The People of West Town
It takes very dedicated and hardworking people to keep the identity of the neighborhood alive. We had the opportunity to interview some of these outstanding individuals. Enjoy!
Community Leader/Organizer- Alex Wilson
"Alex Wilson is the Executive Director and Founder of WTB. He acts as visionary and leader in formulating, articulating and implementing organizational philosophy, mission, strategy, goals and objectives. In partnership and with the Board of Directors, he develops and implements annual and long-term strategic goals and objectives to advance the mission of the organization. He oversees the management and development of programs, people, and initiatives of West Town Bikes. Since 2004, Alex has developed a majority of programs as well as developed and piloted programs for other organizations including the Active Transportation Alliance, After School Matters, Elev8, Children’s Home and Aid Society, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago and the City of Chicago. Beyond his passion working for youth development and community building Alex is driven by the unwavering belief that bikes are fun!" (West Town Bikes)
In my interview with Alex, we talk about how he got involved in community outreach programming, the issues that the community faces, and what he-- and West Town Bikes-- is doing to combat these issues and bring positive experiences to young people growing up in West Town.
In my interview with Alex, we talk about how he got involved in community outreach programming, the issues that the community faces, and what he-- and West Town Bikes-- is doing to combat these issues and bring positive experiences to young people growing up in West Town.
Contact Information
WTB Phone: 773.772.6523 Ciclo Urban Phone: 773.772.4870 WTB Address: 2459 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 |
Long term residents of Ukrainian village and community leaders
George Matwyshynemail: [email protected]
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"A scientist, George is an active member of the Ukrainian Village neighborhood where his parents moved in 1955. His involvements include St. Nicholas Cathedral Church and School where he served on the Parish Council for twenty-five years and in the Parent Teachers Assn., respectively.
As President of the Ukrainian Village Preservation Society for nine of the ten years of its existence, George was very active in getting the Ukrainian Village Landmark District established," says online newspaper Our Urban Times about George. George has lived in Ukrainian village since he was six years old, when his family moved from Rhode Island. One of the biggest reasons to move to Chicago for his family was a strong Ukrainian community. Since then, George has seen how Ukrainian village has changed. Inspired by this unique place and moved by the lack of information on this neighborhood, he has been writing a book on Ukrainian Village for the last 3 years. In the interview, he reveals the origins of Ukrainian village. He also explains why Ukrainians have resided in this specific location. George gives insights on how the village looked like in the last century and what changes it has undergone. He explains the role of local organizations in the life of the Ukrainian diaspora. Besides, talking about Ukrainian village, he tells history of West Town. George touches on important topics, such as gentrification, achievements of the community, and current challenges, as well as the way to combat them. |
Lydia TkaczukFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lydia.tkaczuk.1/about?section=overview&pnref=about
Lydia on museum's website: http://ukrainiannationalmuseum.org/board-of-directors/ |
Lydia was born in Ukrainian village and has lived there her whole life. Currently, she is the president of Ukrainian National Museum (Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago).
In the interview, Lydia shares her memories on how Ukrainian village used to look like. As the head of the museum, she shares interesting facts on how the museum serves the needs of larger community of West Town. She examines potential partnerships between neighborhoods in West Town. Lydia told me about past attempts and current organizations that unite ethnic establishments within the community. |