ENGLEWOOD — Through a new campaign, The Safest Summer Ever 2017, a local church will be providing more programming to keep children safe in Englewood.
Greater Saint John AME Church, 6201 S. Throop St., is kicking off the summer with a screening of the movie "Black Butterfly" at 7 p.m. June 30 for $5. The film directed by Englewood native Mark Harris is about a girl who dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer until she is raped. A Q&A will follow the screening.
You can get tickets through Eventbrite. Friday nights will be movie nights, said the Rev. Kevin Brooks, pastor of the church.
“Englewood At The Movies is one of our strategies anchored in our campaign,” he said, adding that this initiative aims to provide a safe haven for young people in the surrounding areas.
Harris will be the keynote speaker on June 30, Brooks said. He hopes the teens will become interested in acting and writing.
The Rev. Kevin Brooks of Greater Saint John AME Church at an Englewood Peace Walk on June 9, 2017 [Provided by Rashanah Baldwin]
There will be more than just movie nights. Other programs like mentoring for boys and girls and sports are just a few examples of the things the church plans to offer children and teens, Brooks said.
“It's a way of getting their attention immediately before the summer starts off,” he said, adding that this is really a comprehensive anti-violence initiative.
The church has always had an important role in the community, Brooks said. His church was founded in 1887 and is the oldest African-American church in Englewood.
“So much of Englewood, as well as many neighborhoods, are anchored on the faith-based community working with residents,” he said. “The role of the church is to dictate the tone of what goes on in communities.”
The campaign introduces a community policing model that is needed in Englewood, Brooks said. The church wants to give the children and teens something to do because there aren't enough recreation centers. The goal this summer is to keep them safe, Brooks said.
“There will be no excuse for young people to say there’s nothing to do,” he said. “This will provide support for parents. The church is a parent for children whose parents aren't present.”
Rashanah Baldwin, a member of the church who is helping lead some of the initiatives, said she's pleased to see faith-based leaders in Englewood open their doors to the community.
"Pastor Kevin Andre Brooks is really redefining the way Millennials like myself see church and that wasn't always in a positive light," she said. "It amazes me how many people talk about the problems but don't really want to do the work. I'm happy #SafestSummerEver is working to develop better community relations with the police, promote civic engagement, promote the Good In Englewood and create peace in Englewood."
Other events happening this month include:
• Praise In The Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine. The event will feature food.
• Englewood's First Responders Luncheon, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday at Greater Saint John AME. Police, firemen, veterans and paramedics who serve in Englewood will be honored.
