Dear Michael Romain and the staff at Wednesday Journal:
Your Sept. 7 news article, In Oak Park teen’s death, a tale of two cities, prompted me to write a response. Thank you for the thought-provoking article.
Like many others, I was deeply saddened to hear of 16-year-old Elijah Sims’ senseless murder on Aug. 29 while he visited friends and relatives near Lotus and Quincy streets in Austin. Elijah’s murder evoked the July 3, 2013 murder of 14-year old Damani Hernard as he rode his bike along North Avenue from Keeler Avenue in Austin to his home on Lombard Avenue in Oak Park. Like Elijah, Damani was gunned down by unknown assailants, leaving behind devastation and unanswered questions for those who loved them.
I sincerely believe Oak Park’s response to the gang violence and economic difficulties that spill over from the Austin community will have a profound impact on the diversity and security of the village’s future. No, we cannot solve all the ills Chicago has allowed to fester. The problem is multifaceted, political, and very complex. What we can do as individuals, however, is be proactive and think outside the box to minimize the impact.
Beginning with its namesake (Henry Austin), Oak Parkers have invested in Austin for many years. Even today, you will find donors to nonprofits in Austin. Why stop there? Join in the dialogue to explore the purchase of land/property along major corridors and recruit/grow business centers, early childhood education centers, vocational/job training centers, and recreational/educational out-of-school facilities.
Yes, there will be initial push-back (on both sides of Austin Boulevard) but Oak Parkers have weathered many of their own village wars.
Ken Woods
Oak Parker since 1988
worked in Austin for 13 years