The tour begins at the former site of Cabrini Green and brings participants from there to the National Public Housing Museum’s Chicago Architecture Biennial Exhibition, Housing as a Human Right: Social Construction, followed by a discussion about the right to the City. 

1-2pm Walking tour / 2-3pm Discussion

*Registration required for the walking tour.  RSVP here

Speaking truth to power, the tour leader, Raymond McDonald was a 15-year old youth, during the protests to save Cabrini Green from demolition.  He gave voice to the resident’s desire to remain in their homes within the neighborhood, and the bond that public housing residents had with one another. This moment was captured in the compelling documentary film “70 Acres,” made by Ronit Bezalel. McDonald will discuss what has happened since to the Cabrini area now, which includes a newly gentrified neighborhood anchored by a Target Store, but also the last remaining row houses with residents still fighting for the “Right to Return.”

After the tour, the NPHM will host a Right to the City conversation with Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, a long-time activist and politician. The discussion will reflect on the Plan for Transformation’s stated goals, and how public housing residents and the city continue to grapple with the aftershock and effects. The conversation, moderated by NPHM Director Lisa Yun Lee, will address how residents, activists, artists, and educators can better collaborate in envisioning spaces in a more just manner with an emphasis on moving beyond what we are against- to define what we are for. 

This event is wheelchair accessible. Individuals requiring Sign-Language Interpreters, Real-time captioners, or other accommodations should contact at (773) 245-1621 or info@nphm.org several days in advance of the event.

Special thanks to The Field Foundation and Chicago Architectural Biennial.