Feels so good to be back in the studio! I recorded the title track for my new EP FURY REVOLUTION. This EP will be a my first in four years so in a sense it feels like starting over. Revolution has been a recurring theme in my life and work. It represents the flow of life and obstacles and how things come back around but I am different each time. If I don't change nothing else will. Can't wait to share!
Happy New Year!
I’ll jump right into it! Like many of us, the pandemic turned my world upside down. I went from consistently performing to being stuck at home. The stay-at-home order forced me to take a look at where I lived and start asking questions about the conditions we live in on the West Side of Chicago. Since November 2020 I worked to start building relationships in Austin where I have lived since 2017. I wasn’t proud of the fact I didn’t know my neighbors and every time you heard about Austin it involved crime or scandal.
I have been busy this past year getting involved in community work. I started participating in discussions involving fair housing and building wealth in the Black community.
My interest in community development led me to seek out funding for beautification or programs to support art and music. I applied for the Chicago Community Works Challenge Grant in August of 2021. I submitted a proposal to renovate Columbus Park. In November I was notified that my proposal was selected as a semi-finalist for the West Region!
I presented my idea during a community meeting and after deliberating I was notified last week that WE WON!!!
The city will be renovating Columbus Park for 1.5 MILLION dollars! Suggested additions include : An area for vendors and food trucks to promote new businesses on the West Side, a permanent performance/movie screening area, an updated walking trail along the expressway and Austin Blvd., seating areas equipped with WIFI, skate park, track, and updating the tennis and basketball courses.
This is an opportunity to create a space that reflects the needs of the Austin community. Austin has suffered due to a lack of investment over the past 70 years! The hope is that this renovation will lead to West Side events such as arts, music, and food festivals. This will encourage businesses to open and meaningful development to take place. The next step is to work with the community to ensure residents questions, comments, and concerns are heard. This also gives us a chance to strengthen partnerships with community organizations to engage residents and stakeholders.
I am still new in the world of community work. It is not easy but knowing that we are working towards a better community is my driving force. I am heavily invested in Austin. I live here and have raised my daughter here. This is where I want to be. Looking forward to making more magic happen!!
Stay tuned,
FURY
