ARCHIVES

Crystal Clear Views

by  Editorial Assistant

Happy Election Time, Readers!

It’s that time of year people: break out the whistles and banners, a new sheriff’s coming to town! No. Not really. We may be getting a new president. Is everybody ready? For what you ask? Ready for the big changes that everyone is advertising. Are we ready for big changes in the school? Yeah! Are we ready for big changes in the economy? Yeah! Are we ready to make life better for the poor? Yeah!

Hmmm…this all feels so familiar. You probably remember when you would sit in the school auditorium and listen to the student council promise better food in the school cafeteria. The last I checked, the menu hasn’t changed. Read more »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories: Uncategorized

Positive People

by  Editorial Assistant

Janice Patton

Janice Patton was a resident of the Robert Taylor Homes for 29 years and was relocated to the Prairie Parks Apartments with a Housing Choice Voucher. She’s resided there for four years.

Patton first moved to the development from Meridian, Mississippi. She describes the move as going from middle income to the ghetto and says it was a culture shock to see the way people lived. She says CHA tried but there was always a different commissioner.
Read more »

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Categories: Uncategorized

Crystal Clear Views

by  Editorial Assistant

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am pleased to say that I have made it through another year and am looking forward to the blessings that the New Year will bring me. I want to encourage everyone to make this year better than the last. Some may say that is easier said than done, but it is possible. Perseverance, patience and the power within are the keys to success.

What about all of those New Year’s resolutions? Stick to them! Lose those ten pounds, make those extra dollars, buy that new car, etc.! There’s nothing left to do but to do it!
Read more »

Tags: , , , ,
Categories: Uncategorized

Positive People

by  Editorial Assistant

Deidre Brewster

You can sense warmth and happiness from former Cabrini-Green resident Deidre Brewster, a wife and mother of three, when you first meet her. This lends her an air of straightforwardness that probably makes it easier her to be such a helpful person in her former community.

Former Cabrini resident Deidre Brewster. Photo by Crystal Medina

Deidre Brewster is a relocated resident of Cabrini Green waiting for more low income housing to be built. She is also an activist. What motivated her to fight for the residents in the first place was that she was concerned that Chicago was turning into a city for the rich.
Read more »

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Categories: Uncategorized

Crystal Clear Views

by  Editorial Assistant

Dear Crystal:

I am a 17-year-old girl and I was having a lot of problems with my mother. So I ran away from home. I’ve been on the streets for about three weeks now.

I used to stay with my older ex-boyfriend but he kicked me out last week. Since then, I’ve been staying with different friends.

I realize now there is no place like home and I want to go back. The problem is, I don’t think my mom wants me back. I’ve seen her about four times since I left and she acts as if she doesn’t care. Read more »

Tags: , , , , , ,
Categories: Uncategorized