Latest news with #iCanDreamCenter
Chicago Tribune
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Southtown letters: Different takes on freedom over the Fourth of July weekend
Almost every July 4, the owners of Hobby Lobby, ultra-Evangelicals all, take out full-page ads in many major newspapers trying to convince us that this country was meant to be a Christian nation. They'll publish numerous 18th century quotes from various 'believers' suggesting that these statements prove their claim. Their feeble efforts fall flat, because the physical historical record dictates otherwise. For example: While Christians would no doubt love to enact a law mandating their 'faith' as the only 'true' religion, that was never part of the original vision. Wishful thinking obviously makes the religious right feel better about themselves,but telling the truth should also. This Fourth of July arrived under the weight of a democracy in distress. We are witnessing an erosion of rights, the normalization of injustice and an emboldened effort to silence the very voices democracy was meant to empower. Recent actions by the Trump administration — and the systems that have allowed it — do not reflect American liberty. They reflect fear. They reflect control. They reflect a democracy that is no longer guaranteed. Despite this, as a director at the iCan Dream Center, I dream that our students might live in an America that will not reduce rights like Free Appropriate Public Education, individualized education program procedural safeguards and equity in special education. At iCan Dream Center, our teachers and practitioners work with young people whose voices have been historically ignored: students with disabilities, youth of color, those shaped by trauma, poverty, and systemic neglect. After all, what is patriotism if not the radical belief that every student, regardless of ZIP code, diagnosis, category of disability or citizenship, is worthy of learning, safety, protection and joy? This weekend is not a time for performative patriotism. It is a time to question who our systems serve and who they exclude. It is a time to stand beside those our democracy fails. It is a time to dream for equity in education. So, this Fourth of July, while fireworks fill the sky, I remain grounded in educational justice for all youth here in the southland and beyond.
Chicago Tribune
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Around the Southland: Superintendents group awards scholarships, IPO gala set, more
Superintendents group, UNC award scholarships The Superintendents' Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity recently awarded scholarships to students during the Ron Edmonds Scholarship Award and Board Recognition Gala at the Tinley Park Convention Center. About 100 students from 12 area school districts, including Bloom Township, Homewood-Flossmoor, Bremen and Rich Township, received scholarships, thanks to the commission and the United Negro College Fund joining forces and raising more than $405,000, including 11 full-ride scholarships to Tougaloo College in Mississippi. The commission is made up of 37 superintendents from Cook County and collar counties. Tonya Francisco, who co-anchors WGN-TV's 'Daytime Chicago' emceed the event. H-F Park District presents updated master plan Community residents are invited to learn about the updated comprehensive master plan the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District has been working on at 6 p.m. April 23 at The Clubhouse at Dolphin Lake, 2700 W 183rd Street, Homewood. Representatives from Upland Design, a landscape architecture and park planning firm, will present a summary of the planning process, highlights of community input and the preliminary master plan recommendations. The master plan will guide decisions and investments over a specific period and covers topics such as facilities, parks, operations, recreation programming, and maintenance. The planning process helps a district understand and adapt to changing demographics and community needs. Information is at 708-957-0300. iCan Dream Center sets Sneaker Ball, open house The iCan Dream Center will celebrate Autism Awareness Month with a free event, Sneaker Ball, from 6 to 9 p.m. April 26 at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. Admission is free, and two slices of pizza and a can of soda pop cost $5. The event is designed for those who love to dance and make new friends. The ball is open to guests who have an identified autism or related neurodivergent diagnosis. Register by calling the center at 708-798-4200. In addition, the center, 18501 Maple Creek Drive, Suite 200, Tinley Park, will host an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 24 featuring Looking to Learn, a new program launching with House of Light. The collaboration is aimed at helping find employment for students who are blind and visually impaired in Chicago's south suburbs. Oak Lawn cheer team cleans up at car wash fundraiser Oak Lawn Community High School cheerleaders recently teamed up with Encore Car Wash in Oak Lawn for a fundraiser, earning $2,000. The money raised will help support the team's activities, upcoming competitions and equipment. A coffee and doughnut truck, Emerald Cup Coffee, served treats to attendees waiting for their vehicles to be washed, adding to the festive atmosphere. Illinois Philharmonic plans anniversary gala Join Soaring Strings, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra's 47th anniversary gala on April 22 at Olympia Fields Country Club, 2800 Country Club Drive. Cocktails start at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and music and dancing until 10:30 p.m. The black tie optional event features a performance by The Cover Girls Violin Show, complete with their purple violins. A silent auction with online bidding for travel, dinners, small vineyard wines, behind-the-scenes tours, high-end spirits and more will be available. In addition, Ron Harrigan of Southland College Prep Charter High School will receive the inaugural IPO Music Educator of the Year award during the gala. Tickets cost $200 per person. A portion of proceeds benefit the orchestra's educational and artistic programs. They are sold online at or call 708-481-7774. Heroes star in WriteOn Joliet's stories and poems sessions Members of WriteOn Joliet will present 'We Can Be Heroes,' original radio-style stories and poems featuring aspects of heroism, at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Admission is $5, and concessions and drinks are available to buy. The first 15 attendees at each performance can receive a free copy of 'Write Where We Are,' WriteOn Joliet's 2024 anthology. Lobby doors open one hour before each show. Performers and writers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton. The organization is a diverse group of writers that includes fiction novelists, bloggers, musicians, poets, screen writers and professional journalists. It provides a supportive space to share work and constructive feedback. Information is at Tickets are available at or 815-724-3761.
