Driving down 55th street from the west, I pass through blocks that alternate between the urban bustle of small business districts, and the residential quiet of stretches of single-story brick bungalows.

This scene eventually gives way to Garfield Blvd. - one of Chicago’s Grand Boulevards - with its grassy, tree-lined median and blocks of brick two-flats and greystones.

If this stretch of road was 5500 North instead of 5500 South, it would be a tourist destination. Rents and home values would be through the roof. In fact, this is the case in Hyde Park, the neighborhood surrounding The University of Chicago, where Garfield Blvd. terminates. But further back west, by Ashland Avenue, Garfield Blvd. simply serves as the northern border of Englewood.

As I walk up to the brick structure, an elderly woman was taping a flyer for an upcoming community event on the front door. I said good morning and she asked me how I was doing. I said I was well, and I returned the question.

“Blessed, as long as we keep fighting evil with good,” she responded.

Inside, a handful of people were scattered around the main hall. A few elderly people, a few children. Behind my seat, two teenage boys are setting up the sound board as a gospel song begins to play over the hall’s speakers.

As the setup continued, a lady walked up to me and shook my hand:

“Are you our visitor for the day?”

“Yes ma’am”

“Good.”

The journey continues in the Englewood neighborhood on the south side, at the corner of Garfield Blvd. and Paulina.

Intro Theme Music: Victory Lap by QSTN ft. Mecca:83
Background Music: www.bensound.com/

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