Where Light Barely Reaches, But We Still Bloom
Englewood, a neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, is often portrayed through statistics like poverty rates and crime reports, but there is so much more to it than meets the eye. Beneath the headlines lies a vibrant community rich in legacy and resilience, showcasing a determined spirit and a commitment to creating positive change.
Once a bustling Black economic stronghold in the 1940s and ’50s, Englewood’s 63rd Street was alive with parades, department stores, and joy. Over time, systemic neglect, violence, and poverty fractured that image. Now, boarded-up buildings and memorial candles often mark the corners where laughter once lived.
But Englewood isn’t just suffering—it’s surviving.
In May alone, according to SpotCrime, over 30 reported crimes were logged in the area. Yet during that same month, community groups like Grow Greater Englewood were planting gardens and hosting peace circles. It’s a duality few outsiders see.
Rev. Andrea M. Hood—known in the neighborhood as “Mama Hood”—has spent decades walking these blocks, spreading faith and action. From marching alongside Rev. Jesse Jackson and Father Michael Pfleger to creating safe spaces through her “I CAN” initiative, her work embodies the resilience of Englewood.
