The Englewood neighborhood is often on the news for its crime. But not enough is said about the good things going on in this close-knit community. New cafes, urban gardens, murals, and community events are the result of residents working together to improve the community.

Dream Cafe & Grill manager Duane Powell runs the cafe’s counter. As a longtime DJ he also selects music for customers to enjoy.

Urban gardens and farms like Eat to Live (E2L) on Princeton Avenue, making use of vacant lots, have become more commonplace in Englewood. In addition to providing greens and other food to local organizations like the Institute of Women Today, Martha Boyd (right) says E2L is focused on providing gardening education and creating a local food supply.

Englewood is home to historic buildings like the landmark South Side Masonic Temple, built in 1921 but not in operation since the mid-1980s. The building is located near 63rd and Halsted, an area which is slowly rebuilding with a relatively new Kennedy King City College campus and a Whole Foods store in the works.

Kusanya employee Jasmine Sims (left) performs with Jamaica West during a spoken word and music event called Bread & Bullets. Kusanya executive director Phil Sipka says he wants people to feel empowered and do what they love.

Grass has become overgrown where homes and businesses once stood in Englewood. The structures were demolished to make way for the Norfolk Southern rail yard expansion. The construction, which stretches across several city blocks south of Garfield Boulevard, has pushed out many residents, community activists say.

Deborah Payne stands outside of her home on 57th Street, one of a handful of residences that remain on her block following the Norfolk Southern rail yard expansion. Payne is a member of the Englewood Railroad Coalition and is committed to advocating for the rights and safety of residents who live along the railways.
too bad they elected a fool for an alderman