The Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) is a grassroots association that works to address community issues, creates solutions & actively seeks ways to keep residents informed about Englewood news.
So Fresh Saturdays were developed to educate, empower and provide a “safe space” for youth and residents in the Englewood community and citywide. So Fresh Saturdays hosts youth and adult events that embrace art, culture, community, and history. “This is really to reclaim our parks in the name of peace,” said R.A.G.E founder Asiaha Butler. “Our parks have been deemed as dangerous places, and we as residents refuse to let that be the narrative.”
The original purpose was to meet at local parks and create a platform for local artists to perform while providing family fun and offering services in the community. “I call it the Coachella of Englewood,” Butler said. In addition to food, entertainment, and school supplies, R.A.G.E. connects residents to vital resources like medical assistance and daycare information. “Last year, we did small pop-up events at vacant lots or vacant spaces throughout the community,” Butler said. “We decided, instead of us going into the parks, let’s look at the beautiful aspects of our vacant schools that have been left closed since 2013. They have these beautiful plazas where you can set things up and have a great time.”
Most importantly, Butler said her celebratory events showcase a problem that community members have to see and live with every day: vacant schools and empty lots. “We hear a lot of stories from people who went to [the vacant schools] in the neighborhood,” Butler said. “We want to capture those stories and bring awareness that we have these vacant spaces...Our goal has always been to reclaim public assets peacefully,” Butler said. “This event is all about spreading awareness and preparing kids to go back to school in a joyful, safe way.”
Source:
1 Atavia Reed, Englewood Organizers Aim To Uplift Neighbors And Revitalize Vacant Lots At Back-To-School Bash, Block Club Chicago, August 26, 2021
2 Jamie Nesbitt Golden, ‘So Fresh Saturdays’ Back-To-School Edition Brings Music, Free School Supplies To Englewood’s Hamilton Park, Block Club Chicago, August 29, 2019