Divisions :

The intersection of Chicago cultures

naomi hatch
Sep 3, 2018 · 3 min read
Southern view from the John Hancock Center

Atop the John Hancock Center the city feels endless as I stare through the fog at a mess of buildings, each one holding so many lives inside of it. I chose to be here, and I chose to explore this city but right now it feels impossible. Today we have 8 odd miles to walk and my feet just don’t feel ready, neither does my heart, it feels like too much. Also, how can walking down one street for 8 miles really show me that much.

Neon restaurant sign in Old Town

Our journey began in Gold Coast, there is so much wealth and privilege packed into those luxury homes it’s astounding. We walk past the original playboy mansion and countless other famous homes. These are mansions in the middle of a city and I cannot think of a better representation of wealth than that. This is also one of the highest concentrations of white people in the city, a perfect example of the privilege we receive. There’s nothing better about them but white people have more opportunities to be successful.

We forged on through old town and onward towards goose island. This was a truly desolate place. Not a place for pedestrians, the sidewalks were small, the lanes wide and fast. It was empty yet busy all in the same instant. It reminded me of Detroit with huge factory style buildings mostly abandoned. Even there, there was one ray of hope, a community garden full of beautiful greens. It gave me hope that there can be beauty even in the dirtiest, loneliest and ugliest places.

Hungry and tired we found refuge in the hipster neighborhood of Wicker Park. The streets were lined with food from all cultures and vintage stores. I felt at home there, there were varying cultures made up of people in their mid 20’s. I ate in a smaller group at a ramen restaurant, It was delicious and I plan to visit wicker park again. Once we were full we trudged on but my feet said no, they were so sore that I had stopped caring. I had to focus myself and remind myself to fully experience my surroundings. We were entering a new place, I began to hear Spanish and Spanish music. A huge Puerto Rican flag created an archway over the road. It was a grand entrance into West Town. The sidewalks here were larger and friendlier, people were out in chairs laughing and talking. The Signs were primarily in Spanish. We concluded our walk in Humboldt park. It was a wide green space with children playing. I felt at peace there at the end of the road.

Puerto Rican flag creates an archway

We had walked over 8 miles and I had seen so much more than I could imagine for the first time I felt like part of Chicago, I was finally in my city. My journey had just begun, later that week I would see the north and south side and places in between. I feel so happy to be here and I now feel confident traveling and even showing other people parts of this wonderful beautiful city.

walking chicago: a windy city atlas

By studying and practicing the art of walking, we will use the material of everyday life - the rhythms and experiences of the streets of Chicago, its people, places, and things - as construction material for our compositions.

naomi hatch

Written by

walking chicago: a windy city atlas

By studying and practicing the art of walking, we will use the material of everyday life - the rhythms and experiences of the streets of Chicago, its people, places, and things - as construction material for our compositions.

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