Block 14: “Books and Bikes”
Block 14: “Books and Bikes”
Every day is a challenge—nonprofit challenges, personal storms, and block walks that are usually about an hour away from where I live. It’s just me, and there are a lot of moving parts. Still, I can’t stay in a bad mood because God won’t let me. I wake up every day in a good mood, and the block walks are always uplifting.
I used to say that if I were the Mayor of Chicago, this is how I’d start my day: speaking at a middle or high school or volunteering my time. Every day would start with my "why." I’m not a mayor, but I’m walking the blocks. I honestly love showing up, even when I’ve got other things going on. You can’t just be a volunteer when it’s convenient.
Linda met me with her block club members. This block has an old-school vibe. Linda started organizing her block 20 years ago. The 15th District provided petitions to help her get the block club started. She keeps the essence of block club parties simple with hot dogs and hamburgers for the kids and by giving out school supplies. It’s the simple things—and being consistent with those things—that matter. You don’t need ring lights for everything. Just being consistent and caring goes a long way–that’s some block wisdom I take with me.
As far as engaging the block, they do a great job with their events. They get donations from a local bike store. Basically, if a kid from the block reads a book, they get a bike. That’s a great incentive the whole city should adopt. My dad used to say to me every day, “Read a book. Do something with your life.”
Another thing they do in the winter is bring real reindeer to the block for the kids to see. They decorate trees and create their own winter wonderland. It’s amazing.
The gardens on the block are beautiful. One of the block club members jokingly chastised me and said, “Don’t come at night and try to steal the greens from the garden.” I laughed and replied, “Are they at least collards?” The greens did look good, though.
In another garden, Linda and her team take old tires and teach kids how to create things. They teach the kids about water, land, and property, as well as rocks and minerals. Teenagers on the block get to plant fruit trees.
Another touching initiative on the block involves the “Garden of Love.” There’s a gazebo where, if a family member passes away, they put up a plaque with the person’s name on a pillar. This area is called the Pillar of Love—a tribute to people who lived in the community. Linda shared, “My husband, mother, and father all lived on this block.” Recently, they held a celebration for the oldest resident, crowning her as the matriarch of the block. Linda’s vision from years ago has come to pass.