The Community is Coming Together

The Community is Coming Together

Today is officially the first day of summer vacation for most high school students in Chicago. Predictably, last night, large numbers of them gathered boisterously, disturbing the peace for residents near the 57th Street Beach. Last week, police arrested dozens of young people during the mayhem and confiscated numerous weapons. Three teens were wounded by gunfire.

On Monday, the grassroots effort to enhance the safety of ward residents and visitors of all ages begins in earnest with a critical discussion with the Chicago Police Department, the Mayor's Youth Commission, the University of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, and 4th Ward Ald. Lamont Robinson and I, for what teen safety advocate and Halloween "CollaBOOration" founder Bennie Currie is calling a "Convergence."

On Wednesday, I am hosting a Hyde Park community safety meeting.

I also encourage you to attend next week's CAPS meeting:

Beat 235

Community Policing Meeting

Thursday, June 11, 2026

6 p.m.

Nichols Park

1355 East 53rd Street

Chicago

Can't Attend One of These Meetings?

Your thoughts are valuable.

Please contribute your solutions here.

Thanks,

Ald. Desmon Yancy, Fifth Ward

In case you missed my Op-Ed about this issue in the Chicago Tribune:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/06/02/opinion-chicago-teen-takeover-response-inadequate/

Resources for Teen Activities

The Chicago Park District offers online tools that help Chicagoans find Teen Centers and Teen in the Parks events throughout the city: 

Teens in the Parks FREE programs (includes map): 

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/teens-parks 

Park District Teen Centers (includes map): 

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/teen-centers 

Teen in the Parks program series for Summer: 2026

CPkD Teen Flyers 

What Else Is Happening?

The South Shore Cultural Center Park Advisory Council invites you to a fun and engaging community party on Friday, June 12, at the Cultural Center, 7059 So. South Shore Drive.

This is a free, family-friendly event focused on connection, culture, and celebration. Wear your best party attire and come ready to enjoy a great afternoon and evening with neighbors and friends!