Asiaha Butler, Englewood: Reframing the NarrativeI had a mindset shift. My initial mind was this community is horrible. Then I'm meeting phenomenal people and hearing phenomenal narratives. I'm like, wait, these stories are not told.
Our Stories
Season 1
COVID19 rocked the world in 2020.
Life, work, school and activity came to a screeching halt for most as stay-at-home orders and other restrictions dramatically changed how we interacted and lived. Despite these restrictions, the lack of information and a vaccine, community organizations, organizers and activists stepped up and in to fill the void. They provided food and other basics while keeping to their charge to improve the conditions of their communities and lives of their citizens.
Life, work, school and activity came to a screeching halt for most as stay-at-home orders and other restrictions dramatically changed how we interacted and lived. Despite these restrictions, the lack of information and a vaccine, community organizations, organizers and activists stepped up and in to fill the void. They provided food and other basics while keeping to their charge to improve the conditions of their communities and lives of their citizens.
Our Community
The following grassroots organizations serving communities of color across Chicago land partnered with the Change Agents journalists, generating authenticity, insight and trusted connections for our stories.
Behind the Scenes

is a visual artist born and raised in Chicago. For the past several years, she's held educational support roles for teens and adults across the city. Maribel is never without her dog, Cubby, or a pair of knitting needles.

is a Chicago native who came to audio art and radio production by way of feminist praxis, community organizing and sexual health education. Her work has been featured on the BBC show Shortcuts from Falling Tree Productions, as well as on The Heart, and Antibody, a podcast series from Jacobin Magazine’s The Dig. Ariel also teaches audio storytelling to teens at After School Matters and aspires to become a skilled tap dancer.
Funding provided by the Field Foundation and the Chicago Community Trust. City Bureau is our fiscal sponsor.
Other Seasons
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If you have a story idea or know of activists organizations working to bring solutions to the needs of a Chicago-land community of color, please send us a message.
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