Welcome to the July-August edition of the South Side Drive, your Guide to the Good Life.
This is the month that our great city has the honor of hosting the Democratic National Convention. The DNC Motto is, “Our future is created here.”
In a recent issue of the Chicago Crusader, which is published by the legendary Dorothy Leavell, a document called Project 2025 was highlighted and explained. This was my first-time hearing of it, and now you will be hearing of it and reading about it right here in our cover article.
Chicago is also the proud host of the 2024 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention, which will be held in our wonderful city July 31 to August 4. Black journalists collaborating with each other is so important and organizations such as the NABJ foster that special type of unity.
Bruce Montgomery is a long-time friend and associate of the South Side Drive Magazine as well as Real Men Charities and Real Men Cook. We are so proud that Bruce was appointed as a Commissioner to the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion, and once you read about him in this issue, you’ll be proud, too.
Summertime in Chicago often brings with it a certain uneasiness. People are wondering what our youth will be doing on these hot summer days. Will violence erupt on our streets? Some organizations aren’t just sitting around wondering, they’re creating programs to help guide our youth in a positive direction. One program is called Building Better Futures. It’s the brainchild of a dynamic businesswoman by the name of Suzanne Stantley who is known throughout the business world for her innovative concepts. You’ll see why when you read about what she has accomplished with young people, bringing them from the streets to a graduation held at the Quarry.
Another program that is guiding youth in positive directions is the Lawrence Hall Organization. Lawrence Hall is a national program, but its local facilities and staff serving the South Side of Chicago, and particularly the South Shore Community brings phenomenal opportunities for growth, achievement, and stability to our youth. Lawrence Hall serves our youth in multiple ways, and you’ll read about some of the services and programs that this remarkable organization brings to our community in this issue.
When it comes to businesses, there is none quite as competitive as the Black beauty industry. Everybody has a product. It’s especially difficult for newcomers to the industry to maneuver the many hurdles and obstacles to success, such as lack of revenue, obtaining shelf-space and gaining visibility. To address these problems, Leslie Robertson created the Black Collective in Hyde Park. Be sure to read this fascinating article about how one Black business helped multiple Black business, written by the newest contributor to the South Side Drive, Joy Williams.
