Conversations With The Citizen

Nneka J. Howell founded Ink’d Xpressions, a community-based organization that uses creative writing and photography to relate to the community. Howell, a writer herself, knows the impact creativity can have when advocating for change. The core values of Ink’d Xpressions, which Howell founded in 2014, include unity, community, justice, love, diversity and creativity.

Hello Baby, located at 600 E. 61st St., was founded by Debbie Frisch, who wanted to provide resources to children and to caregivers. Frisch said she saw how much harder it is, as a single mother, when there are not adequate resources when it comes to social services.

Think Out Da Block founder Pha’Tal Perkins, is a resident of Englewood. Perkins said growing up in an underserved community, he went towards the streets. But, one day he woke up and didn’t see forever in that life.

What started out as a way to make extra income after being laid off due to COVID-19, has turned into a lucrative business venture for Ida Nelson. Nelson, a resident of the North Lawndale community, is the owner and founder of Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats. Nelson is a mother of four biological children and one foster child. She said she and her children are ice cream connoisseurs. She said they visit all of the premium ice cream shops in their spare time.

LaVonte Stewart, founder of Lost Boyz, Inc., grew up in South Shore and uses his love of baseball to support and empower young people. Lost Boyz, Inc.’s mission is to decrease violence and improve the social, emotional and economic conditions of young people in Chicago communities utilizing sports-based youth development.

Jahmal Cole has been dedicated to making a difference in the community with his organization My Block, My Hood, My City. As founder and CEO, Cole is intrinsically motivated to improve the quality of life for the block clubs of Chicago. Cole said he wanted to be an activist since he was 4-years-old, admiring the likes of Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Stokely Carmichael and Robert Kennedy.

Conversations With The Citizen Send Special Holiday Cheers To Its Facebook Followers and All Of Its Podcast Streaming Listeners. This Episode Was Produced With Thoughts Of Spreading Cheers During This COVID-19 Season. Families And Loved Ones Will Not Be Able To Come Together As Usual, So We Hope That Everyone Enjoys The Holiday Season. "We Don't Own The Rights To None Of The Music Heard Or Viewed In This Episode". Thank You To Our In Studio Guest, Tristian Arnez and Smooth "Willie Fultz".

Conversations With The Citizen Send Special Holiday Cheers To Its Facebook Followers and All Of Its Podcast Streaming Listeners. This Episode Was Produced With Thoughts Of Spreading Cheers During This COVID-19 Season. Families And Loved Ones Will Not Be Able To Come Together As Usual, So We Hope That Everyone Enjoys The Holiday Season. "We Don't Own The Rights To None Of The Music Heard Or Viewed In This Episode". Thank You To Our In Studio Guest, Tristian Arnez and Smooth "Willie Fultz".

Whitney B. Hampton, owner of Hampton Real Estate and Investments and lead broker and team leader at A. Progeny Global, talks about wealth building, real estate and investing.

Yazmin Curtis opened Two Fish Crab Shack, located at 641 E. 47th St., 4 years ago as a restaurant where people could get their seafood boil in a bag. People who visited the restaurant liked the sauce so much she made it available online for purchase. Now people can enjoy Two Fish seafood in a bag, in the frozen good section at select grocery stores.