Posted by Join Dr. Chris Stacey for a moderated discussion with I Grow Chicago founder and Executive Director Robbin Carroll and Director of Programs Ken Johnson. IGrow Chicago is involved in turning Englewood from “surviving to thriving” through community connection, skill building, and opportunity.
Format
Part 1: The History of Englewood, Robbin and Ken's Stories, The Founding and Mission of IGrow Chicago.
Part 2: IGrow Chicago's and Englewood's Response to George Floyd.
Part 3: IGrow Chicago in Englewood During the Time of Covid-19.
Part 4: Additional Questions and Answers.
Learn about the history of Englewood and why this community became one of one of Chicago’s most impoverished and violent neighborhoods. Hear why IGrow Chicago was founded, the stories behind Robbin and Ken's participation in the organization, and how IGrow's grassroots model affects the lives of residents and the community. Robbin and Ken will discuss what is happening in Englewood with the community response to George Floyd's murder and the Covid-19 crisis. This is a CUCC Signature Event and one that is essential to understanding how our interactions with the community through understanding, hope, love, and most importantly action can bring about positive change for all Chicagoans.
Join us in a free ranging conversation about the Englewood community with plenty of Q & A time. Each "Part" of the evening is based on audience participation with Robbin and Ken.
Date: Wednesday, June 24
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Zoom: Link sent to all registrants in advance.
About Robbin Carroll
Robbin’s journey is rooted in her work to understand how the body moves to heal trauma and her belief in collaborative community engagement to foster hope and healing. After earning a degree in biochemistry from UCLA and running her own business for 35 years, she completed her kundalini yoga teacher certification, along with training in Street Yoga, YogaKids, Radiant Child Yoga, Brain Gym, and Heart Math.
Looking to provide some relief from the stress and trauma of continual exposure to violence, she began volunteering as a yoga teacher for children at an Englewood community school. Soon she found that the children she most wanted to engage and impact were outside the classroom – they were either sitting in the hallway, suspended, or expelled. The root causes of trauma, experienced outside of school walls and by people of all ages, meant expanding her efforts.
The result is I Grow Chicago.
Then as now, Robbin works to integrate the practices of restorative justice, artistic expression, mindful movement, and community development to create a new model of social change.
About Ken Johnson
Ken Johnson serves as the Director of Programs for IGC. He worked for 35 years in law enforcement and has been dedicated to serving the Englewood community for many years. His unique perspective allows him to relate to and support our community in a way that is exemplary of I Grow Chicago’s mission.