R.A.G.E. Summer Updates - So Fresh Saturdays, CAN TV, and More!

Members of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.) hosted a So Fresh Saturday celebration to reclaim Sherwood Park for peace last Saturday, June 20^th. With the help of local artists, activists, and residents, the spacious park on 57^th and Shields transformed into a scene overflowing with music, activity, and laughter.

Nearby residents were drawn to the sounds and smells of festivity, and the commotion of preparation for the day’s events drew the curiosity of passersby. Within a few moments of being in the communal atmosphere, the uncertainty dissipated and it seemed like all had come to a mutual understanding: We are neighbors, and we desire many of the same fundamental experiences in our area.
As a community-based organization, R.A.G.E. champions a mission to engage, equip, and inform the Englewood resident base to cultivate a positive community environment where all can grow and thrive. The So Fresh Saturdays series serves as an integral part of that mission, fostering interactions between Englewood residents and the assets already present in the community. The goal is that momentary introductions to turn into long lasting relationships.

Local personality SupaDupa emceed the event with a blend of old and new school flare, and welcomed several dynamic performers to the stage. The featured artists, including Legends of Chicago Hip Hop, KWOE, and Chris Ferrell, delivered powerful messages in their performances. Humanitarian hip-hop artist Jessica Disu, also known as FM Supreme, shared her personal testimony with the youth in the crowd, and encouraged them to pursue their passions: “No matter what they say, we still believe... No turnin’ back, we’re movin’ forward.” Youth dance group K Phi 9 embodied a spirit of coordinated determination and creativity in their routine which fused House, African, Pop, Rap, and Electronic genres of music and dance. In between featured performances, SupaDupa also invited children in the audience onto the stage to show off their best dance moves. The day ended with an open mic, which gave residents the chance to vocalize and express themselves in a public setting.

A bounce house and balloon animal artist provided entertainment for the younger guests, but the So Fresh Saturday event was appropriate for all ages. Several resource booths provided materials about free activities in the surrounding area, such as mammogram screenings and summer performances by the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Throughout the day, R.A.G.E. raffled off gift bags, gift cards, and t-shirts. Even guests from as far a Tennessee joined in for food off the grill!
The So Fresh Saturdays series culminates in a backpack giveaway for elementary and high school students. All events take place from 3pm to 8pm, and the remaining schedule is as follows:

July 11th – Ogden Park – 6500 S. Racine
July 25th – Hermitage Park – 5839 S. Wood
August 8th – Lindblom Park – 6054 S. Damen
August 29th – Hamilton Park - 513 W. 72nd St.

So Fresh Saturdays marks a turning point in the characterization of the Chicago summer. There exists an undeniable energy that brings the community out in droves. Join us to revel the possibility of change, powered by the efforts and contributions of Englewood residents. Join us to witness the #GoodInEnglewood.

So Fresh Saturday Kicks Off with a Bang

R.A.G.E. Returns to CAN TV on July 6th

So Fresh Saturdays in July