Evanston Rules

Overview of "Echoes of Evanston: The Soul of Community Hospital" “Echoes of Evanston: The Soul of Community Hospital” is a multi-part creative collaboration that explores the often overlooked history of the Evanston Sanitarium, later known as Community Hospital. This institution served the Black community on Chicago's North Shore from 1914 to 1980. Through this series, Evanston Rules shares the untold stories of pioneering Black physicians, healthcare teams, and patients who faced healthcare challenges during racial segregation. In-depth interviews were conducted with community members who experienced Community Hospital firsthand. This “Echoes of Evanston” project is supported by Healing Illinois, a racial healing initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Field Foundation of Illinois. Evanston Rules partnered with Northlight Theatre to bring these conversations to life. Northlight Theatre Artistic Fellow Tor Campbell transformed material from these interviews into an evening of dramatic readings, presented at Northlight Theatre for an invited audience. Episode Featuring Carlis Sutton In our first episode, we feature Carlis Sutton, a living encyclopedia of Evanston's Black history. Carlis recounts the vibrant and thriving community that existed before integration. He shares his extensive knowledge about historical institutions like Community Hospital, which played a crucial role in serving the Black community when other hospitals refused them care. Carlis not only shares his own history but also the stories of those who came before him, providing rich insights into why the Fifth Ward has become less recognizable over the years. A member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Carlis is a lifelong Evanstonian who attended Foster Elementary School, Haven Middle School, and Evanston Township High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), a master’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a J.D. from Texas Southern University. He has taught in the Chicago Public Schools system and taught Sunday School at Second Baptist Church of Evanston, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1972. His storytelling offers a profound understanding of the changes and challenges faced by the community. Discover the special history of Evanston in this episode and those that follow, as we delve deep into the unique and vibrant lives that shaped it.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Schenita Stewart, Evanston's first Black female police chief. She shared personal photos of her family and spoke about the significant influences in her life. We discussed her experiences growing up in Evanston and the importance of her role in the community where she was born. Chief Stewart speaks openly and passionately about her dedication to Evanston and her vision as police chief. Listen to understand and to hear her inspiring story and deep commitment to her hometown, Evanston, Illinois. Episode photo credit: Rich Cahan

Dr. Marcus Campbell is making history in education, reshaping the landscape through his unwavering commitment to equity. Taking actionable steps, Dr. Campbell, in our 6th episode of Season Three, shares insights as the superintendent of Evanston Township High School, District 202—the first Black person to hold this position in over 134 years. Reflect on what this signifies for our diverse Evanston. In our conversation, Dr. Campbell discusses his tenure at ETHS, where his passion for teaching continues to drive his role as Superintendent. He opens up about the memorabilia in his office, connecting him to his ancestors and grounding him. This link fuels his dedication to improving Evanston for future generations. Dr. Campbell is an unapologetic advocate for equity in education. Listen to understand the transformative journey he's leading.

In "Building Equity" our 5th episode from Season Three, we speak with Dr. Allan Alson, the former superintendent of Evanston Township High School, District 202. Dr. Alson talks about his move to Evanston, addressing perceptions about the community, and candidly sharing how he didn't let initial impressions affect his belief in Evanston's potential. With this perspective, he committed to creating an equitable Evanston, embracing the differences that make him stand out. He's bold, courageous, and committed to the work. Dr. Alson is not just an ally; he's an accomplice in making Evanston even better. Listen To Understand.

In this 4th episode from Season Three, "Ahead Of Her Time", we spoke with Dr. Mabel Williams, a cherished educator, mentor and Evanston resident of over 60 years, who has not only called this community home, but has also contributed significantly to its educational landscape. Her journey began as a special education teacher at Walker School and later as a learning disabilities teacher at Dawes School. Her passion for student success and well-being drove her to become a supervisor in the Special Services Department. Throughout her career, Dr. Williams' unwavering commitment to her students often raised eyebrows, as she placed their success above all else, even job security. In her well-deserved retirement, Dr. Williams continues to lead a purposeful life, attending multiple classes and nurturing her mind, body, and spirit. Her dedication to lifelong learning and self-improvement serves as an inspiring example to us all. Her legacy embodies the values we strive to uphold, and her story is a testament to the impact one can have on a community. In a previous episode of Evanston Rules, we had the privilege of featuring Dr. Williams' son, Rodney Williams, in an enlightening conversation titled “I’ll Have What He’s Having.” Listen to understand.

In this 3rd episode from Season Three, we spoke with Dr. Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65. Dr. Horton's passion for his work shines through as he shares his deep belief and unwavering commitment to achieving equity in education. He envisions a school system that is fair and just for all students, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. It is essential to note the significance of the timing of this episode. Since our conversation, Dr. Horton has made the decision to resign from his position as superintendent in Evanston. He concluded his tenure at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and has taken on the role of superintendent in the DeKalb County school district. Listen to Understand! Photo Credit: Evanston/Skokie Dist. 65

The Art of History. The 2nd episode from Season 3 of the Evanston Rules podcast features Janet Dees. Janet is a curator and art historian who speaks about her life experiences and how they inform her work in art history and vice versa. Janet is the Steven and Lisa Munster Tananbaum, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Northwestern University‘s Block Museum of Art. Listen to understand.

In Season Three's 1st episode, we (LAURICE and RON) are switching seats with one of our good friends and favorite guests from Season One, Judge LARRY AXELROOD. Larry asks us some questions about how we got to where we are today and where we see Evanston Rules going and growing. And we answer with our typical no holds barred style. Listen to understand.

In Season two’s 14th episode, we talk with 4 founders of The AUX: JACQUI WHITE, LORI LASER, TIFFINI HOLMES and TOSHA WILSON. Listen as we learn about their huge efforts to build a community space owned by the people - a commercial hub led by black ownership that has been envisioned by its founders to bring healing, wellness and racial equity to Evanston. We learn about the experiences that brought all of them together and the importance of The AUX’s work with connectivity and working collaboratively to create a space where all are welcome.

OLIVER RUFF brings to mind three words, consistency, present and commitment. He has always been exactly the same, whether in friendship, inspiring his many students, or by showing up to affect positive change. Mr. Ruff is a person who cares, is committed and passionate about Evanston and its residents. He grew up in Evanston, taught school and became an administrator in District 65. He credits his mother with his solid foundation and strong work ethic. Mr. Ruff is a founding member of numerous foundations as well as the eponymous scholarship, Oliver A. Ruff Education and Mentoring Scholarship. We say, there is no equity without action and Mr. Ruff certainly does just that. Listen to Understand!

Denise has overcome what for many would be roadblocks to success, but her determination at every juncture has shown her to be a formidable yet compassionate competitor. Denise’s Evanston public school education started at Dewey School. Because of forced integration, she and the rest of the black student community were then bused to Walker for 6th grade. She went on to Skiles, ETHS and finally to Northwestern University where she earned two degrees. After graduating from Northwestern, Denise worked as an administrator at ETHS. In her exemplary career she took seriously her relationship with the black community. She loves Evanston but says about it, “no bulls-eye yet, we keep shooting narrows. We got lots of arrows.” In addition to her many personal and professional accomplishments, she’s made community involvement a priority in her life as she supports and celebrates Evanston, continuing to make it a better place.

The story of the Logan family continues in this episode with GILO KWESI LOGAN. In our last episode with his father, retired police Chief Bill Logan, we spoke of his father’s contributions to our hometown. In this episode, The Beat of His Own Drum, we to talk with Gilo, who explains how his name evolved from Gary to Gilo. He shares his experiences growing up as a young black male and how his experiences abroad have shaped his life and helped define him as a human being. And as Gilo says, I am because we are. And because we are. Therefore I am.

This episode features WILLIAM H. LOGAN, JR., also known as Bill or Chief Logan. Listen, as Chief Logan talks about his family and growing up in Evanston. You will hear about his storied career with the Evanston Police Department, which he joined in 1957 and rose through the ranks to become Evanston’s first Black Police Chief in 1984. Chief Logan’s contributions to the Evanston community as the co-founder of numerous organizations shaped much of path for access and opportunity for black youth. Chief Logan truly led the village by his example of caring for the place we call home.

This episode features WILLIAM H. LOGAN, JR., also known as Bill or Chief Logan. Listen, as Chief Logan talks about his family and growing up in Evanston. You will hear about his storied career with the Evanston Police Department, which he joined in 1957 and how he rose through the ranks to become Evanston’s first Black Police Chief in 1984. Chief Logan’s contributions to the Evanston community as the co-founder of numerous organizations shaped the path for access and opportunity for black...

The fruit clearly doesn't fall far from the tree. In this episode we speak with KIMBERLY HOLMES ROSS who is truly her mother's child. Listen, as Kim describes growing up in Evanston, attending District 65 schools and Evanston Township High School. And why she is drawn to the work she is passionate about, serving her community. Kim opens up about her family, her childhood, and why she has chosen to follow in her mother's footsteps. Kim has spent a life walking the walk and continues to give back to the community and is unapologetic about her work and her love for it.

This episode features Blaire Frett, Ilana Marder-Eppstein, Lydia Collins, and Louise Bond of the group of Talking Whiteness on Central Street. Talking Whiteness challenges the status quo on their home turf in Northwest Evanston with conversations that could be had around the dinner table. These organizers created a model that puts them face to face with their neighbors, asking pointed questions to encourage people to look at their privilege while talking about whiteness. As we say, there is no equity without action and these four people are out there making a difference. Tamika Mallory says, “we don’t need allies, we need accomplices,” And these folks are just that; we are happy to call them Evanstonians.

In this episode, we talk with RODNEY WILLIAMS, a native Evanstonian who has risen through the ranks of corporate America in marketing at Moët Hennessy, Jackson Family Wines and Mondavi Wines to name a few, while always standing up for what is right. Rodney pays it forward and moves the needle toward a level playing field. Join us as we talk to him about living with integrity, the importance of staying connected to your roots and showing up every day and living as an unapologetically and righteous black man, doing the right thing.

This episode features PAT HUGHES, SR., who has made Evanston his home since he moved to our town in 1955. Pat attributes who he is to his upbringing, his diverse group of friends and meeting the love of his life, Brigid, while still in middle school. Pat practices an attitude of gratitude as he tells us about his large family whose family ties run deep through the community. His desire to lead a life of service and pay it forward have guided him to be a person we and the community are grateful for. Listen To Understand!

This episode features GAIL HUTCHISON, a native Evanstonian and a powerful yoga and meditation instructor. Gail gives us some insight into the benefits of self care for all people, but, in particular, black people. Gail states “We can’t pour from an empty cup”, a phrase that should encourage everyone support themselves and work on healing. As a black woman, Gail shares her valuable input about race, who gets opportunities, being honest and acknowledging and learning the past so that we can move forward.

In this episode, we talk with GREG KLAIBER, a native Evanstonian who has paid it forward in terms of the equity and diversity that we at ER so cherish. Listen as we talk growing up in Evanston, friends, family, sports, mentors and a life of giving back.