Alton Park

On April 11th Stories of Resilience was introduced to the community of Alton Prak. We celebrated the launch of the website with Food, vendors, and a panel discussion to highlight the stories of Milton Jackson, Larry High, and Travis Gladden. The event was important for the launch of the site for many reasons but most importantly to uplift the community. Alton Park members transferred powerful words of affirmation through a discussion about the history and future of Alton Park. It was a great experience to share these stories, but it was even greater to witness the support of so many people born and raised in Alton Park. Many faces showed up with pride for their community. They are representing the history that was paved in the southside. The surprises that came with this project were the relationships that had already been built. The people who've become living icons on the southside are the ones voicing their opinions and facts about how to improve the community. They want to see the community thriving and united. However, a lot is in the way of that goal. They still hope to see it come back around for future generations. I hope that by having their approval to share these stories people will hear the beauty that lives in Alton Park. I want people to see what the brothers and sisters of Alton Park have done to represent their pride for the Southside. Its decades of rooted traditions that culturally center around black power and the black effort. They are everyday people working to keep something they deserve to keep. It’s a true honor to be a part of the quest to preserve history and remain resilient for many years to come. This series is the lantern for what will continue to grow in my creative practice.