Spoken Word

Photo Credit: Mya Rose

Our mentees learned about writing and theatre from Clarybelle for the second half of Saturday’s workshop. They began with some exercises that are done before a show, like “I am, I like, I do”, walking around the space at different speeds, mirroring a partner, and heads up, heads down. The goal of these particular exercises is to connect and work as a team collectively. Once they were connected, the mentees starting working on short pieces of writing about objects around the room to practice being descriptive and depth, as well as stories about moments in their lives that are significant. Clarybelle also taught them that simply writing something down can help it to feel more real or can help to release it from their thoughts. The mentees had a lot of fun interacting and learning new things during this workshop! We can’t wait to see Clarybelle again!

Photo Credit: Mya Rose

Maywoodian Families | Bustamante Family

Photo Credit: Cristal Andrade

How long have you lived in Maywood?:

9 years

What are you loving about Maywood?:

The community atmosphere is really nice on our block. All of the neighbors look out for each other and each other's kids. I love the history that some of our neighbors carry about Maywood, and their excitement towards seeing Maywood grow and thrive once more.

Favorite memory in Maywood?:

When I was 9 months pregnant with my 4th child, me and my family would walk up and down the neighborhood at night. All of the neighbors would wave, cheer me on, and encourage us as the due date came closer and closer. It was one of the things that helped me get through that last month!

What opportunities has Maywood brought to your family?:

When we were looking for a home, we didn't qualify for very much. We looked all through Chicago and suburbs but everything in our price range was complete junk. When we found our home in Maywood we were so skeptical. We wondered what's the issue? Why is this house so inexpensive? This house has only gained equity over the years and has allowed us to expand, dream bigger, and get ahead. We've also been able to house roommates who have gone on to change careers, get debt free, prepare for marriage, and buy their own homes. It has blessed us and our growing family, as well as many around us.

What hopes do you have for your Maywood community?:

I hope for Maywood to thrive. To see the beautiful people of the community get ahead, not just one family here or there, but unified together. We have all the potential, we have an amazing location close to everything, we have incredible neighbors, teachers, and professionals in all fields, but we need our leadership to see the potential and walk Maywood towards that. Cause it's here, it just needs to be uncovered.

What is something that your family enjoys doing together?:

We love taking "adventure" walks. We go all around the neighborhood imagining fun crazy scenarios all year long and make up all kinds of silly things that could be happening.

Photo Credits: Cristal Andrade, Suha Kassar, Mya Frank, Jasmyn Scavella, Houmam Kassar

Maywoodian Families | Hurt Family

Photo Credit: Suha Kassar

How long have you lived in Maywood?: 

42 years

What are you loving about Maywood?: 

I love the block that I live on because it's quiet and I have neighbors that have lived on this block my entire life.

Favorite memory in Maywood?: 

I remember playing double dutch sun up to sun down and riding bikes with my sister and friends.

What opportunities has Maywood brought to your family?: 

This is my childhood home where my mom and dad brought me from Panama City Florida at 6 months old. I am very blessed to have lived in one house my entire life. This community has allowed me and my family to get a good education for grade and high school as well as taught me and my sister dance. We have lifelong friends in the community as well.

What hopes do you have for your Maywood community?: 

I hope that this community can get back to what it used to be, which is a peaceful place that is great for raising children.

What is something that your family enjoys doing together?: 

We enjoy hanging out at the neighboring movie theatre, as well as going to the Maywood library. We love to have barbeques in the back yard with friends and family just enjoying each others company.

Photo Credit: Suha Kassar, Mya Frank, Cristal Andrade, Jasmyn Scavella