Keeping in line with our objective, we've highlighted another influential speaker to consider at the upcoming Chicago Ideas Week.
In this profile: Naomi Davis
Accolades: Naomi is an urban theorist, attorney, activist, and granddaughter of Mississippi sharecroppers. She authored and teaches “The 8 Principles of Green-Village-Building/12 Propositions of Grannynomics” at the University of Chicago/Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, and lectures and consults nationally on the BIG Village™ system for green economy/deep culture neighborhood revival.
Why you should care: Davis has a big job ahead of her and she’s working hard. Green’s goals include inventing, investing, manufacturing, and merchandising black communities into walkable, self-reliant, mixed-income villages. Its “green villages” are anchored by neighbor-owned businesses, which become the agents of jobs-driven development.
When small neighborhood business creates jobs, it stabilizes neighborhoods by increasing local income of residents, avoiding forced or voluntary neighbor migration to other neighborhoods. In this way, resident money stays active locally supporting community self-interests, and the heritage of a place is preserved. BIG maintains the idea that sustainable community initiatives are especially important for black neighborhoods.
Davis also teaches a 10-week class: "Where Is Your Village? Sustainability One Square Mile at a Time" at the University of Chicago's Center for the Study of Race, Politics and Culture.
When you can see her: To be announced, but check back here for more information.
See the full list of speakers and events here.
