Feature Spotlight: Charlie Wilson

Each day this week we will be spotlighting one of the first six "Lawndale: A Living History" featured elders and mentors on the blog. Today's spotlight: Charlie Wilson, whose photo can be found on the “front” side of the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot, facing 16th Street. Please visit his profile page on the Living History virtual exhibit for much more on Mr. Wilson!

Charlie Wilson is well known in North Lawndale for his work with Men Making a Difference (MMAD); his church, New Macedonia Baptist Church (on Homan Ave.); and his tax business. He was also a key partner in the implementation of the "It's Now" mural, working closely with the Prison + Neighborhood Arts Project, the National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated, and students at UIC's Museum and Exhibition Studies to make that happen. From there, the seeds of the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot were planted. It's no exaggeration to say that without Mr. Wilson and his colleagues at MMAD and WEMMAD (Women Empowering Men Making A Difference), the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot wouldn't exist! 

Here's a snippet of an interview with Mr. Wilson, by Shemeka Simon, over the summer. The video - along with his oral history conducted by StoryCorps, biography, and additional photos - are all available on his page on the Lawndale: A Living History virtual exhibit. You can also visit the indoor portion of the exhibit until October 31 to see photos from Mr. Wilson's past, including his UAW days!

Finally, here is Mr. Wilson last fall with Senator Dick Durbin, who came to check out the Pop-Up Spot.

Thanks so much to Mr. Wilson for sharing his stories with us!