#60: Englewood + Kusanya Cafe
When I started this blog I imagined my sole venture into Englewood would be to snap a pic and shiver at the sight of the haunted post office where HH Holmes’ murder castle used to stand. But gawping at 100-year-dead history is disingenuous to the real Chicago people calling the neighborhood home today. That’s not what I created this blog for, and that’s not the kind of Chicago citizen I want to be.
What’s a few out-of-town Victorian ladies getting gassed to death versus the youth dying on the streets of Englewood? To the people dying on the streets all around Chicago nearly every single day? Englewood gets the brunt of our statistical horror and believe me, the residents are feeling it and facing it. When other hoods hear of a shooting nearby and salve their conscience by thinking “At least I don’t live in Englewood!” they have the luxury of turning a blind eye (at least on the Northside). You can maybe say that Englewood is the only neighborhood confronting reality.
My first lesson in staying woke was Clarence’s t-shirt which said “Bury guns, not bodies.” Clarence works for I Grow Chicago and helps provide a safe environment for school-age kids to learn about gardening and yoga. Clarence led me around their peace house and introduced me to the founder, Robbin. Robbin tried to talk me into decorating a fence post, but I didn’t want to tarnish a post with something they’d have to paint over.
I ate lunch at Dream Cafe whose mural out front seems to be a popular spot for photo shoots. I saw two dudes in gold chains posing with faraway looks in their eyes. Album cover maybe?
I encountered police activity as I drove around the neighborhood, but only for traffic incidents. That’s the Chicago I know. Boarded up buildings, sure, and empty lots. But nothing makes me feel quite at home like a coffee shop, and Kusanya Cafe is a really good one. Under the brick and distressed wood and retro tile, I eased happily into my coffee steam and a book.
Englewood is a place with a strong sense of community and a lot of hope. As the sign says, there is a sweet, sweet spirit in this place. Thanks to My Block, My Hood, My City, I finally made it down and met people leading tremendous community organizations, such as the Resident Association of Greater Englewood which is covering a lot of the needs in a community that has seen more school closures than any other.
I pity the Northsider who thinks certain parts of the city are closed off to them. There’s so much to see, you guys. Get out there.
Dream Cafe 748 W. 61st St. Chicago, IL 60621
Kusanya Cafe 825 W 69th St. Chicago, IL 60621
