Friday, June 13, 2025 | View in browser
Hi 2nd Ward residents,
Hello and Happy June!
I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you this summer—whether in person or virtually.
I’d like to clarify something regarding the May 12 Evanston City Council meeting. I was absent that evening due to a planned commitment. As many of you know, I work at Oakton College and am responsible for coordinating Graduation, which always falls on the second Monday in May. This has been known to Council colleagues since last year, and the current Council was also informed upon taking office.
I take my role as your representative very seriously and do not miss meetings lightly. Please rest assured that when I’m not on the dais, it’s because I’ve taken every possible step to communicate and plan ahead. Going forward, I will make a better effort to keep 2nd Ward residents directly informed in advance.
I’m excited to see many of you in the coming weeks as we continue our important work on behalf of the city. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
The upcoming 2nd Ward Meeting will take place in a hybrid format on Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in Room D at the Robert Crown Community Center, or via Google Meet. For virtual access register in advance.
We will discuss vital issues affecting our community and plan for a brighter future. Your participation is crucial, as your input and concerns are essential in shaping the policies that impact our neighborhood.
Meeting Topics:
- City Manager Luke Stowe will discuss current events and relevant topics.
- Artistic Director of the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre Tim Rhoze will discuss upcoming shows.
- Officer Adam Howard will go over community safety measures, and answer any question or public safety concerns.
- Community discussion regarding the development at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave.
 Community Spotlight: Harbert Payne Park
A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated stewards of Harbert Payne Park who continue to show up, clean up, and care for this cherished neighborhood space. I was happy to join them on a recent clean up and was struck by their commitment to maintaining the beauty, safety, and spirit of the park. From pulling weeds to picking up litter, your work makes the park more welcoming for families, neighbors, and visitors alike. We celebrate and appreciate your efforts—Harbert Payne Park is thriving because of you!
 City to Recognize and Honor Juneteenth with Annual Parade and Celebration
Working in parallel with Evanston Present and Future, the City will honor Juneteenth with the 6th Annual Juneteenth Parade and Celebrations on Sat., June 21.
Freedom Parade, 11 a.m.
Kick off the celebration by watching or joining the Freedom Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. from its new starting point at Dempster St. and Dodge Ave. The parade will head north to Ingraham Park and feature local organizations, schools, nonprofits, marching groups, floats, the Jesse White Tumblers, South Shore Drill Team, and more.
A Divine Nine Juneteenth Legacy Celebration, Noon to 4 p.m.
Following the parade, community members are invited to come together for the annual Juneteenth Day of Celebration on Sat., June 21, at Ingraham Park, from Noon to 4 p.m. This vibrant event will honor the history, achievements, and future of Black Americans through art, music, culture, and community connection. This event will feature:
- Award presentations by Evanston Present and Future
- Guest speakers, including a representative from Evanston’s historic Divine Nine (D9) Black Greek-letter organizations
- A live concert performance of The Cooke Book: The Music of Sam Cooke, featuring Darrian Ford
- Spoken word artists, stepping and strolling by the D9, Ayodele Drum & Dance, and more
- A Playzone for kids, D9 Scavenger Hunt, face painting, and dozens of artisan and food vendors
 Farmers' market season is in full swing!
The Downtown Evanston Farmers’ Market is open for its 50th with more than 70 vendors selling everything from fruit to flowers to baked goods. The Market is open every Saturday through November 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at University Place and Oak Avenue.
New this year: Enjoy daily live musical performances and special vendor spotlights, exciting collaborations with Evanston Made, Likhaya, and Spud Club Takeover Days hosted by the Evanston Art Center, and more!
2nd Ward Updates – Recent Highlights
Love Your Block
We were awarded a $100,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for neighborhood-based projects across the 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 9th Wards. Our kickoff event was full of energy, love, and inspiring ideas! Visit the City’s homepage for more details.
Public Safety Meeting – May 8
Following the incident on May 3, I hosted a direct community meeting with City and Deputy Managers, the Chief and Commanders of Police, Community Officer Howard, the CARE Team Deputy Director, and the Director of Health and Human Services. Increased patrols are in place, and we are actively monitoring the situation.
Past Recent Events & Ward Representation
May 10: Attended the eLEAP Kickoff Breakfast at Fleetwood, The Aux Ribbon Cutting, and Family Field Day at NewbergMay 14: Represented the 2nd Ward at the Mayor’s State of the City AddressMay 21: Participated in the Chicago Avenue ITEP EventMay 24: Joined the farewell breakfast for Pastor Dillard and the Mason Park CleanupMay 25: Attended the vigil for the (now found) ETHS student
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. I'm here for you and always just a message away. As always, if you have concerns I encourage you to email me. You can call for urgent needs but emails keep us on track and don’t get lost in the shuffle.
Please mark the date on your calendar, and let your neighbors know about the meeting. Working together, we can continue to make the 2nd Ward a great place to live and thrive. See you on the June 17 in-person at the Robert Crown Community Center or on Zoom!
Krissie Harris
Councilmember, 2nd Ward
847-448-0986
kharris@cityofevanston.org
cityofevanston.org
|
