Block 8: “Yellow Jackets”
Block 8: “Yellow Jackets”
Block Club President Tony Daniels says the only rule on his block is to "love your neighbor as you love yourself." And you can tell he means it. He radiated pride as we walked along the 5500 block of Adams. Mr. Daniels has lived here for 15 years, and the block club itself is about to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Our first stop was their block club sign—a marker at the neighborhood's entrance that often reflects the values of the residents. The 5500 Adams sign is my favorite we’ve created so far. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered. As Mr. Daniels described it, the image representing the 5500 Adams Block Club is a powerful testament to the legacy and unity of a community that has thrived since 1975.
The warm and rich color palette—shades of orange, brown, red, and gold—symbolizes the resilience, strength, and enduring spirit of the neighborhood. Each hue reflects a unique aspect of community life: the deep reds for the passion and love that bind residents together, the vibrant oranges for the energy and warmth radiating from every corner, and the grounding browns and golds for the history and tradition that have shaped the neighborhood into a beacon of togetherness.
If that doesn’t make you want to go out and meet your neighbors, I don’t know what will!
As we walked, Mr. Daniels shared stories about the Austin community's ties to nearby Oak Park and the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The geometric shapes in the block club sign are a striking representation of unity and identity, subtly inspired by Wright and the symbolic elegance of the tulip. Each segmented shape, though distinct in its borders and color, seamlessly integrates with the others to form a cohesive and harmonious whole.
This design mirrors the essence of community life—where individual stories, backgrounds, and experiences differ yet come together to create a unified and vibrant tapestry. In essence, the sign is more than just a collection of shapes and colors; it’s a visual narrative of a community that has found its voice and place, blending the best of its influences to create something uniquely its own. It stands as a symbol of peace, unity, and the ongoing journey of a neighborhood that honors its roots while continuing to grow and thrive.
Today, My Block, My Hood, My City had the privilege of organizing a neighborhood cleanup. Leon, our Senior Manager of Community Engagement, led a group of volunteers from United Airlines in serving the block. For corporations looking to engage with the communities they serve, we consider ourselves the "on-ramp" to that involvement. Many employees want to work for socially engaged companies, and volunteering is one of the best ways to showcase that commitment. Plus, it’s a fantastic team-building activity.
Mr. Daniels greeted the group in an empty lot at the center of the block. As he spoke, I noticed some volunteers flinching at the sight of bees buzzing nearby. Mr. Daniels gently advised them not to swat, explaining that the insects were actually yellow jackets. He compared this to how people might make assumptions about others on the block: "You assume one thing about the folks you see here, but they are actually different." It was a thoughtful sentiment, even if we were still talking about yellow jackets!
Mr. Daniels later shared how impactful the volunteers’ efforts were. From trash removal to landscaping, their work brought a renewed sense of pride to the neighborhood.
What stood out the most, however, was Leon’s personal dedication. He didn’t just lead the volunteers—he went above and beyond. When Mr. Daniels discovered a dead opossum under his porch, Leon stepped up to handle it—a task that was certainly not part of his job description. Mr. Daniels was deeply moved and told me, “Leon’s willingness to handle even the most unpleasant job speaks volumes about his character and the culture of service you’ve fostered within your organization.”