A Night to Remember.

I was randomly selected in a lottery to participate in an exclusive Ritual Soul Food Dinner last weekend as part of the ongoing exhibit, Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art, by the Smart Museum at University of Chicago. As my anniversary gift to The Fella, I gave him my invite so that he could do something fun (not withstanding a little drive-by shooting!), different, and intellectual that was not science or medicine-related! Please enjoy The Fella's guest post about his experience that evening . . .

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“These are our babies.” “These are our babies.” A neighborhood woman’s desperate entreaty sticks to me more than the pork ribs that would follow later that evening. You see, I haven’t felt much of anything lately other than extreme exhaustion with a side of fatigue. But this woman’s passionate plea is a call to action that cannot be ignored. Perhaps after having become a father myself recently, her message really hits home…

The evening begins with a bang, literally.

Shots ring out. A crimson rain. Dark faces gather. Sirens wail. Another victim. All too common on Dorchester, known to the locals as “The Strip.”

Who would have known that from such anguish would spring one of the most memorable nights of my entire life…

Enter Dorchester Project. Fueled by the visionary genius of a few dedicated souls. Especially, Theaster Gates, who dedicates his own time, money, and sweat to erecting beautiful havens within this downtrodden neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.  

As I stroll the halls of “The Project”, hidden treasures emerge at every corner. From the sea of salvaged art books that lines its wooden bookcases, to the engaging wall décor and ceramic installments of the artist in residence. Mesmerizing perfection. 

Using repurposed materials, Theaster and colleagues have built several homes from the ground up on abandoned lots. One, the art house. Another, dedicated to music. A third, to the cinema. And, rest assured, there will be many more to come. Future project ideas include a soul food restaurant and music venue spearheaded by the celebrity chef of tonight’s event, Michael Kornick of MK Restaurant.

Sounds of sweet soul music swell the cool night air, corks pop, and tenderly cooked meat soaks in spicy BBQ sauce with a fixin’ of chitlins and butter beans. Spoken word poetry, a chorus of harmony, and sermons of unity and hope. Such culinary and cultural lavishness starkly contrasts the utter indigence of our neighbors. 

Actors, TV producers, urban developers, doctors, lawyers, musicians, artists, museum curators, and area residents are among the assorted guests. Together, we pledge to act as agents of change. After all, these are our babies.