Plans are moving forward to repurpose the abandoned Kenwood ‘L’ Embankment that runs east-west along 41st /40th Street in Bronzeville to a linear park. The park would be similar to the Bloomingdale (606) Trail on the northside and consist of a walking, running, and biking trail. The Bronzeville Trail Task Force (BTTF) board is announcing a series of month-long events to honor the Inaugural Anniversary Month Celebration. Events begin September 8, 2022 to create awareness and launch their fundraising initiatives.
“We are excited to be going into the next phase of the Bronzeville Trail development,” said John E. Adams, CPA, BTTF Founder. “It has been a journey to get to where we are, from an idea whose time has come, to the reality that we are on the cusp of the most catalytic development in the history of Bronzeville. We are fortunate and grateful for our many supporters in the Bronzeville and surrounding communities at large.”
September Schedule of Events:
September 8, 2022, 8:00AM – 10:00AM, Ministers’ Breakfast Truth Italian Restaurant, 56 E. Pershing Rd., Chicago
September 15, 2022, 6:30PM – 10:30PM, “Bronzeville Trail Night LIVE” – a “Friend”raiser event National Association of Letter Carriers Union Hall, 3850 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Entertainment by: Soul Street Collective (Soul and R & B), Toranzo Cannon, Bronzeville native (Blues)
September 17, 2022, 11:00AM –2:00PM, “Bronzeville Trail Day on the Bloomingdale (606) Trail” 1805 N. Ridgway Ave., Chicago
September 29, 2022, 11:00AM – 2:00PM, “Women Leaders for the Bronzeville Trail” Community Luncheon
National Association of Letter Carriers Union Hall, 3850 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Invited speakers include:
Lori Lightfoot, Mayor City of Chicago Tammy Duckworth, IL U. S. Senator Julianna Stratton, IL Lieutenant Governor
Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President Mattie Hunter, IL State Senator, 3rd District
Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward Alderman Sophia King, 4th Ward Alderman
Amy Rynell, Executive Director, Active Transportation Alliance
Honorees:
Former U. S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun Harold Lucas (posthumously)
Entertainment:
Maggie Brown performing “What Makes it A Great Migration”
Persons wanting more information about BTTF Inaugural Month Celebration, sponsorships or how they can get involved can contact BTTF board member John Adams at Bronzevilletrail@gmail.com or call the Bronzeville Trail Task Force at 773-726-7900.
This BTTF project has the backing of Aldermen Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) and Sophia King (4th Ward), being strong and visible supporters from the beginning. According to the chicago.gov website, “Dowell was a significant catalyst for the rebirth of the historic Bronzeville community that occurred in the 1990s.” King acknowledged the extraordinary residents of Bronzeville in her video message at the Bronzeville Trail event earlier this year.
On March 31, 2022, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, as part of her citywide vision for connecting trails to transit, housing, and parks, indicated that the redevelopment of the Kenwood ‘L’ embankment represents a “potential project” that can become a new outdoor asset and catalytic community investment.
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