Illinois’ comeback story starts here.
Angela Harris homeschools six children on the South Side of Chicago – two of her own, plus four cousins. She attended Cherry Pie Day at the state capitol to oppose House Bill 2827, which would force her family to register with the local public school. “I worked with families in social services, and even before...
Latasha Fields is a mom of four and homeschool advocate on the South Side of Chicago. She founded a homeschool co-op and a microschool to help other South Side families teach their children independently. She is one of hundreds of parents who rallied at the Statehouse in opposition to House Bill 2827, which intends to...
“I’m a realtor and a real estate appraiser, so I’ve seen how property taxes is a big issue. In 2021, I was appointed to be a school board member, and in 2023 I won an election to stay on the school board, so this is my first full term as an elected official.” “In that...
“Opening Reverence Coffee was a joint venture. My husband is the one who really dove head-on into coffee. I, of course, like coffee and like to drink it, but he knows and learned all the nuances, the ins and outs of coffee.” “As a family, we would always go out on weekends and enjoy good...
“Currently the state requires 1,500 hours of training to get your barber license. You also have to pass a test, but many schools won’t even approve for you to take the test until you’ve finished paying off tuition. I personally know three people who have finished their schooling but they can’t take their licensing test...
Keith Bass was part of the launch of Co-LLAB, a year-old entrepreneurship training hub which is part of the Male Mogul Initiative. Based in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, it is a haven for job training, creativity and engagement in a community too often known for disinvestment. “We’ve been ramping up our screen printing orders, but we...
“I’m from the West Side of Chicago, the Austin area to be specific. There were lots of summer programs in my area and the one I signed up for was run by the Male Mogul Initiative. I had no idea what it was or what it was going to do for me.” “Everything I learned...
Joseph Miscimarra is a proponent of additional dwelling units, such as coach houses and granny flats. He supports a Chicago City Council ordinance that would expand and improve a pilot program to again allow the units, but the proposal is currently stalled in committee. “In the spring of 2023, some friends from college told me...
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