Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alderman Ronnie L. Mosley lead the fourth “Take Back the Block” event in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood (Photo Credit: Lanette Warbington).
All summer long, the City has been working to “retake” blocks besieged with violence.
On Friday, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety held another “Take Back the Block” initiative, this time in the South Side’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. This is the fourth “Take Back the Block” program this summer, which aims to reduce violent crime, provide resources to the host community and demonstrate the City’s commitment to safety and development.
Mayor Johnson and Ald. Ronnie L. Mosley (21st) spoke at the event, which boasted a party-like atmosphere with food, entertainment, local vendors, school supply giveaways and valuable health and housing information.
“As we move into the summer months, it is imperative that our communities feel the City’s steadfast commitment to safety and collaborative solutions,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson when the initiative launched in July.
“Keeping communities safe is not a burden that can be carried by any of us alone. Our ‘Take Back the Block’ initiative is an opportunity for the full force of government to stand with the community for an all-hands-on-deck approach to building a safer Chicago, block by block.”
These activations are intended for blocks or block groups that have experienced increased levels of violence.
“We need to ‘Take Back the Block’ to embody our commitment to safety and proactive community engagement,” said Deputy Mayor of the Office of Community Safety Garien Gatewood. “We are focusing on creating tangible, positive changes in our neighborhoods by working directly with residents, community organizations, faith leaders and the entire Johnson administration. This initiative is about more than just addressing violence; it’s about fostering a sense of unity, resilience, and pride within our communities.”
The last program is scheduled to take place on Aug. 30.
Below are more photos of the Friday event, courtesy of photographer Lanette Warbington:
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