This is part of a series of public meetings under the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA).

Meeting begins with gavel strike at 6:35. First motion to accept meeting minutes, accepted unanimously.

“If there are 2000 signatures that are on a petition, the council can hold a meeting on that,” says Erin Vogel, Community Engagement.

Previous meeting agendas and council member names and contacts: chicago.gov/city/en/depts/…

Jahmal Cole recognized by council Chair Carlos Sanchez to the stage. “As a community member, you have to really fall in love with your neighborhood.” He’s talking about block clubs for neighborhood meetups on civic affairs.

“The more connected you are in Chicago, the more happy you are, the safer you are.” Cole is the founder and CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City. formyblock.org

Cole encourages audience members to get involved in their communities, and emphasizes the possibilities that emerge from small ripples of change that collectively improve neighborhoods.

Another block club convention coming up 3 weeks from now, see website for details.

Today’s meeting is taking place at Envision Unlimited Rose Center, an organization that provides “people with disabilities or other special needs quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion.” At 4911 S Hoyne. envisionunlimited.org

A community member now has the stage and is talking about a loved one who was “brutally murdered” and whose killer was released. “I never can feel safe. Just keep my sister’s name alive. Amy.”

A community member who is a music teacher in the area is sharing information about Chicago Board of Education elections. He is running for the position, aiming to increase inclusivity in the arts, give his perspective as an arts teacher, and make voices represent community needs.

Chair Sanchez reminds audience that there “is no politics to be spoken at this meeting.”

A community member and parent is sharing a concern on behalf of a group of moms. Multiple shootings in Brighton Park area. “Wondering how we as parents can work with District 9 to make the area safe before school.”

There are about 15 people in the audience, some taking notes, and some with cookies baked by members of the Envision Rose Center.

Next community member speaks to murder mentioned earlier, and expresses concern that the killer had a history of domestic violence and abuse and is now free.

Next community member is part of a network of organizers seeking broader police accountability and urges the council to connect with other district councils, and include themselves in the community.

Meeting adjourned at 7:01 pm by Erin Vogel, with reminder that a newsletter is coming.

A list of future public meetings for CCPSA.

Next meeting for district 9 is at 6pm at the Brighton Park Community Campus maps.app.goo.gl/6PiXHExnjYeAgA…

On August 28!!