Welcome to a new year and good riddance to a year like no other. COVID-19 shined a light on our society’s inequities, stole our time, and took so many lives. It can be difficult to see the light in the darkness, but so much good was achieved in 2020. Let’s review all that we’ve accomplished.
We quickly adapted to our difficult circumstances. Meetings and social gatherings moved online. In the early days of the pandemic, we met virtually at our favorite local watering holes and made sure to tip their bartenders and staff. Our need to stay connected remained strong throughout the year. We knit in yards, six feet apart and explored our city’s neighborhoods together with masks and distance.
In these hard economic times, we launched our monthly business partner raffles to support our cherished local businesses. Despite being forced apart, we still managed to clean up the neighborhood and found alternative ways to celebrate the holidays (see the Esdohr Holiday Lights section).
Together we learned about the dire plight of our neighbors at the Jefferson Park Transit Center and partnered with other community organizations and leaders (Eden United Church of Christ, the Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce, JPNA, and Representative Lindsey LaPointe) to try to identify the best ways to help those experiencing homelessness in our community. When we asked for help, many of you showed up, personally and financially.
Finally, we combined words with action as we fostered a dialogue about the racism and inequalities in our society and marched in the streets to make our views known. We started the work, and we will continue the work. We stand in solidarity with all working to end the racism, bigotry, and sexism that plagues our world.
We are grateful to all who joined us on this unprecedented journey.
While rising to the challenges of a lifetime, so much was lost: friends and family members, time together, our beloved businesses Fannie’s and Fischman’s, and live events. Fear not though as the dawn will appear even after the darkest of nights and we will soon be toasting each other in person again.
We need you to hold on. If you are struggling, please reach out to someone. NAMI Chicago has a free and confidential helpline that offers a listening ear, connection to mental health resources, and access to virtual support groups. Call 833-626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org.
As we move cautiously into 2021, we look forward to eventually resuming some of our community engagement and personal connections. We’ll continue connecting with our local businesses, seeking guidance on how we best, as an organization and as a community, can continue to support them.
We’ll be mindful of the difficult year we left behind as we venture Forward with hope.
Be well.