affordable Housing (Campaigns and Resources)


Milshire Hotel

Tuesday September 23 - "Logan Square for All" Rally


Lathrop Homes

June 12, 2014, Chicago Reader, "The fight to preserve a model public housing project" by Maya Dukmasova


Logan Square Ecumenical Alliance: "POSADA 2013: Is there room at the inn at the CHA’s Lathrop Homes?"


Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)

"Community Feedback on the Five Year Housing Plan from St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square"




Related posts

Looking Ahead: Posada Planning for December 2014