COMMUNITY ACTIVISM IN OAK PARK: COMPETING AGENDAS ...

Chapter 4
COMMITTED TO CHANGE
I waved “hello” to Damien, an African-American project manager for the St.
HOPE Corporation, and he stopped sweeping the sidewalk and walked into
Starbuck’s and sat next to me. Damian was professionally dressed and began to
speak about his new job as project manager. He explained he cleaned the
property once in a while to make it look presentable and keep it clean, in light of
the fact that homeless people leave trash on the ground. Next, Damien mentioned
the development that would be taking place across the street…the 4 th Avenue
Lofts had been approved for construction and the Jersey Market 18
was seized
through eminent domain. An old bungalow across from Broadway will be moved
in its place. Damien told me that St. HOPE employees have begun to gain trust in
him and mentioned advice that was given to him in the past by his mentor…“Trust
is gained slowly. Learn the foundation of a business entity, how it works, then
make small changes.” While saying goodbye to me, he lightly tapped me on the
shoulder, smiled, and was off.
This conversation illuminates the ideological trappings of revitalization politics
and reveals the dominant perspective of middle-class residents in Oak Park who want to
facilitate social change through revitalization projects in the neighborhood. Although
Damien is living in a community that has many homeless and poor residents, his
acknowledgement of them is almost nonchalant as he explains how he sweeps the trash
off the floor that is left after them. The homeless and their daily habits are perceived as
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