Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation

Community Chat: What the X is Going On?

Wed, 29 May 2013 12:00:00 -0600

Residents attended a community chat to find out "What the X Was Going On?", sponsored by the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation. Executive Director Carlos Nelson felt this was one of many community 'fire-side chat-style' problem solving sessions he'd host to continue to engage the community, in being accountable for the well being of Auburn Gresham, Greater Grand Crossing and it's surrounding southside communities.

Community chat panel offer real answers to big red X's on neighborhood buildings

The following front-page article is a reprint from The Chicago Citizen Chatham-Southeast edition.

Residents of the Auburn Gresham residents neighborhood were provided answers during a recent community meeting that included the Chicago Fire Department who explained that the red X's that are marked on residential and commercial properties in Auburn Gresham signal to first responders the building is not safe. Newspaper Photo credit: Hubert Newkirk

For more information, see www.thechicagocitizen.com.

Residents review and recognize houses marked with the X in photos produced by Hubert Newkirk

Photo: Norma Sanders

Gallery 79 Features Oglesby School in Art Exhibit

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 -0600

A public CPS Elementary Art Exhibit showcased student's artwork from southwest side Englewood-Gresham, Pershing and Midway Networks, on May 3, 2013. Several bus loads of Oglesby Elementary youth, parents, local residents and curious art lovers, participated in this early evening of art on display. The Gallery Seven-Nine Co. owners, Antwon and Davida McGruder and gallery director, Siobhan McKissic, were the perfect hosts.

The evening was filled with kid friendly, healthy food and snacks, music, arts & craft table, and lots of festive colors. There was even a wall where the students to could post-it thoughts about the exhibit and it's impact on their communities of Auburn Gresham, Ashburn, Chicago Lawn and others.

The student art exhibit runs through May 31st. Gallery 79 is located at 2449 West 79th Street. Call 773.306.1287 to make an appointment to visit the gallery and support our youth in their art making! I promise you will not be disappointed.

Please enjoy the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation's (GADC) slideshow (coming!). We've prepared a visual look at the magnificent art created primarily by the Oglesby Elementary School students. We wholeheartedly support Principal Rolland Jasper, Assistant Principal Dr. Ranada Johnson, the amazing Oglesby art teacher, continuing to improve academics, health and school-based art enrichment outcomes!

Gallery 79 is another welcome local venue, available for community and private event rentals. Carlos A. Nelson, executive director of the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation, along with his staff and Education team supporting programming at Olgesby Elementary, send huge kudos to the McGruder’s for producing this welcoming gem, and supporting the arts across the Englewoo-Gresham school network.

Health Fair "on the block" Auburn Gresham 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:00 -0600

Come Out and Join Us at the:

Auburn-Gresham Health Fair 2013

DATE: May 30, 2013
TIME: 10am - 2pm
WHERE: Along the Block of 79th Street
(Between May and Racine)
Add this event to your calendar
Add to Google calendar

Sponsors: CVS Caremark, GADC, Perspectives-Calumet Middle School

What the "X" is Going On?!!!

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:00:00 -0600

May 22, 2013

Time: 6–7 pm
Location: 7801 South State Street
Community Room - 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60620

Have you noticed the large red "X" popping up on some buildings, in our Auburn Gresham community?

Join us for this community discussion and be part of the solution!

* Residents, come find out how you can help **

Identity theft prevention and shredding programs to be offered at local bank

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0600

Urban Partnerhip Bank is joining with the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation to present "Putting Your Financial House in Order," a free identity theft prevention program during Money Smart Week Chicago, April 20-27.

"Putting Your Financial House in Order" will take place on April 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Urban Partnership Bank's new Greater Grand Crossing branch, 7801 S. State St. In addion to the program, anyone can bring their old documents, bills, receipts and other non-essential papers for safe and secure recycling to the program's free Shred Day event from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Admission is free on April 24, however space is limited and advance registration is required only for attending the "Putting Your Financial House in Order" program. To register and for additional information about the program and the Shred Day event, call Urban Partnership Bank at (773) 420-5508 or email cr@upbnk.com.

"Putting Your Financial House in Order" and Shred Day as well as all Money Smart Week events are open to the public at businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, nonprofits and government agencies througout the Chicagoland area. Topics include kids and money, unemployment, managing student debt and retirement. To learn more about Money Smart Week visit, www.moneysmartweek.org

See Urban Partnership Bank press release at: https://www.upbnk.com/about-us/news/press-releases/releaseid35/

Auburn Gresham's a Parade of Characters

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0600

On Friday, April 12th, a parade of characters hit the streets of Auburn Gresham. It was a celebration to promote reading literacy, by one local Auburn Gresham Gold school, Oliver S. Westcott Elementary, located at 409 W. 80th Street. The book parade had full participation of school leaderhip, teachers, the entire school of elementary students, parent volunteers and community partners, all dressed in a literary character from their favorite book. Participation was also highlighted by classrooms picking one book for their parade theme. Who wouldn't love Goldilocks and a classroom of little bears! As Westcott Elementary walked the streets of Auburn Gresham to promote reading, they sang this vibrate book parade chant:

...reading is fun

...reading is cool

...pick-up a book

...and stay in school

Westcott School is committed to challenging our students by setting high expectations that will result in our students becoming lifelong learners. We are raising the standards of excellence: Every Child. Every Chance, Every Day.

Can you name these literary characters from the Westcott Elementary Book Parade?

Auburn Gresham Spring Kidz Story Hour

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0600

What do Magicians, Storytellers, a Firefighter and a Library have in common? EVERYTHING when you're at the Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation’s (GADC) spring “Kidz Hour” event at the Thurgood Marshall Library. Nearly 150 students from area schools--Lots of Love, Alpha Learning Center, Ezra Charles and West Englewood Charter School--filled the Library's community room with endless laughter and cheers, on the morning of March 7, 2013.

The morning was crammed with magic, marvel, and the message of safety. The 'Magic of Who Say' the Magician mesmerized the children as their eyes were fixed on amazing tricks. Storyteller, Mama Raminyah told culturally-enriched and engaging stories teasing tiny little ears of her listeners. Officer Hands, had everyone excitedly get on their hands and knees as the children escaped imaginary fires.

GADC has hosted the bi-annual Kidz Hour at the Thurgood Marshall Library since 2007.

Middle School Participates in Soapbox Showcase

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0600

“8 people were shot and wounded on 79^th and Essex. How do I know this? Did I read it? No, I was there.” Over 100 middle school students from 7 CPS elementary schools spoke out about the number one issue in their community. Students gave speeches about violence, school closings, poverty, animal cruelty, bullying, youth leadership, etc.

The Perspectives PLC spent a week preparing for the Soapbox Showcase learning about speech structure, style and rhetorical devices. We held a classroom competition within the PLC and from that competition we chose our 2 representatives to participate in the citywide showcase. The PLC scholars took a crucial step developing their leadership skills by learning how to give an effective persuasive and informational speech. They are dedicated to making change in their community.

An Officer and A Gentleman - A Tuskee Airman. One of Auburn Gresham's Very Own

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0600

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PMA Attends Youth Solutions Congress

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0600

Perspectives Peace and Leadership Council (PLC) scholars had their voices heard at the first ever Mikva Challenge Youth Solutions Congress on February 23^rd. Hundreds of youth from around the city arrived at the UIC Forum eager to decide on solutions to 5 issues (Employment, Safety, Health, Education and Recreation) that affect their lives. PLC scholars analyzed, debated and voted on student created solutions to all of these issues throughout the day narrowing the list of solutions down from 50 to the final 15 which will be presented to Mayor Rahm Emanuel this spring. During the fall semester representatives from the Mayoral Youth Commission came to Perspectives to lead our PLC scholars in a solutions workshop. Some of the solutions that were created in this workshop contributed to the final solutions that were voted upon at the Youth Solutions Congress. After a packed day of critical thinking and collaboration the PLC scholars made our way back to Auburn-Gresham excited to make change in their community.

Oglesby's First Father-Daughter Dance A Big Success

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:00:00 -0600

There is nothing like the love, affection and glow that exists between a Father and his Daughter. So imagine a room full of beautiful couples ... dads and daughters enjoying music and enjoying the ambience of a school gymnasium magically transformed into an elegant ballroom.

Whether a father, grandfather, uncle or friend of the family, these men who escorted their young dates beamed with pride as they accompanied their little "princesses" to the 1st Annual Richard J. Oglesby Father-Daughter Dance on Wednesday, February 13, 2013.

Father-daughter dances are a tradition at many schools, community centers and social halls all across the city. This father-daughter dance is one example of the measures of "gold" level community engagement. The first dance was to an old, R&B classic, "You're My Latest and Greatest Inspiration," by Teddy Pendergrass. But this first dance, not only inspired the daughters of this Auburn Gresham "Gold" School, but it has inspired the community as we promote family and parental involvement in our children's schools.

GADC Looks Back At 2012 And Ahead To 2013

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0600

It's not always easy to sum up all the things a community agency does in one year. Dozens of events are planned, thousands of photographs are taken, hundreds of articles written up, and still - it doesn't paint a full picture of the goals agencies, like ours, set, achieve, and surpass from one year to the next.

There are hundreds of planning meetings, weeks of research for programs and grants, dozens of partnerships and collaborations, and tens of thousands of employee hours invested in finding the resources and meeting the needs of the clients we serve.

From January to December each year, our staff makes sure that Auburn Gresham and the surrounding community have access to the programs, products, and services that help families, students, businesses, and local organization thrive. Our vision is broad, our talent is limitless, our expectations are high, and when it comes to the plans we have for our community - our faith is exact.

We would like to personally thank our partners, supporters, funders, and friends for the gifts they've given us which made it possible for us to give so much to you.

The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation is proud to share just some of our many accomplishments duing 2012 and our major projects for 2013.

Major Projects and Programs Successfully Completed In 2012

* Smart Communities: Broadband Technology Oppotunities Program (BTOP)

* Neighborhood Recovery Initiative

* Elev8

* Small Accessible Repairs For Seniors

* Litter Free Zone Initiative

* Illinois State University's STEP UP Teacher's Program

* Kids Reading Hour

* Seniors Blues Breakfast

* Annual Community Health Fair

* Student Food Drive

* SSA 32 Small Business Workshop

* Student Mapping Summer Jobs Program

* Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival and Famly Jam For Peace

Projects and Programs On the Horizon For 2013

* Digital Technology and Training For Small Business -

Helps small businesses learn about technology to market and grow businesses

* New Red Line Metra Station

An exciting, new transit project to ease congestion and bring jobs and resources to the community

* Commemorative Terra Cotta Walking Park

A unique walking park designed to highlight terra cotta, an important material in Chicago architecture

* Urban Green Team

A "for hire" team that provides professional and affordable cleaning and maintenance services for neighborhoods, community groups, and commercial businesses

* Auburn Gresham Gold

A new, data and outcome driven approach to teaching and learning that will enhance and impact the education experience of students at surrounding schools

These are just some of the major projects we're working on for 2013. We look forward to sharing these and other events with you - our clients, volunteers, and friends - so, watch this space. The best is yet to come and we wouldn't dream of doing it without you.

Become a partner, sponsor, or volunteer in 2013. Let's stay together. Let's work together. From our family to yours we wish you a successful and prosperous year.

GADC staff!

Season's Greetings from GADC

Tue, 25 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0600

Season's Greetings from Carlos A. Nelson, excutive director (center) , GADC leadership team, staff and community engagement team.

THE UK DOES AG!

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:00:00 -0600

A representative from the United Kingdom, Deputy Consul General Ramin Navai, of the English Consulate, visited the Auburn Gresham community and stopped by the offices of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporate for a discussion about the comprehensive community development work going on.

Ramin Navai was appointed British Deputy Consul General to Chicago in October 2010. A career diplomat, he arrived in the Windy City from Bogotá, Colombia, where he led on political affairs at the British Embassy. Prior to that, he held a variety of positions in London including in the Counter Terrorism Policy Department and Caribbean Team. He was also a member of British delegation to the 2003 G8 Summit, and traveled to France with the then Prime Minister.

Deputy Consul General Ramin Navai, along with 17th Ward Chief of Staff Keevin Woods, spent time discussing a variety of topics with GAGDC staff, and took time for a few photos to commemorate the visit.

South Side SSA's Give Thanks & Salute Small Business Saturday

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0600

The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation is not open Thanksgiving Day. There are also no special deals or services on Black Friday. We’re your neighborhood non-profit that prides itself on providing excellent community economic development, housing, education, technology, environmental and senior services, as well as a great staff to assist our residents and businesses in the greater Auburn Gresham communities. So, we’ll be here when you need those services and other technical support from us and other community partners we leverage.

Melinda Kelly (SSA #51) and Carlos Nelson (SSA #32) with other business colleagues

Photo Norma Sanders

We continue to be thankful for your continued support, in Auburn Gresham. Still the best kept secret in Chicago.

In order to ensure we can continue to offer sustainable services and help bring new businesses into Auburn Gresham's SSA #32, here's something you can help us with. Get excited about shopping this holiday season in the community on Small Business Saturday and support your favorite small business.

Carlos Nelson and Cheryl Johnson of SSA #32 (right) with CMS Trophies business owners

Photo Norma Sanders

This November 24th is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate neighborhoods across the city and country.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0600

The ELEV8 staff at Perspectives Calumet campus, worked with the midde school students to practice the spirit of giving. The middile school collected approximately 500 cans of non-parisable food items, to give away to Auburn Gresham families in need. The ELEV8 staff, along with student and teacher volunteers, bundled Thanksgiving baskets for three familes. They worked with the school social worker to select the families who would receive a turkey and food basket complete with all the fixings for a Thanksgiving feast.

Auburn Gresham Annual Senior Breakfast-n-Blues 2012

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0600

Local neighborhood seniors came out and toe tapped, clapped and sang to the live sounds of of a local blues band. The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), Carlos Nelson, executive director (far left) and his GAGDC staff provided and served a delicious hot breakfast meal and ensured each senior in attendance had a great time! As with our past breakfast and blues jam sessions, this event was FREE.

VOTE: Perspectives Middle Academy "ELEV8 SHINES" - LIGHTS ON AFTER SCHOOL PHOTO CONTEST!

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 12:00:00 -0600

Vote for our very own Perspectives Middle Academy, as your favorite Lights on Afterschool - ELEV8 fall festival photo! Just click on the link below:

Lights On Afterschool Photo Contest

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Bright House Networks in teaming up with the Afterschool Alliance to shine a spotlight on the afterschool programs that keep our kids safe, inspire learning and help working families everywhere. Now through Nov. 14, vote for your favorite photo of a Lights On Afterschool celebration, the nation's largest rally for afterschool programs. Three top photos will win $1,000 for the afterschool programs of their choice, and 1 will win $2,000! READY, SET, SHINE!

Lights On After School - ELEV8 Fall Festival

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0600

After School programs are so very beneficial to not only students, but parents and the community. With schools providing extended day services students have an opportunity to participate in enriching programs that will allow them to be more successful in their academics as well as in their social environments. On October 18^th 2012 Elev8 at Perspective Middle Academy participated in the National campaign “Keeping The Lights On After School”. This campaign helps to promote the importance and benefits of extended day programs and the impact such programs have on students.

With over a hundred parents and students in attendance, the Perspective Middle Academy cafeteria was packed and the atmosphere was full of excitement. Students who participate in extended day programs got a chance to showcase what they’ve learned and parents were able to see the outcome of letting their child participate in the Elev8 programs. Cosmetology participants treated family, guest and even teachers to free manicures, while Culinary Art students made Quesada’s right on the spot for everyone to enjoy. Students from Creative Writing had a chance to showcase their creativity while reading some of their original works and Martial Arts wowed the crowd with their performance. There was music, games, food, face painting, and fun galore.

Students who don’t participate in After School programs walked away from the Elev8 Lights on After School Fall Fest with anticipation and excitement of registering for the Spring term. Parents walked away very impressed with how much their students are learning and gaining from being a part of such awesome programming. There are many negative and distracting things within neighborhoods for students to get involved in after school; but when students participate in After School programming they are saying no to the negativity and yes to a positive and successful destiny! Skills that students learn in programs such as cosmetology, culinary arts, and fashion design are skills that will last them a lifetime and carry them far in whatever goals they set out to achieve. Keeping the Lights on After School is very important not just at Perspective Middle Academy but all over the United States. If children our truly our future then we must aid them in becoming the best they can be and continue to provide them with enriching programs such as After School!

Vote now for our very own Perspective Middle Academy, as your favorite Lights on Afterschool photo! Just click on the link below:

Lights On Afterschool Photo Contest

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79th St. RENNAISSANCE FEST REACHES NEW HEIGHTS!

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:00:00 -0600

The 2012 edition of the 79th Street Renaissance Festival was a colorful spectacle of community love, community respect, age and cultural diversity, economic development, and praise for our seniors all to the sounds of great music. Throughout the day, which for thousands of community residents started with a rousing opening word of prayer, there was a sense that this day was truly something special. For many years, West 79th Street had become a place for pedestrians to avoid. On this September day, with bright, blue, sunny skies and temperature in the mid 70s, it seemed that everyone from each corner of the community and beyond had 79th Street as their target destination.

Specifically, the 79th Street Renaissance Festival & Family Jam for Peace with nearly 120 vendors, including a robust Taste of 79th Street anchoring the quarter mile long festival, there was something for everyone! Free dental exams, face painting, Petting Zoo, colleges and universities recruiting and sharing information, hair styling services for men and women, apparel and jewelry vendors, a full court basketball clinic and tournament, city, county and state agencies, jumping jacks, and many, many more all interacting with exhuberant festival goers...in the shadows of a new entry to the RenFest...a large Ferris Wheel enjoyed by approximately 1,300 ticket-holding youth. Yes, the 79th Street Renaissance Festival & Family Jam for Peace has certainly reached new heights!

Special thanks to the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team, Miss Chicago, Tamela Mann, J. Moss, Charles Jenkins, Farley Jack Master Funk, and many others.

7th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival and Family Jam for Peace A Big Success!

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 12:00:00 -0600

The Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation's 79th Street Renaissance Festival and The Faith Community of Saint Sabina gospel Family Jam For Peace, will combine into another memorable event this Saturday, September 8th, 10am-7pm. Take a look at last year's historical event:

This annual event brings a great neighborhood street festival to the Southside, right here on 79th Street between Racine and Loomis. At this community celebration you can get information from health, education, technology classes to non-profit partner services. This is a great opportunity to support and shop from local businesses. You will be entertained with some of the best of Chicago Southside Culture, fun with your entire family from tots (petting zoo, pony rides, games) to teens (youth DJ in the Park, dancing, games) to Adults (great food, great entertainment, dancing) and seniors (seniors DJ, free special luncheon, games, and giveaways)!

Come on out to support local businessess, corporate sponsors and celebrate the 79th street economic renaissance with us. Be sure to pass the word to your friends and family. Click on our Facebook and Twitter link below to share on your timeline. See you there!

Request for Proposals

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:00:00 -0600

"Across the country, teachers are decorating and preparing classrooms and community school coordinators are lining up community supports for students and their families - all with the goal of aligning school curriculum and community partnerships to prepare our children with 21st century skills and knowledge.”

Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GADC) plans to respond to a "Request for Proposals" from Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).

GADC plans to partner with Clara Barton Elementary School @ 7650 S. Wolcott Ave. to create a 21ST Century Community Learning Center. Proposal deadline is September 18,2012.

See letter of intent at http://www.gagdc.org/Our-community/Elev8/CCLC-21st-Century-Community-Learning-Center-LOI-Letter-of-Intent-.html

Economic Development Continues In Auburn Gresham With Grand Re-Opening of the Salaam

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:00:00 -0600

It’s been 12 years in the remaking, but the wait is finally over for the re-opening of the Salaam on 79^th Street in Auburn Gresham. And the timing – is perfect.

The Salaam originally opened its doors in 1995 amid all the pomp and circumstance befitting a new, fine dining restaurant. For five years the NOI (Nation Of Islam), the restaurant’s owners, worked hard to make the Salaam attract the volume of customers they knew the business was capable of attracting. There was only one problem, people outside the Nation Of Islam didn’t embrace the venue because they thought it was only for members of the Muslim community, so in 2000, the Salaam reluctantly closed its doors.

I work for the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and pass by the Salaam every morning on my daily commute to work. I noticed how beautiful and elegant the building was and wondered, myself, why such a magnificent looking place wasn’t open for business. On Tuesday, Carlos Nelson, my Executive Director, asked me to do a story on the Salaam, so I headed over there with my co-workers to get the scoop and to grab some food. While there, I spoke with Executive Assistant, Carla X about why the Salaam was reopening and how they came up with their new strategy for success. During our interview we were privileged enough to have a private, all-access tour of the Salaam and what we saw was absolutely mind-blowing.

Read my interview with Carla and find out why you should pay the Salaam a visit.

Pia: Thanks for taking a moment to talk with me about the re-opening of the Salaam. Tell me about the original restaurant. What happened?

Carla: We’ve always thought about having something like the Salaam in our communities. I think sometimes people don’t realize that our communities want, need, and can support higher end, fine dining establishments that are on par with those found downtown. So we decided to pull together the capital and make it happen. In 1995 we opened our doors and we were excited about bringing this level of service and elegance to the community. We had a great run, but had to close in 2000 and that made us take a big pause.

Pia: What happened? Were people complaining or unhappy?

Carla: Not at all. We were getting great feedback that this was a great thing to have in the community, but we weren’t getting enough of it from the general public.

Pia: Why is that?

Carla: The short story is that people thought that because The Nation was the organization behind the restaurant that it was only for Muslims and they didn’t feel as though they had ownership of it or that they could embrace it. And that wasn’t something that we anticipated. We never intended for the Salaam to be by us for us. Our concept for this space was always that it would be a palace for our people – for all people. This space is for anyone who wants to come to the south side and still have that fine dining experience. If luxury and comfort is what you’re looking for – we have something to accommodate every price point and every taste experience from fast food to elegant table service.

Pia: Fast forward 12 years and here we are. It looks like you have three distinct rooms or areas, so is there something for everyone?

Carla: We do. And yes, there really is something for everyone. We have a bakery, fast food restaurant, and a ballroom. And that’s just because we’re catering to different tastes and moods. Whatever you’re looking for – you can find it here. Not everyone wants a quick snack on the go. If you want to sit down and catch up, take a break, have lunch, or have a family meal you might opt for the fast food buffet. And sometimes, you want something more. You might want to take that special someone out for a more intimate and more elegant experience or treat yourself or a friend to a meal with great table service. You used to have to leave this community to do that. Now you don’t. We set the Salaam up to represent three different worlds, almost. Three worlds – three experiences.

Pia: So let’s get to this grand re-opening. Why now? And why did it take 12 years?

Carla: It took twelve years because we really wanted to think about what it would take to make this place a success. We brainstormed and talked and planned and conceptualized and brainstormed some more. We were looking for the right mindset as well as the right time. And it just happened to take twelve years – we needed that time to rebuild our vision and our foundation. And we also needed to find the right people to help us make our vision real. We did an extensive search for the right Executive Chef and couldn’t be happier with our Chef de Cuisine, Chef Carter, who has 23 years under his belt. He’s amazing and we’re excited to have him and our entire staff on board. So, we don’t really consider this a re-opening. This is a rebirth. We’ve transformed everything from the inside out. We have a new concept of how the Salaam should be run and we’re starting fresh.

Pia: Can you tell me more about that?

Carla: Times are hard. People from all faiths and all walks of life need jobs and opportunities. We provide that here at the Salaam. We don’t hire people based on faith, but on skill and ability and teachability and willingness to learn and to grow. It’s time for us to start reinvesting in our communities, reinvesting in our job force, reinvesting in our future. This isn’t something you do on a whim. This takes intention and thought – and faith. And we believe that this is the right time and the right moment for the Salaam to bring economic resources back into the community in a way that benefits all of us.

My hat goes off to the Salaam. It is truly the people’s palace. With three very distinct sections (the bakery, the fast food buffet, and the grand ballroom) – there is something to suit every taste. We took a quick tour of all three spaces and one very elegant, private space.

THE BAKERY

The Bakery specializes in fresh, made from scratch pastries that are mouthwateringly delicious and baked fresh every day. Those who love coffee will appreciate the lush selection of specialty coffees from Gevalia. At $5, the average bakery treat is very affordable.

THE FAST FOOD BUFFET

The CRESCENT CAFE Fast Food Buffet is an ideal lunch spot. There are plenty of tables and open seating. Booths along the large picture framed windows give you a picturesque view of the street. Large flat screen televisions play sports and talk shows for the lunch rush. Sides and appetizers are displayed buffet-style under glass hoods and the menu is filled with delicious options like Smokehouse Burgers, Crispy Cajun Chicken Strips, Grilled Fish, and more. Desserts include Red Velvet Cake and an even more decadent Black Velvet Cake. The Fast Food Buffet has something for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans. The average tab for lunch is $12 with a drink. They even have a great assortment of non-alcoholic beers and de-alcoholized wines for those who want the more adult or sophisticated drinks without the risk.

THE GRAND BALLROOM

This space is AH-MAZING. Your jaw will hit the floor. It’s obvious that a lot of thought, pride, money, and care went into revamping this space. Lush carpeting, marble walls, crystal chandeliers, tall glass vases brimming with exotic blooms, plush chairs, handfolded cloth napkins, and everything wrapped decadently in the richest, deepest burgundy wine color. Light bounces off the mirrored walls and beautiful piano room steals the show as a tribute to Minister Farrakhan’s late brother who was an avid music lover and piano player. The bathrooms are as fine as any you will see downtown. The place screams luxury from the private entrance to the cut crystal chandeliers that are painstakingly cleaned – by hand. The Grand Ballroom is open to the public, but its transformation is still in the making. The menus will go high tech and instead of a paper menu coming to your table, you’ll be greeting by wait staff with a touch screen tablet. The Grand Ballroom features live jazz and a full-service bar that serves non-alcoholic beers, wines, and cocktails. There is a dress code – please call to inquire. Reservations are accepted. The average tab for fine dining in the Grand Ballroom is $25 without drinks.

The Salaam is open to the public and available for renting for weddings, church events, parties, showers, and the Grand Ballroom is even open to rent for fundraisers and theatre shows. The space is fluid and can be arranged to suit your needs. Rental is extremely affordable. $3000 will reserve the space all day – catering is extra.

SPECIAL PRIVATE ROOM

For those who really want an exclusive, luxury experience – for a mere $250 per plate you can rent out Minister Farrakhan’s own private dining room. It comes complete with private table service, private bathroom, and beautiful, gold-gilded dinner and crystal ware.

I call the Salaam The People’s Palace because the owners wanted to bring a luxury, downtown experience to our community so our people could realize that whatever we want outside of our community, we can build inside it and the impact will be bigger and more far reaching. They wanted to create this space for us – the people. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe – the Salaam is your space – no, OUR space. And WE should own it, and use it, and promote it.

PEACE.

100th KaBOOM! Playground Build in Auburn Gresham

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0600

Auburn Gresham made history again by hosting KaBOOM's 100th Playground Build at Lots of Love Community Center.

Click here to see images from this historic day!

Community Welcomes New Faces

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0600

For most of us the thought of moving to a new home and spending four straight weeks with a completely new family, friends, and collegues is a very nervewracking thought. This week students from Illinois State University, myself included, moved into our new homes of community members in Auburn Gresham.

For the next four weeks we will eat, sleep, and take in this community while we are given the chance to assist in the education of CPS summer school as well as working in the community at various businesses. We've been here for only four days and already this feels like home to me. I've said hi to more strangers in passing as I walk through the community in the past two days, than I have done throughout my college career.

The welcoming and familiar feeling of Auburn Gresham has been a relief and a refreshing feeling to have. I know that I personally appreciate the kindness and openness more than I can express because all I want to do is learn here, and feeling at comfortable in a setting allows for that to happen. This community has so much too offer and I feel that I've seen so much already, though I've only seen bits a pieces of a wonderful area. With an open mind and an open heart I am ready and waiting to see what else I am able to learn and experience in the next couple of weeks.

Greater Auburn-Gresham Development Corporation

Community Chat: What the X is Going On?

Gallery 79 Features Oglesby School in Art Exhibit

Health Fair "on the block" Auburn Gresham 2013

Come Out and Join Us at the:

Auburn-Gresham Health Fair 2013

(Between May and Racine)

Sponsors: CVS Caremark, GADC, Perspectives-Calumet Middle School

What the "X" is Going On?!!!

May 22, 2013

***** Residents, come find out how you can help ******

Identity theft prevention and shredding programs to be offered at local bank

Auburn Gresham's a Parade of Characters

Auburn Gresham Spring Kidz Story Hour

Middle School Participates in Soapbox Showcase

An Officer and A Gentleman - A Tuskee Airman. One of Auburn Gresham's Very Own

PMA Attends Youth Solutions Congress

Oglesby's First Father-Daughter Dance A Big Success

GADC Looks Back At 2012 And Ahead To 2013

Major Projects and Programs Successfully Completed In 2012

Projects and Programs On the Horizon For 2013

Season's Greetings from GADC

THE UK DOES AG!

South Side SSA's Give Thanks & Salute Small Business Saturday

Happy Thanksgiving

Auburn Gresham Annual Senior Breakfast-n-Blues 2012

VOTE: Perspectives Middle Academy "ELEV8 SHINES" - LIGHTS ON AFTER SCHOOL PHOTO CONTEST!

Lights On After School - ELEV8 Fall Festival

79th St. RENNAISSANCE FEST REACHES NEW HEIGHTS!

7th Annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival and Family Jam for Peace A Big Success!

Request for Proposals

Economic Development Continues In Auburn Gresham With Grand Re-Opening of the Salaam

100th KaBOOM! Playground Build in Auburn Gresham

Community Welcomes New Faces

* Residents, come find out how you can help **