National Night Out events in Evanston are typically an opportunity for residents to come together on a summer evening and get to know their neighbors while taking a public stand against crime.
Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl is inviting residents to introduce a new element to the Tuesday, August 2 event, suggesting attendees bring the topic of race into their conversations.
Tisdahl said in an announcement Tuesday that the idea grew out of a challenge from President Barack Obama earlier this month asking the nation’s mayors to convene 100 community conversations on race relations, justice, policing and equality.
“This year, I am asking that neighbors use this occasion to discuss issues of race and equality in our community and what we as individuals can do to make a difference,” she said in the announcement.
The mayor even offered a few starter questions including, “How would you describe the overall state of race relations in out community?” and “What is each of us personally willing to do to make a difference?”
National Night Out celebrations in Evanston will be taking place at sites across the city. Tisdahl expressed hope that all residents will consider attending one of the events.
“Our country has been faced this summer with a series of incidents that have once again brought to the forefront issues of race and equality in society,” Tishdahl said in the announcement. “In Evanston, we have come together many times to discuss these issues and strategize on ways to address them in our community. These discussions have been the foundation for change in ways we police our community, how we create jobs for those that need them most and for better ways of communicating with one another.”
The mayor expressed hope residents will let her know what was discussed “and ideas you and your neighbors developed,” she said.
National Night Out locations include:
* Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., where science, technology, engineering, art and math activities are to take place outside the library’s Church Street entrance between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
* 1500 Washington Neighbors, on the 1500 block of Washington Street, will feature a block party barbecue starting at 7 p.m.
* Brummel Park Neighborhood Watch will host a neighborhood walk beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Custer Avenue and Howard Street.
* The Evanston Animal Shelter, 2310 Oakton St., invites community members to enjoy snacks and games while meeting some of the shelter’s animals from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
* A neighborhood meet-and-greet at Church Street and Dodge Avenue starting at 7 p.m.
* Penny Park, at Lake Street and Ashland Avenue, for a movie in the park. The gathering starts at 7 p.m., and the movie, “Inside Out,” begins at dusk.
* Cartwright Park, 3300 Noyes St., will host a neighborhood gathering with food and drinks from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
* Hidden Park Neighborhood Watch, Dobson/Brummel Park, at Ashland Avenue between Dobson and Brummel streets will host a neighborhood meet-and-greet session at 7 p.m.
Smith Park Neighborhood Watch, Smith Park, Ashland Avenue and Lyons Street, where a block party in the park will be held, featuring popsicles and treats starting at 7 p.m.
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