Block 13: “Learn How to Live”
Block 13: “Learn How to Live”
I've rarely visited this area of Chicago before, so I'm not too familiar with my surroundings. At first glance, it seems like I'm in a community area resembling Chatham. The neighborhood features manicured lawns and brick bungalows, but a closer look reveals a row of Colonial-style homes. Annette, the Block Club President, explained that this is how the neighborhood got its name. This place is beautiful, and I’m grateful for days like this in late October in Chicago.
The residents call it the “United Neighbors of Colonial Village.” The area has excellent access to transportation, with the Red Line coming soon, proximity to expressways, a bike path, and a bus line. It’s also near the Cal-Sag River and boasts the largest CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) participation in the district.
Mrs. Jones, a long-time resident, knows the names of everyone in the neighborhood—even those who have passed away. She identified over thirty homes by the names of their residents and shared stories about them. "I sure miss Billy," she reminisced. "He passed away, but there wasn’t a weed in his garden when he was alive." Annette, who has lived in Colonial Village for 27 years, calls it a hidden gem and wants to keep it that way. “It’s an honor to walk the block with them,” I thought as we strolled together.
Annette takes pride in maintaining the neighborhood’s beauty. She encourages residents to keep their lawns tidy and trash-free. "Some people I tell them, ‘ticket them,’" she joked. "But really, you have to give them a warning first. It’s not that they can’t afford to maintain their property; they just choose not to.”
Walking along 129th Place, Annette pointed out a house where Ernest Jones, one of the original Harlem Globetrotters, used to live. I looked him up and found out he was 6’11” and attended Tennessee State University. Link to more info.
Throughout the neighborhood, I noticed African-colored flags—green, red, and black—flying proudly. It reminded me of a block on the West Side where Mexican flags are prominently displayed. Annette explained, “We started putting up flags to make sure people know we’re taking care of our community.” Many homes in Colonial Village have impressive outdoor decor, like thousand dollar vases filled with flowers. During the holidays, these vases are adorned with festive ornaments, adding to the neighborhood’s charm.
One of the most remarkable homes belonged to Elizabeth Chambers. Her block, located along the Calumet River, is some of the most prime real estate I’ve seen on Chicago’s South Side. The backyards here feature docks and boats, giving the area a vibe similar to Traverse City, Michigan. Visiting Mrs. Chambers’ backyard felt like stepping into a zen haven. She even had a “She Shed,” a tranquil space I didn’t want to photograph too much to preserve its serenity.
Colonial Village feels like a hidden gem. A resident explained that the neighborhood’s one-way streets create a cul-de-sac effect, making it harder for outsiders to enter and leave unnoticed. “People looking out and calling the police is way better than having cameras,” they added—a nugget of block wisdom I’ll remember.
At the end of our walk, I was greeted by Sgt. McCain. It’s inspiring to see stakeholders like police officers collaborating closely with block club captains. Community policing often feels like a buzzword, but it’s happening organically here, even if it’s underpublicized.
Annette mentioned that after working as a community organizer, Obama returned to law school, saying, “I gotta do more.” It’s a thought that’s stayed with me.
As we wrapped up, I met Paul, one of Annette’s neighbors. His home looked like a southern farm, complete with 25 baby chickens and a vegetable garden. When I asked him how long he’d been in Chicago, he replied, “This is a man-made town. You can come here and be whatever you want to be. My goal is to teach others to be self-sufficient and learn how to live. The Creator created you to create.”