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48th WARD NEWS: FEBRUARY 19, 2026
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FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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Honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson
Reverend Jesse Jackson was larger than life and deeply Chicago. You felt him in the cadence of a speech, in the conviction of a march, in the stubborn belief that we could do better than the world we inherited.
He expressed this conviction when he built the Rainbow PUSH Coalition at a time when few believedsuch a coalition was possible. Black, Brown, white, immigrant, working class, faith leaders, laborâhe insisted we belonged in the same room, fighting for the same future.
He had this way of reminding us that hope isnât soft. Hope is work. Hope is organizing. Hope is showing up again after youâve been told no.
To the Jackson family: Iâm holding you in prayer and in gratitude. Thank you for sharing him with Chicago and with the world.
If we want to honor Rev. Jackson, we canât just quote him. We have to act. We have to protect voting rights. We have to fight poverty and racism like theyâre urgentâbecause they are. We have to keep building coalitions across difference, especially when itâs hard.
Thatâs the work.
Rest in power, Rev. Jackson.
Weâll keep pushing.
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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
48th Ward Alderwoman
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City Council Passes Resolution Celebrating Black History Month
On Wednesday, February 18, the Chicago City Council passed a resolution in recognition and celebration of Black History Month. The resolution highlights the origins of Black History Month over 100 years ago in 1915, 61 years before President Ford officially recognized it in 1976. The document calls attention to the historic and present impacts of slavery, segregation, and systemic racism and celebrates the civil rights leaders who have fought for the rights of Black Americans. Leni was proud to pass this resolution with her colleagues at City Hall, reaffirming her commitment to antiracism, community, and empowerment in her work as alderwoman. Read the full resolution here.Â
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Honoring Buddy Guy at City Hall
Congratulations to Chicago Blues Legend Buddy Guy on his 90th birthday and 9th Grammy win for Ain't Done with the Blues. Born in Louisiana, Buddy Guy moved to Chicago in 1957 and has continued to perform his music ever since, defining and redefining the genre many times over.Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth joined her colleagues in honoring Buddy Guy with a resolution at the February 18 City Council meeting. It was a joy to have Buddy Guy in the Chambers and to be able to present the honor in-person. Read the full resolution here.Â
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48th Ward Black-Owned Business Guide
From restaurants to cafes to retail and more, the 48th Ward is full of incredible Black-owned businesses! Check out our 48th Ward Black-owned business guide on our blog. Notice any we missed? Fill out this form to let us know!
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Visit the DuSable Museum with the 48th Ward Museum PassÂ
The 48th ward office offers a free museum pass good for admission of four guests to participating museums and cultural institutions, including The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (740 E 56th) To request the pass, fill out our online ward service request form and let us know what date(s) you plan to use it. You can also contact us via email (info@the48thward.org) or phone (773-784-5277) to ask about the museum pass.Â
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Submit Requests and Stay Informed with 311 and ChiStreetWork
For non-emergency city service requests, file a 311 report online, through the app, or by dialing 3-1-1. You can also search for and follow along with local city projects at chistreetwork.chicago.gov.
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Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
- When:Â Saturday, February 21 from 10:30am-4pm
- Where:Â Argyle & Sheridan (View road closure information here)
- RSVP here for a chance to win prizes from Argyle businesses!
Join us for the annual Argyle Lunar New Year celebration! To welcome the Year of the Horse, Uptown United will be hosting the Lunar New Year Parade featuring 20+ local performers and community groups, including the 48th Ward Office and many of our local elementary schools. Then, stick around for pop-ups and family-friendly activities until 4pm hosted by local businesses, non-profits, and cultural organizations on Argyle. Learn more online.
Volunteer Opportunities
Uptown United is seeking volunteer parade marshalls to help out from 12-2:30pm. Sign up here.
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Goudy Hot Chocolate Fundraiser
- When: Saturday, February 21 from 12-2pm
- Where:Â HAIBAYĂ Cafe (1132 W Argyle)
- No RSVP required
During the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration, stop into HAIBAYà to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while supporting students at Goudy Technology Academy.
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Summer Internship OpportunitiesÂ
Make the most of your summer! With summer right around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities for young people to explore their interests through internships, including right here at the 48th Ward Office.
One Summer Chicago
One Summer Chicago brings together government institutions, community-based organizations and companies to offer employment and internship opportunities to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24. Learn more and apply online.
Mikva Summer Fellows
Mikva Challenge Summer Fellows places approximately 50 young people after their senior year of high school to serve as Fellows in the offices of city, county, state, and federal officials across the city of Chicago. Fellows also participate in weekly educational workshops that center on community building, goal setting, leadership development, and workplace readiness. Learn more and apply online.Â
48th Ward Office InternshipsÂ
The 48th Ward Office is currently hiring for two positions: Summer Events Intern, and Communications Intern. The application deadline for these roles is Thursday, March 5. Read more about the Summer Events Internhip here. Read more about the Communications Internship here.Â
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Ward Night Recap
Thanks to everyone who attended our February 17 Ward Night. You can read a recap of our discussion on our blog here. Ward Night meetings are an opportunity for neighbors to come together with the alderwoman to ask questions and share concerns. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30pm. Register here.
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All-City Visual Arts Application Deadline Approaching
All-City Visual Arts (ACVA) provides unique opportunities to showcase student achievement in visual and media arts by exhibiting their work in highly visible, public exhibition spaces in Chicago. All CPS students in grades Pre-Kâ12 are eligible to apply. This yearâs exhibition theme is Bloom. We invite you to explore the similarities between ourselves and the natural world. Let your art reflect the ecosystems that help you - or challenge you - as you bloom. Learn more about AVA here. Apply here.
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Vote in the Upcoming Local School Council Elections
Local School Council elections will take place on March 18 at all CPS schools. Join us at an upcoming candidate forum to hear from the candidates and ask them questions. All community members who are Chicago residents and reflect a residential address within the schoolâs attendance area or voting district at least 17 years old are eligible to vote. US citizenship is not a requirement to vote. Use the LSC election map to find where youâre eligible to vote. Â
Senn High School LSC Candidate Forum
- Tuesday, February 24Â at 5:30pmÂ
- Senn Hall (5900 N Glenwood)
McCutcheon Elementary LSC Candidate Forum
- Monday, February 23 at 4pm
- Branch Building (4850 N Kenmore)
Goudy Elementary LSC Candidate Forum
- Tuesday, February 24Â at 5pm
- Goudy Auditorium (5120 N Winthrop)
Hayt Elementary LSC Candidate Forum
- Wednesday, February 24Â at 6pm
- Hayt Library (1518 W Granville)
Swift Elementary LSC Candidate Forum
- Wednesday, February, 25Â at 7:30am
- Swift Auditorium (5900 N Winthrop)
Peirce Elementary LSC Candidate Forum
- Thursday, February 26Â at 5:30pm
- Peirce Gym (1423 W Bryn Mawr)
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Changes to USPS Vote by Mail Postmark Rules
The United States Postal Service now recommends voters mail their completed Vote by Mail ballot at least one week before Election Day. By March 10, 2026, drop your ballot off:
- at any of the 52+ secure drop boxes located in all early voting sites
- at the post office counter (request a manual postmark)
- at the Board of Elections office (69 W. Washington)
To learn more about registering, voting, or becoming a pollworker in the March 17, primary election, visit our blog.
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Kids Activity Open House
- When:Â Saturday, February 28 from 10am-2pm
- Where:Â Broadway Armory (5917 N Broadway)
- Learn more online.Â
With summer 2026 just around the corner, Edgewater Chamber is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase the best activities, classes, ďťżcamps, and programs for kids ages 0-17.
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Supporting Muslim Students, Colleagues, & Neighbors during RamadanÂ
Ramadan Mubarak! Many of our Muslim neighbors are celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan from February 17 to March 19 through fasting, prayer, charity, and community gathering. There are many ways you can support your Muslim friends, colleagues, neighbors, and students during this important time:
- Ramadan will end on March 19 (based on moon-sighting). "Ramadan Mubarak" translates to "Blessed Ramadan."
- Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. "Eid Mubarak" translates to "Blessed Holiday."
- Fasting is physically and mentally challenging. Be patient and compassionate, providing accommodations at work and school as needed.
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Register as an Earth Day Site Captain
The 41st annual citywide Earth Day park cleanups are set for Saturday, April 18, and YOU can register to become a Site Captain at your local park! Site Captains are responsible for galvanizing volunteers, connecting with the park supervisors, and helping clean and green beloved public spaces. Register by March 1. Learn more here.
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DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE
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Voting is OPEN for Participatory Budgeting 2026
Help us spend up to $1 million in public infrastructure funds! Over the past few months, neighbors have shared project ideas online and at community meetings and now, it's time to vote! Voting is open online and in person through Sunday, March 1.
- View project descriptions
- Vote online
- Vote in-person:
- 48th Ward Office (1129 W Bryn Mawr)
- Bezazian Library (1226 W Ainslie)
- Edgewater Library (6000 N Broadway)
- HAIBAYà Cafe (1132 W W Argyle)
Thanks to everyone who came to our PB Info Session! Visit our blog to view the slide deck and a recording of the presentation where we discussed each ballot item and how to vote.
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Complete Streets Briefing
Our team has been working closely with the CDOT Complete Streets team towards Vision Zero, the goal of zero fatalities from traffic crashes. If you have attended any of our Town Halls, you already know our approach to pedestrian safety: âWhen we organize our streets with clear spaces for pedestrians, vehicles, and cyclists, everyone is safer.â
Over the last few years, we have made big investments in pedestrian safety infrastructure in the 48th ward including refuge islands, curb extensions, raised crosswalks, bikeways, enhanced crosswalks, and more. Citywide, traffic fatalities have gone down 30% since 2021 (compared with 9% nationwide). Last week, the Complete Streets team gave a briefing at city council. You can view the briefing deck here.Â
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Hemp Ban Ordinance Update
On February 13th, Mayor Johnson vetoed the Hemp Ban Ordinance that passed City Council in January. Read more about the veto here. Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth supports regulation and quality control of hemp products, similar to how cannabis is currently regulated. However, small businesses have shared concerns regarding the potential impacts of these regulations on their local businesses. Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth shares these same concerns, and because she didnât think that the hemp ban struck the right balance with regulation and impact on small business, she voted no on the Hemp Ban Ordinance. We will continue to work with our chambers and small businesses to support and understand their needs, while ensuring that we prioritize the health and welfare of our neighbors.
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Loyola Campus Plan Survey - Last ChanceÂ
In 2024, Loyola asked neighbors in Rogers Park and Edgewater to share their hopes and priorities for the future of our shared community. This year, the university is collecting additional feedback to understand where the neighborhood's priorities have shifted and evolved and to continue the community engagement process. Access the survey online here. The deadline to submit is Friday, February 20.
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IAC Public Hearing - Operation Midway Blitz
- When: Tuesday, February 24 from 9am-1pm
- Where: 160 N LaSalle (6th Floor, Room C600)
- Learn more online.
The Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) is holding a public hearing to document how federal enforcement operations have impacted our communities. The Commission will hear directly from those on the ground and from community institutions, and examine impacts across health and well-being, education, public safety, and economic vitality. We encourage community members to share their experiences and observations during the public comment portion of the hearing.
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24th District Council February Meeting
- When:Â Sunday, February 22 at 3pm
- Where:Â Rogers Park Library (6907 NÂ Clark)
- No RSVPÂ required
Are you interested in public safety? Looking for a way to get involved in community safety initiatives? Attend your next local district council meeting and join the conversation! Each district council is made up of three people elected by their community to build stronger relationships with police. The more people who participate in this vital community policing process, the more effective it can be. Thank you for working with us to build a safe and healthy neighborhood where we can all thrive.
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Family Preparedness Workshop Schedule
The Resurrection Project (TRP), Chicago Public Library (CPL), and the Mayorâs Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) host a series of Family Preparedness Plan (FPP) workshops for impacted individuals, families, and allies. This series aims to inform community members about the importance of creating a family preparedness plan, share available resources and guides to build their own, and direct people to trusted organizations for support. There are two remaining virtual workshops this month, and monthly in-person workshops will continue next month. Register online:Â
- Spanish presentation - Wednesday, February 25 at 6pm
- English presentation - Wednesday, February 25 at 11am
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Celebrating Three Years of 211 Metro Chicago
211Â Metro Chicago is a free, 24/7 helpline that connects residents to essential, trusted services including food, housing, and utility assistance. The City of Chicago and Cook County provide critical support by covering approximately 70% of the program's primary funding, contributing roughly $3 million annually to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Just a few years ago, Chicago was among the last major metropolitan areas without this essential service; Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth has been an avid supporter of bringing 211 to our community to better support our neighbors. Now, we're proud to be celebrating three years of 211!Â
In 2025, the most common 211 requests in the 60660 ZIP code were housing (63%), utility assistance (17%), and income support (12%). The most common requests in 60640 were housing (63%), food/meals (15%), and utility assistance (14%). Together, these two zip codes generated 550+ referrals for low-income/subsidized housing, 119 rental payment assistance referrals, 108 job referrals, and 300+ utility-assistance referralsâa clear reminder that when neighbors need help, 211 connects them to real resources and pathways to stability. Learn more about 211 here.Â
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Holiday Lights Recycling Update
Thank you to everyone who recycled their broken, non-working holiday lights at our office this year instead of throwing them away! We're happy to announce that across 45 drop-off locations, Reduce Waste Chicago diverted 4,227 lbs of lights from landfills! Looking forward to next year! Learn more online.
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Narcan, Test Strips, and Wellness Kits Available at the Ward Office
Narcan nasal spray, fentanyl test strips, and wellness stringbags are available at the 48th Ward office. Narcan is the brand name of the medication naloxone which reverses the effects of opioid overdose and will not harm someone who is not experiencing an overdose. Fentanyl test strips are a form of harm reduction that helps people avoid unknowingly ingesting fentanyl. Finally, our wellness string bags are filled with gloves, hats, scarves, socks, hand warmers, blankets, and hand sanitizer wipes. All of these health and safety resources are available for free at the ward office (1129 W Bryn Mawr) while supplies last.
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CDPH Statement on HHS Vaccine Update
Last month, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it will recommend fewer vaccinations for American children. HHS leadership made this sudden decision unilaterally, ignoring decades of scientific research and bypassing a long-established process for creating US immunizations schedules that protect the health and wellness of millions. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently published a statement saying that they do not support these changes and remain committed to evidence-based practices. Read the full statement on our blog.
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CLICK HEREÂ to opt in to receive occasional crime alerts from our office. If you're having trouble with this link, you can also opt in by re-subscribing HERE and checking the box at the bottom of the form. Doing so will not alter or double your existing newsletter subscription.
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CHECK OUT THE 48th WARD CALENDAR
Never miss an event! See the calendar on our website for more exciting things happening in the ward. Fill out this form to have your own event listed.
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WHERE IN THE WARD IS LENI?
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Nicole dropped by the third Edgewater Indoor Market of the 2026 season where local vendors were selling treats and trinkets! On select Saturdays this winter, you can shop over 70 local businesses at the Broadway Armory. Remaining dates include February 28, and March 14. Learn more here.
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Last week, Leni stood with Loyola food service workers who organized with UNITE HERE Local 1 to fight for a fair contract. Edgewater and Rogers Park are proudly working-class and diverse across race, class, and identity. The workers who feed Loyola students are our neighbors and they deserve dignity, respect, and a contract that reflects their value.Â
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Did you see us on Sheridan this weekend? Leni and Genesis were out in the ward delivering Participatory Budgeting flyers and other ward resources to Sheridan Condo buildings. The alderwoman is always happy to bring ward information and resources to you! Use this link to invite her to your next event or meeting.Â
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