Evanston Rules

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.

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.