One Code, One Austin

01/20/21 • 25 min

Known for its high number of shootings and open illegal drug market, the Austin community on Chicago’s far west side struggles between its bad rap, high levels of poverty and lack of jobs and resources. Providing a life line to its residents are organizations like the Institute For Non-Violence Chicago, Westside Health Authority, and Amplify, doing their part to rebuild the community and it’s name. This episode follows Artimmeo, a re-entry specialist at the Institute for Non-Violence Chicago, and others as they’ve established a code to support and assist residents in need.

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Trailer: Change Agents Podcast

A-gen-cy noun: action or intervention, especially such as to produce a particular effect.

Too often the actions of real people of color making real change in their neighborhoods and lives are ignored in the media. Even worse are portrayals that people of color lack the agency to address the wrongs and find solutions that empowers residents and improves conditions. Too often these stories are told from outside, not inside, the community.

Change Agent is a podcasts series by Chicagoans trained to tell stories of their neighborhood transformations and the folks who make that happen. Developed by Judith McCray and Maurice Bisaillon of Juneteenth Productions, Change Agents is a partnership between community organizers and emerging journalists of color who are provided the tools to produce professionally crafted episodes that highlight issues, challenges and ground level efforts for change.

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Change Agents The Podcast - One Code, One Austin

Transcript

Narrator: [00:00:00] Change Agents.

In Chicago's Austin neighborhood, residents are fighting. Fighting to rebuild the neighborhood as a safe place to raise a family and thrive as a community. Here's journalist Kortni Smyers-Jones and activist Mayne Williamson with One Code, One Austin.

Kortni Smyers-Jones: About 50 years ago, Austin was home to middle class families. It thrived with successful businesses like Brock's Candy Company, which was one of