“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.

In Part 2 of Carlis Sutton’s two-part episode within our series, we delve deeper into the history of Evanston Community Hospital and the significant healthcare disparities in Evanston. This episode continues exploring Carlis's personal experiences, including being barred from Evanston Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, and receiving a polio vaccination in a basement—a stark illustration of the era’s racial segregation. He also praises the exceptional Black doctors who brought hope to the community and reflects on the enduring bonds within the Fifth Ward, where he grew up. This two-part episode with Carlis is part of a larger series featuring various interviews that uncover the resilient spirit and rich history of Evanston. Join us as we explore these compelling stories.

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.

Join us as we uncover these compelling stories and celebrate the resilient spirit that has defined the Evanston Community Hospital. Listen to understand.

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.