Panel discusses economic strain in Elgin

The economic crisis is devastating the Elgin community, pushing thousands of middle class citizens to the brink of poverty, by making it extremely difficult for these hardworking folks to find decent jobs, and undercutting social services that they may need now more than ever.

The Community Economic Restoration Project of Elgin seeks to address these concerns and will be hosting a series of free public events. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, July 11. It will feature four prominent speakers, along with an opportunity for attendees to exchange perspectives and ideas.

"The Elgin community is full of resourceful, energetic, smart citizens," states project member Shirley Bassett, president of Black Business Owners and Community Networking Organization and a project organizer. "Together, we can come up with ideas that can fill in the gaps, and begin to restore our local economy to one that is fair and just for everyone."

James Thindwa, the director of Jobs with Justice in Chicago, will headline the panel. He was featured on PBS' "Bill Moyer's Journal" on March 27. Thindwa will be joined by Vincent Gaddis, professor of history, philosophy and religious studies at Benedictine University in Lisle; Diane Nilan, founder and director of Hear Us, an organization that gives voice to homeless children and youth; and Elgin's own Mae Hicks Jones, local activist and writer.

The panel discussion will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. For information, call Mary Shesgreen at (847) 742-1406.