October 2008 | People In Your Neighborhood
Naomi Davis
Founder and President of BIG: Blacks in Green
Interview & Photo by Christine Mangan
Naomi Davis is an attorney and the founder and president of the organization BIG: Blacks in Green, a community education and trade association that strives to engage African-Americans in the new green economy. This fall, Davis will be teaching a class on “The Eight Principles of Green-Village-Building” through the University of Chicago at the DuSable Museum of African-American History. Visit blacksingreen.org.
My Favorite Spot
My favorite spot in Chicago is in South Shore where I live, specifically my back deck! My home overlooks a beautiful neighborhood of 70 foot trees and historic homes. At dawn, the song of birds and the sight of the sun shining through the leaves. At dusk, the moon rising across a big sky — these are my peace and delight.
Best place to grab a meal
Helen’s Restaurant on 79th and Ridgeland. Helen’s is one of those old-time diners with the counter and the booths and an awesome rhythm & blues jukebox. But they serve healthy soul food! Helen studied the culinary arts as one of the first black students in the Drake Hotel program back in the ‘60s.
Where I go to refuel
Jackson Park is my favorite spot for starting or ending a busy day away from home. Mornings at the lagoon or Bob-O-Link Meadow are great for a walk with my dog, Lena. Before heading home, Lena and I like to stop at the lagoon behind the Museum of Science and Industry, either to sit and chill or park and walk to the Osaka Garden.
Why I love my neighborhood
I love a mixed-income neighborhood and being close to a variety of folks. Ideal for me would also be multi-cultural, but achieving harmony of race and class — neighbors living together as a spiritual choice rather than tolerating each other through gentrification — that’s rare. Some of us are working to transform that!
My favorite neighborhood haunts
I can walk to a lounge called Reds on Stony Island. They are welcoming, have an interesting decor and cater to a wide cross-section of folks — different nights, different times. And just down the street is my favorite junk store where I buy lots of my clothes and furniture.
The one place everyone should visit in Chicago
The South Shore Cultural Center. A beautifully restored former country club, it was converted for public use and features fabulous programs. It also features The Parrot Cage restaurant, dance classes and annual favorites like the Real Men Cook Day — these make it a super special place.
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