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 by Lisa Ciota, Docent Class of 2020, Education Guide

“What is the city but its people?” is a question posed in Shakespeare’s 1608 tragedy, Coriolanus, about an ancient Roman general who disdains the people of the city he oversees, an attitude that ultimately helps lead to his downfall.  That’s NOT what the folks at My Block, My Hood, My City think.  They honor and respect the people of the city, seeking “to inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world one block at a time.” They encourage and support youth to learn about, explore and take pride in their block, hood and city.  In fact, one of their programs is to train youth to give tours of their neighborhoods, such as the North Lawndale neighborhood tours currently being offered. (Sounds like something we do, right?)

 Yet, while the city is more than just their block and hood, too often many of these kids don’t get to see and experience Chicago’s great downtown area even though they may live close by.  So, on July 8, 2023, My Block, My Hood, My City hosted “Downtown Day” giving each participant a $50 prepaid Visa gift card that they could use at restaurants, museums, and movie theaters throughout the downtown area, with many downtown venues offering discounts and special events for the day.  

 The CAC was proud to be among the more than 30 organizations participating in this day, offering free admission and CAC backpacks to the youth who visited.  We had about 15 youth and their chaperones visit the CAC that day.  Education Guides and Docents Lisa Ciota and Jeff Zurlinden hosted these guests and gave them a special guided tour of the galleries.  Not surprisingly, all were entranced by the Chicago model and were amazed to learn it only represents about 5% of the city.  Also engendering a lot of conversation was The Reframed Exhibit as these youth saw the potential of the increasing adoption of mass timber as a real part of their future urban experience.  

Media reporting about the day highlighted the great experiences had by all.  Most importantly, the interest, energy and engagement of the youth who participated, demonstrated the great honor and respect they hold for their block, hood and city.

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