Evanston Speaks

What can the stories of community leaders reveal about the spirit and transformation of a city? Evanston Speaks: Oral Histories of Transformation and Triumph from Community Leaders in a Progressive City by Elliott Hurtig brings together powerful personal narratives that illuminate the evolving identity of Evanston, Illinois.

Through a series of candid interviews, Hurtig captures the voices of educators, activists, artists, business owners, and public officials whose lives have been deeply shaped by the city. Each story reflects the challenges, achievements, and shared commitments that have helped define Evanston as a progressive and engaged community. Together, these oral histories form a collective portrait of a city where leadership, collaboration, and civic participation drive social change.

Drawing on decades of experience as an educator and storyteller, Hurtig presents narratives that highlight how individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to the cultural, social, and political life of their community. The book not only documents the personal journeys of its contributors but also traces the broader transformation of Evanston over time.

Ideal for students and scholars in urban studies, civic studies, American studies, and oral history, as well as educators, community leaders, and residents interested in understanding how local voices shape the identity and future of their cities.

• Cover
• Half-Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Learning objectives
• Introduction: My journey from Evanston roots to learning from leaders who have shaped our community
• A note on stylistic approach
• Part I Pioneers and visionaries: Empowering change
• 1 Delores Holmes: Cofounder and director, Family Focus; former Fifth Ward alderperson
• Did you always know you would dedicate your life to service?
• What were some of the approaches you took with the young parents?
• What memories do you have of growing up in Evanston?
• How does it feel to watch the gentrification happen in the Fifth ward?
• How do you feel about reparations in Evanston?
• How does it feel as you look back on such an incredible legacy of service and community activism?
• Notes
• 2 Allan Alson: Former superintendent, Evanston Township High School
• As you listened to different voices, what were some of the themes that emerged?
• So how did you decide on how to respond?
• Do you remember a step you took to intentionally address the racial disparities in the school?
• Do you remember any moments early in your tenure at ETHS that captured how fractured the school was regarding issues of race?
• When you took over as superintendent in 1992, what was your priority as a leader?
• Note
• 3 Bill Logan: Evanston’s first Black police chief
• Early on in your career you got a pretty big assignment. What was it like being a bodyguard for Martin Luther King?
• In what other ways has your commitment to building community in Evanston taken shape?
• Did you ever consider living in another community besides Evanston?
• What would you say has characterized your leadership style?
• Notes
• 4 Patrick Hughes Jr.: Founder, The Trade Collective
• How did you initially get interested in the work you do helping businesses in Evanston create accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities?
• That is an amazing story. When did you begin to sense that you had the ability to start a company on your own that would have an impact on so many people?
• Can you share a story about something you ended up creating to help people with disabilities?
• How did you transition from Inclusion Solutions to where you are now at the Trade Collective?
• As you reflect back on your relationship with Evanston, growing up here, creating businesses here, what is your hope for our city moving forward?
• Do you feel like you bring anything unique to the table that helps people get together and work toward a common good?
• Note
• 5 Dino Robinson: Founder, Shorefront Legacy Center
• How do you think growing up in Evanston has shaped how you see other people?
• When do you think you began learning about how to be a leader?
• How did you end up founding Shorefront?
• Can you share the story of your participation in the movement to get reparations passed in 2019?
• Can you think of any blind spots that Evanston has about itself?
• As we come to a close, can you share a story about someone who had an impact on you?
• 6 Mary and Larry Gavin: Cofounders, The Evanston RoundTable newspaper
• How did you end up choosing to live in Evanston?
• The two of you started Evanston’s first soup kitchen back in 1982. Where did the idea for starting “Soup at Six” come from?
• You both had successful careers before starting the RoundTable. Larry, you were a lawyer, and Mary, you were a teacher. Why did you make a huge shift in 1998 to start the RoundTable?
• What were some of the challenges you ran into while running The RoundTable?
• Is there a story you have covered over the years that captures just how complex Evanston is?
• If Evanston could make one meaningful change in the next 10 years to improve our city, what change would you like to see implemented?
• 7 Janet Alexander Davis: Co-chair, Environmental Justice Committee; Moran Center board member
• What are some of your earliest memories of growing up in Evanston?
• And when did you begin to see Evanston as a unique place to live?
• What do you feel about Evanston’s movement to pass a reparations resolution?
• What are some of the other significant changes you have seen in Evanston since you first moved here?
• As you look back on your years of service to others, what lessons have you learned about life?
• Notes
• Part II Grassroots advocacy: Leading from the ground up
• 8 Tosha Wilson: Sergeant, Evanston Police Department; founder, The Aux
• When did that innocence about Evanston that you had as a child begin to shift?
• Where did the idea of starting The Aux come from?
• Did the Aux grow out of this success?
• How do you think Evanston has changed since you were a kid growing up here?
• How has the gentrification that is going on in the Fifth Ward impacted you?
• What direction do you see Evanston moving in? How will the AUX impact Evanston?
• Note
• 9 Reverend Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors: Senior pastor, Second Baptist Church
• Now that you have lived in Evanston for more than 10 years, what have you grown to appreciate about our city?
• What are the characteristics of the Evanston Interfaith Community that make it so unique?
• And on the flip side of what you are proud about this city, what are some of the issues that you struggle with?
• How do you explain this disconnect that is so prevalent?
• When did you first begin to see yourself as a leader?
• Can you share a little bit about your role as president of the NAACP in Evanston and how you have grown into that role?
• In addition to being the president of the local NAACP, you are also a member of the steering committee for Evanston Reparations. Can you share a little bit about how you got involved with that committee?
• The reparations movement has to rank as one of the most significant moments in Evanston’s history.
• What gives you strength during these challenging times?
• Note
• 10 Stacey Moragne: Outreach worker, City of Evanston
• How are the kids you are working with today different from how the kids were when you were on the streets?
• What does tipping mean?
• Notes
• 11 Rabbi Andrea London: Rabbi, Beth Emet Synagogue
• Did you always know you wanted to be a rabbi?
• What were some of the challenges you faced as you began your tenure at Beth Emet?
• How has your leadership style changed over the years?
• You have now lived in Evanston for 25 years. How would you say living in this city, being a part of this community, has shaped and even shifted your identity?
• Can you share some of your observations from watching your kids go to ETHS compared to your high school experience?
• Do you think Evanstonians have a blind spot about themselves?
• What gives you strength when your spirits are down?
• 12 Kimberly Holmes-Ross: Executive director, Evanston Cradle to Career
• Do you remember when that bubble first began to get pierced?
• Did you always know you wanted to be a community organizer?
• How were you able to put together such an amazing team of advocates in such a short amount of time?
• What has been the biggest change you have noticed in your neighborhood?
• What influenced who you were as a kid, and how has your identity evolved?
• Note
• 13 Rada Yovovich: Cofounder, Evanston Pride
• Why do you think this connection exists?
• Any other memories from ETHS?
• When did you begin to become more aware of LGBTQIA+ rights?
• How has your journey in the LGBTQIA+ community evolved over the years?
• How did you get started working with Evanston Pride?
• That is an amazing story about people coming together and ultimately supporting one another. Do you think Evanston sometimes struggles with finding this path?
• 14 Gilo Kwesi Logan: President, Dr. Logan Consulting
• When you think about your earliest memories from growing up in Evanston, what comes to mind?
• Do you remember any details from what nursery school was like?
• When you were in your early 20s, you left Evanston to travel around the world. How did your travels impact your personal philosophy and how you viewed your hometown when you returned at age 26?
• How do you think the pride in who you are has impacted the kind leader you are?
• How do you think your leadership style has changed over the years?
• Who are some of the groups in Evanston you have connected with who have been effective at bringing about change?
• Part III Political perspectives: Advocating from within
• 15 Daniel Biss: Mayor of Evanston
• Do you think coming from outside of Evanston you have a perspective that allows you to see things in a way that native Evanstonians do not see?
• What you name is such a fascinating dynamic—we are both a city and a village.
• Is there someone you currently work with who you admire for their ability to cut through the complicated dynamics of who we are as a city?
• What is something that has surprised you about the job of being mayor?
• How do people interact with you when you see them on the streets of Evanston?
• How did your experience as a teacher impact your approach to being mayor?
• I love that connection. Of course, a teacher can always tell a student to leave the room and go to the dean’s office. You don’t have that option, so what helps you navigate all the tough issues and stubborn people you come in contact with on a daily basis?
• Note
• 16 Robin Rue Simmons: Former Fifth Ward alderperson and founder, FirstRepair
• Do you think as a young kid you had the same sense of respect for your hometown as you do now?
• Who were some of the role models that influenced you as a child growing up here?
• Before you got involved in politics, you had a career in real estate that I believe started in 1998. How did you first enter into the field of real estate?
• Do you think you always had this inner desire to be a leader?
• And how would you describe your style of leadership?
• Can you share about a time when you did face opposition and how you dealt with it?
• Is there a specific story that comes to mind that captures this movement from opposition to unison?
• Was bringing reparations to Evanston part of your campaign or did the idea grow organically from your work with the city?
• Was there a moment during the journey to secure reparations that you waivered or wondered if it was all worth it?
• As you do reflect on the whole process, is there a moment that stands out?
• I would be remiss if I did not ask you to share a few words about two Evanston giants who passed away recently: Mr. Bill Logan and Ms. Delores Holmes.
• Note
• 17 Jan Schakowsky: US representative, Illinois’ 9th Congressional District
• Was moving to Evanston the push you needed for getting involved in politics?
• When you think about Evanston, what are the first three words that come to mind?
• Are there places in Evanston that hold special meaning for you?
• What is something that the average person might not know or appreciate about what makes your job so demanding?
• How would you say young people today are different from young people when you were growing up?
• Is there something that you are particularly proud of to have accomplished over the last 25 years serving the 9th District as you have?
• 18 Stephanie Mendoza: Evanston City Clerk
• When did you first begin to see yourself as a potential leader?
• Do you think that is the moment you knew that you wanted to go into community service?
• Who were some of the people early in your experience in politics that impacted you?
• Do you feel an obligation to find and mentor new leaders?
• What characteristics do you look for in a future leader?
• Shifting gears a little bit, how would you characterize Evanston’s relationship with our Latino population?
• How do you take care of yourself when you feel so depleted?
• Part IV Beyond business: Building bridges
• 19 Lisa Degliantoni: Founder and executive director, Evanston Made
• A friend of yours once told you the only place you can raise your kids in North America is Evanston, Illinois. Why did she say that?
• So, you feel that this “mom squad” is emblematic of just what Evanston is?
• You live in a former Polish meat house with wide open windows into your living space in a quirky neighborhood in Evanston. How do you feel this home has impacted your identity?
• What has been challenging about running Evanston Made?
• What has Evanston Made done that has come as a surprise to you? Perhaps something that you were not originally looking to do?
• What are your thoughts about the direction that Evanston Made is taking and your own role as a community organizer?
• 20 Brigitte “Gigi” Giles: Owner, Ebony Barbershop
• Why does Ebony Barbershop hold such a central role in this community?
• She brightens up when she thinks about her daughter, who also owns and runs a barbershop in Evanston but on the Northside.
• Note
• 21 Chris Livatino: Athletic director, Evanston Township High School
• Has your role as AD taken you in directions you were not expecting?
• Do you remember your feelings about Evanston growing up here?
• How has your experience of growing up in Evanston impacted your perspective of being an AD?
• So, what are some of the programs or events in Evanston that exist or could be created to address this discrepancy?
• What role do you think ETHS plays in our community?
• Did you always know you would move back to Evanston?
• Note
• 22 Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves Ruiz: Artist and owner, Zentli Restaurant
• Can you share a little bit about what your hometown in Mexico was like?
• When did the artistic side of you begin to emerge?
• It is pretty amazing that you are able to put behind some of the traumatic memories and focus on the wonderful impact he had on you. What is it about who you are that allows you to do that?
• How did you end up moving to Evanston and opening a restaurant here?
• Have you felt supported by the city?
• Have you felt any tension between the Latino people here in this neighborhood and the Black people?
• Can you describe what it is like being an immigrant living in Evanston?
• What are some of the parallels between your life as an artist and your life running a restaurant?
• Part V Tomorrow’s voices … Speaking already
• 23 Olivia Ohlson-Ellis: ETHS graduate and founder, Diversity in Golf Program
• What was the impetus for starting your nonprofit “Diversify Golf?”
• How has your experience as a student at ETHS been?
• Do you feel like there is something that the older generation here in Evanston does not understand about the younger generation?
• I know you are only 16 years old, but do you one day see yourself returning to Evanston to settle down?
• So much of your time is dedicated to helping others, to getting other people involved in causes you believe in. Where does this spirit of social service come from?
• Notes
• 24 Olin Wilson-Thomas: ETHS junior and member, City of Evanston Environmental Board
• What are the first words that pop into your head when you think of your hometown: Evanston?
• How else has growing up in Evanston shaped who you are as a person?
• Have you noticed anything problematic about Evanston?
• When did you first begin to get involved with social activism?
• Incredible, you were 15 years old and you were appointed to be on the Environment Board by the mayor of Evanston.
• But earlier you said as a kid you were pretty shy and now you are speaking pretty consistently in front of city council.
• Have you thought of any other ideas of how Evanston could make its transportation system better?
• As a 16-year-old junior in high school, what do you feel adults in our community fail to understand or appreciate about the younger generation?
• Olin, already at 16 years old, you have had an impact on Evanston and I see you are continuing to serve as a leader. Do you think one day you will consider moving back to Evanston as an adult?
• Notes
• 25 Jacques Philippe and Brandon Rosemond: ETHS graduates, college sophomores
• So, let’s start with how did you two meet and become such good friends?
• Both of you were named as captains of the football team. How would you describe your leadership styles?
• How do you feel that growing up in Evanston has helped shape you as leaders?
• Who are some of the mentors in Evanston who have had an impact on you?
• What did you feel like were some issues that ETHS struggled with and you wish the school community did a better job of addressing?
• Both of you have been very involved with Camp Kuumba since it started 3 years ago. Can you share a little bit about what you do and what your experience has taught you?
• I know you are both only sophomores in college, but do either of you ever think about whether one day you would want to settle in Evanston?
• Note
• 26 Anna Grant-Bolton: ETHS graduate and graduate student in Social Work
• Where would you say your passion for community service comes from?
• Do you remember a way that idea was modeled for you?
• In addition to your family’s impact on your values, who were some of the other adults you worked with in Evanston that impacted your desire to be involved in social activism?
• You have been a lead organizer in the Evanston Community Fridge Program for the last 4 years. Can you share the story of how that got started and how it is going?
• Have there been moments during this 4-year journey where your community of leaders had a roadblock or struggled with something that was unexpected? If so, how did you navigate it?
• Wow—such a complicated moral dilemma.
• What do you believe are some of the issues Evanston does a good job of grappling with and where do we struggle?
• Are there certain things that you feel the older generation does not appreciate or understand about the younger generation?
• Have you ever considered moving back to Evanston as an adult?
• Note
• Glossary of names and places
• Index
• Cover
• Half-Title Page
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgments
• Learning objectives
• Introduction: My journey from Evanston roots to learning from leaders who have shaped our community
  • A note on stylistic approach
• Part I Pioneers and visionaries: Empowering change
  • 1 Delores Holmes: Cofounder and director, Family Focus; former Fifth Ward alderperson
    • Did you always know you would dedicate your life to service?
    • What were some of the approaches you took with the young parents?
    • What memories do you have of growing up in Evanston?
    • How does it feel to watch the gentrification happen in the Fifth ward?
    • How do you feel about reparations in Evanston?
    • How does it feel as you look back on such an incredible legacy of service and community activism?
    • Notes
  • 2 Allan Alson: Former superintendent, Evanston Township High School
    • As you listened to different voices, what were some of the themes that emerged?
    • So how did you decide on how to respond?
    • Do you remember a step you took to intentionally address the racial disparities in the school?
    • Do you remember any moments early in your tenure at ETHS that captured how fractured the school was regarding issues of race?
    • When you took over as superintendent in 1992, what was your priority as a leader?
    • Note
  • 3 Bill Logan: Evanston’s first Black police chief
    • Early on in your career you got a pretty big assignment. What was it like being a bodyguard for Martin Luther King?
    • In what other ways has your commitment to building community in Evanston taken shape?
    • Did you ever consider living in another community besides Evanston?
    • What would you say has characterized your leadership style?
    • Notes
  • 4 Patrick Hughes Jr.: Founder, The Trade Collective
    • How did you initially get interested in the work you do helping businesses in Evanston create accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities?
    • That is an amazing story. When did you begin to sense that you had the ability to start a company on your own that would have an impact on so many people?
    • Can you share a story about something you ended up creating to help people with disabilities?
    • How did you transition from Inclusion Solutions to where you are now at the Trade Collective?
    • As you reflect back on your relationship with Evanston, growing up here, creating businesses here, what is your hope for our city moving forward?
    • Do you feel like you bring anything unique to the table that helps people get together and work toward a common good?
    • Note
  • 5 Dino Robinson: Founder, Shorefront Legacy Center
    • How do you think growing up in Evanston has shaped how you see other people?
    • When do you think you began learning about how to be a leader?
    • How did you end up founding Shorefront?
    • Can you share the story of your participation in the movement to get reparations passed in 2019?
    • Can you think of any blind spots that Evanston has about itself?
    • As we come to a close, can you share a story about someone who had an impact on you?
  • 6 Mary and Larry Gavin: Cofounders, The Evanston RoundTable newspaper
    • How did you end up choosing to live in Evanston?
      • The two of you started Evanston’s first soup kitchen back in 1982. Where did the idea for starting “Soup at Six” come from?
    • You both had successful careers before starting the RoundTable. Larry, you were a lawyer, and Mary, you were a teacher. Why did you make a huge shift in 1998 to start the RoundTable?
    • What were some of the challenges you ran into while running The RoundTable?
    • Is there a story you have covered over the years that captures just how complex Evanston is?
    • If Evanston could make one meaningful change in the next 10 years to improve our city, what change would you like to see implemented?
  • 7 Janet Alexander Davis: Co-chair, Environmental Justice Committee; Moran Center board member
    • What are some of your earliest memories of growing up in Evanston?
    • And when did you begin to see Evanston as a unique place to live?
    • What do you feel about Evanston’s movement to pass a reparations resolution?
    • What are some of the other significant changes you have seen in Evanston since you first moved here?
    • As you look back on your years of service to others, what lessons have you learned about life?
    • Notes
• Part II Grassroots advocacy: Leading from the ground up
  • 8 Tosha Wilson: Sergeant, Evanston Police Department; founder, The Aux
    • When did that innocence about Evanston that you had as a child begin to shift?
    • Where did the idea of starting The Aux come from?
    • Did the Aux grow out of this success?
    • How do you think Evanston has changed since you were a kid growing up here?
    • How has the gentrification that is going on in the Fifth Ward impacted you?
    • What direction do you see Evanston moving in? How will the AUX impact Evanston?
    • Note
  • 9 Reverend Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors: Senior pastor, Second Baptist Church
    • Now that you have lived in Evanston for more than 10 years, what have you grown to appreciate about our city?
    • What are the characteristics of the Evanston Interfaith Community that make it so unique?
    • And on the flip side of what you are proud about this city, what are some of the issues that you struggle with?
    • How do you explain this disconnect that is so prevalent?
    • When did you first begin to see yourself as a leader?
    • Can you share a little bit about your role as president of the NAACP in Evanston and how you have grown into that role?
    • In addition to being the president of the local NAACP, you are also a member of the steering committee for Evanston Reparations. Can you share a little bit about how you got involved with that committee?
    • The reparations movement has to rank as one of the most significant moments in Evanston’s history.
    • What gives you strength during these challenging times?
    • Note
  • 10 Stacey Moragne: Outreach worker, City of Evanston
    • How are the kids you are working with today different from how the kids were when you were on the streets?
    • What does tipping mean?
    • Notes
  • 11 Rabbi Andrea London: Rabbi, Beth Emet Synagogue
    • Did you always know you wanted to be a rabbi?
    • What were some of the challenges you faced as you began your tenure at Beth Emet?
    • How has your leadership style changed over the years?
    • You have now lived in Evanston for 25 years. How would you say living in this city, being a part of this community, has shaped and even shifted your identity?
    • Can you share some of your observations from watching your kids go to ETHS compared to your high school experience?
    • Do you think Evanstonians have a blind spot about themselves?
    • What gives you strength when your spirits are down?
  • 12 Kimberly Holmes-Ross: Executive director, Evanston Cradle to Career
    • Do you remember when that bubble first began to get pierced?
    • Did you always know you wanted to be a community organizer?
    • How were you able to put together such an amazing team of advocates in such a short amount of time?
    • What has been the biggest change you have noticed in your neighborhood?
    • What influenced who you were as a kid, and how has your identity evolved?
    • Note
  • 13 Rada Yovovich: Cofounder, Evanston Pride
    • Why do you think this connection exists?
    • Any other memories from ETHS?
    • When did you begin to become more aware of LGBTQIA+ rights?
    • How has your journey in the LGBTQIA+ community evolved over the years?
    • How did you get started working with Evanston Pride?
    • That is an amazing story about people coming together and ultimately supporting one another. Do you think Evanston sometimes struggles with finding this path?
  • 14 Gilo Kwesi Logan: President, Dr. Logan Consulting
    • When you think about your earliest memories from growing up in Evanston, what comes to mind?
    • Do you remember any details from what nursery school was like?
    • When you were in your early 20s, you left Evanston to travel around the world. How did your travels impact your personal philosophy and how you viewed your hometown when you returned at age 26?
    • How do you think the pride in who you are has impacted the kind leader you are?
    • How do you think your leadership style has changed over the years?
    • Who are some of the groups in Evanston you have connected with who have been effective at bringing about change?
• Part III Political perspectives: Advocating from within
  • 15 Daniel Biss: Mayor of Evanston
    • Do you think coming from outside of Evanston you have a perspective that allows you to see things in a way that native Evanstonians do not see?
    • What you name is such a fascinating dynamic—we are both a city and a village.
    • Is there someone you currently work with who you admire for their ability to cut through the complicated dynamics of who we are as a city?
    • What is something that has surprised you about the job of being mayor?
    • How do people interact with you when you see them on the streets of Evanston?
    • How did your experience as a teacher impact your approach to being mayor?
    • I love that connection. Of course, a teacher can always tell a student to leave the room and go to the dean’s office. You don’t have that option, so what helps you navigate all the tough issues and stubborn people you come in contact with on a daily basis?
    • Note
  • 16 Robin Rue Simmons: Former Fifth Ward alderperson and founder, FirstRepair
    • Do you think as a young kid you had the same sense of respect for your hometown as you do now?
    • Who were some of the role models that influenced you as a child growing up here?
    • Before you got involved in politics, you had a career in real estate that I believe started in 1998. How did you first enter into the field of real estate?
    • Do you think you always had this inner desire to be a leader?
    • And how would you describe your style of leadership?
    • Can you share about a time when you did face opposition and how you dealt with it?
    • Is there a specific story that comes to mind that captures this movement from opposition to unison?
    • Was bringing reparations to Evanston part of your campaign or did the idea grow organically from your work with the city?
    • Was there a moment during the journey to secure reparations that you waivered or wondered if it was all worth it?
    • As you do reflect on the whole process, is there a moment that stands out?
    • I would be remiss if I did not ask you to share a few words about two Evanston giants who passed away recently: Mr. Bill Logan and Ms. Delores Holmes.
    • Note
  • 17 Jan Schakowsky: US representative, Illinois’ 9th Congressional District
    • Was moving to Evanston the push you needed for getting involved in politics?
    • When you think about Evanston, what are the first three words that come to mind?
    • Are there places in Evanston that hold special meaning for you?
    • What is something that the average person might not know or appreciate about what makes your job so demanding?
    • How would you say young people today are different from young people when you were growing up?
    • Is there something that you are particularly proud of to have accomplished over the last 25 years serving the 9th District as you have?
  • 18 Stephanie Mendoza: Evanston City Clerk
    • When did you first begin to see yourself as a potential leader?
    • Do you think that is the moment you knew that you wanted to go into community service?
    • Who were some of the people early in your experience in politics that impacted you?
    • Do you feel an obligation to find and mentor new leaders?
    • What characteristics do you look for in a future leader?
    • Shifting gears a little bit, how would you characterize Evanston’s relationship with our Latino population?
    • How do you take care of yourself when you feel so depleted?
• Part IV Beyond business: Building bridges
  • 19 Lisa Degliantoni: Founder and executive director, Evanston Made
    • A friend of yours once told you the only place you can raise your kids in North America is Evanston, Illinois. Why did she say that?
    • So, you feel that this “mom squad” is emblematic of just what Evanston is?
    • You live in a former Polish meat house with wide open windows into your living space in a quirky neighborhood in Evanston. How do you feel this home has impacted your identity?
    • What has been challenging about running Evanston Made?
    • What has Evanston Made done that has come as a surprise to you? Perhaps something that you were not originally looking to do?
    • What are your thoughts about the direction that Evanston Made is taking and your own role as a community organizer?
  • 20 Brigitte “Gigi” Giles: Owner, Ebony Barbershop
    • Why does Ebony Barbershop hold such a central role in this community?
    • She brightens up when she thinks about her daughter, who also owns and runs a barbershop in Evanston but on the Northside.
    • Note
  • 21 Chris Livatino: Athletic director, Evanston Township High School
    • Has your role as AD taken you in directions you were not expecting?
    • Do you remember your feelings about Evanston growing up here?
    • How has your experience of growing up in Evanston impacted your perspective of being an AD?
    • So, what are some of the programs or events in Evanston that exist or could be created to address this discrepancy?
    • What role do you think ETHS plays in our community?
    • Did you always know you would move back to Evanston?
    • Note
  • 22 Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves Ruiz: Artist and owner, Zentli Restaurant
    • Can you share a little bit about what your hometown in Mexico was like?
    • When did the artistic side of you begin to emerge?
    • It is pretty amazing that you are able to put behind some of the traumatic memories and focus on the wonderful impact he had on you. What is it about who you are that allows you to do that?
    • How did you end up moving to Evanston and opening a restaurant here?
    • Have you felt supported by the city?
    • Have you felt any tension between the Latino people here in this neighborhood and the Black people?
    • Can you describe what it is like being an immigrant living in Evanston?
    • What are some of the parallels between your life as an artist and your life running a restaurant?
• Part V Tomorrow’s voices … Speaking already
  • 23 Olivia Ohlson-Ellis: ETHS graduate and founder, Diversity in Golf Program
    • What was the impetus for starting your nonprofit “Diversify Golf?”
    • How has your experience as a student at ETHS been?
    • Do you feel like there is something that the older generation here in Evanston does not understand about the younger generation?
    • I know you are only 16 years old, but do you one day see yourself returning to Evanston to settle down?
    • So much of your time is dedicated to helping others, to getting other people involved in causes you believe in. Where does this spirit of social service come from?
    • Notes
  • 24 Olin Wilson-Thomas: ETHS junior and member, City of Evanston Environmental Board
    • What are the first words that pop into your head when you think of your hometown: Evanston?
    • How else has growing up in Evanston shaped who you are as a person?
    • Have you noticed anything problematic about Evanston?
    • When did you first begin to get involved with social activism?
    • Incredible, you were 15 years old and you were appointed to be on the Environment Board by the mayor of Evanston.
    • But earlier you said as a kid you were pretty shy and now you are speaking pretty consistently in front of city council.
    • Have you thought of any other ideas of how Evanston could make its transportation system better?
    • As a 16-year-old junior in high school, what do you feel adults in our community fail to understand or appreciate about the younger generation?
    • Olin, already at 16 years old, you have had an impact on Evanston and I see you are continuing to serve as a leader. Do you think one day you will consider moving back to Evanston as an adult?
    • Notes
  • 25 Jacques Philippe and Brandon Rosemond: ETHS graduates, college sophomores
    • So, let’s start with how did you two meet and become such good friends?
    • Both of you were named as captains of the football team. How would you describe your leadership styles?
    • How do you feel that growing up in Evanston has helped shape you as leaders?
    • Who are some of the mentors in Evanston who have had an impact on you?
    • What did you feel like were some issues that ETHS struggled with and you wish the school community did a better job of addressing?
    • Both of you have been very involved with Camp Kuumba since it started 3 years ago. Can you share a little bit about what you do and what your experience has taught you?
    • I know you are both only sophomores in college, but do either of you ever think about whether one day you would want to settle in Evanston?
    • Note
  • 26 Anna Grant-Bolton: ETHS graduate and graduate student in Social Work
    • Where would you say your passion for community service comes from?
    • Do you remember a way that idea was modeled for you?
    • In addition to your family’s impact on your values, who were some of the other adults you worked with in Evanston that impacted your desire to be involved in social activism?
    • You have been a lead organizer in the Evanston Community Fridge Program for the last 4 years. Can you share the story of how that got started and how it is going?
    • Have there been moments during this 4-year journey where your community of leaders had a roadblock or struggled with something that was unexpected? If so, how did you navigate it?
    • Wow—such a complicated moral dilemma.
    • What do you believe are some of the issues Evanston does a good job of grappling with and where do we struggle?
    • Are there certain things that you feel the older generation does not appreciate or understand about the younger generation?
    • Have you ever considered moving back to Evanston as an adult?
    • Note
• Glossary of names and places
• Index

Elliott Hurtig is a retired high school English and creative writing teacher, Fulbright scholar, and founder of the Evanston Unity Soccer Festival who has spent decades fostering storytelling, education, and community engagement.