Evanston Rules
43 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -In our podcast, EVANSTON RULES, we explore the history and stories of people who have made a difference in our town. Voices of the past, present, and future cross-stitch a tapestry of our community: the opportunities, disparities, legacies, what's been lost and what can be found. Where are we now? How did we get here? Where do we go from here? In Evanston Rules, we’ll explore different historical perspectives and create a new paradigm, one that collectively empowers all Evanstonians. Our value words: Inclusion, Acceptance, Equity and Love drive our work and our conversations. Join us on Evanston Rules. Come to Understand!
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Episodes
Marcus Campbell: Making History In Education
February 03, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBDr. Marcus Campbell is making history in education, reshaping the landscape through his unwavering commitment to equity. Taking actionable steps, Dr. Campbell, in our 6th episode of Season Three, shares insights as the superintendent of Evanston Township High School, District 202—the first Black person to hold this position in over 134 years. Reflect on what this signifies for our diverse Evanston. In our conversation, Dr. Campbell discusses his tenure at ETHS, where his passion for teachin...
Allan Alson: Building Equity
January 13, 2024 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBIn "Building Equity" our 5th episode from Season Three, we speak with Dr. Allan Alson, the former superintendent of Evanston Township High School, District 202. Dr. Alson talks about his move to Evanston, addressing perceptions about the community, and candidly sharing how he didn't let initial impressions affect his belief in Evanston's potential. With this perspective, he committed to creating an equitable Evanston, embracing the differences that make him stand out. He's bold, courageous, ...
Mabel Williams: Ahead Of Her Time
November 07, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBIn this 4th episode from Season Three, "Ahead Of Her Time", we spoke with Dr. Mabel Williams, a cherished educator, mentor and Evanston resident of over 60 years, who has not only called this community home, but has also contributed significantly to its educational landscape. Her journey began as a special education teacher at Walker School and later as a learning disabilities teacher at Dawes School. Her passion for student success and well-being drove her to become a supervisor in the Spec...
Devon Horton: Unbroken Resolve
April 26, 2023 02:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBIn this 3rd episode from Season Three, we spoke with Dr. Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65. Dr. Horton's passion for his work shines through as he shares his deep belief and unwavering commitment to achieving equity in education. He envisions a school system that is fair and just for all students, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. It is essential to note the significance of the timing of this episode. Since our conversation, Dr. Horton ha...
Janet Dees: The Art of History
April 03, 2023 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBThe Art of History. The 2nd episode from Season 3 of the Evanston Rules podcast features Janet Dees. Janet is a curator and art historian who speaks about her life experiences and how they inform her work in art history and vice versa. Janet is the Steven and Lisa Munster Tananbaum, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Northwestern University‘s Block Museum of Art. Listen to understand.
Laurice Bell, Ron Whitmore & Larry Axelrood: And The Beat Goes On...
February 12, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBIn Season Three's 1st episode, we (LAURICE and RON) are switching seats with one of our good friends and favorite guests from Season One, Judge LARRY AXELROOD. Larry asks us some questions about how we got to where we are today and where we see Evanston Rules going and growing. And we answer with our typical no holds barred style. Listen to understand.
Laurice Bell, Ron Whitemore & Larry Axelrood: And The Beat Goes On...
February 12, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBIn Season Three's 1st episode, we (LAURICE and RON) are switching seats with one of our good friends and favorite guests from Season One, Judge LARRY AXELROOD. Larry asks us some questions about how we got to where we are today and where we see Evanston Rules going and growing. And we answer with our typical no holds barred style. Listen to understand.
And The Beat Goes On...
February 12, 2023 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBIn Season Three's 1st episode, we (LAURICE and RON) are switching seats with one of our good friends and favorite guests from Season One, Judge LARRY AXELROOD. Larry asks us some questions about how we got to where we are today and where we see Evanston Rules going and growing. And we answer with our typical no holds barred style. Listen to understand.
The AUX and its Power of Connection
August 01, 2022 22:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBIn Season two’s 14th episode, we talk with 4 founders of The AUX: JACQUI WHITE, LORI LASER, TIFFINI HOLMES and TOSHA WILSON. Listen as we learn about their huge efforts to build a community space owned by the people - a commercial hub led by black ownership that has been envisioned by its founders to bring healing, wellness and racial equity to Evanston. We learn about the experiences that brought all of them together and the importance of The AUX’s work with connectivity and working colla...
Oliver Ruff: High Expectations, No Exceptions, No Excuses
May 23, 2022 01:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBOLIVER RUFF brings to mind three words, consistency, present and commitment. He has always been exactly the same, whether in friendship, inspiring his many students, or by showing up to affect positive change. Mr. Ruff is a person who cares, is committed and passionate about Evanston and its residents. He grew up in Evanston, taught school and became an administrator in District 65. He credits his mother with his solid foundation and strong work ethic. Mr. Ruff is a founding member of numero...
Denise Martin: She Loves Life and it Loves Her Right Back
March 02, 2022 02:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBDenise has overcome what for many would be roadblocks to success, but her determination at every juncture has shown her to be a formidable yet compassionate competitor. Denise’s Evanston public school education started at Dewey School. Because of forced integration, she and the rest of the black student community were then bused to Walker for 6th grade. She went on to Skiles, ETHS and finally to Northwestern University where she earned two degrees. After graduating from Northwestern, Denis...
Gilo Kwesi Logan: The Beat of His Own Drum
February 15, 2022 00:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBThe story of the Logan family continues in this episode with GILO KWESI LOGAN. In our last episode with his father, retired police Chief Bill Logan, we spoke of his father’s contributions to our hometown. In this episode, The Beat of His Own Drum, we to talk with Gilo, who explains how his name evolved from Gary to Gilo. He shares his experiences growing up as a young black male and how his experiences abroad have shaped his life and helped define him as a human being. And as Gilo says, I am...
The Chief
January 03, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis episode features WILLIAM H. LOGAN, JR., also known as Bill or Chief Logan. Listen, as Chief Logan talks about his family and growing up in Evanston. You will hear about his storied career with the Evanston Police Department, which he joined in 1957 and rose through the ranks to become Evanston’s first Black Police Chief in 1984. Chief Logan’s contributions to the Evanston community as the co-founder of numerous organizations shaped much of path for access and opportunity for black youth...
William H. Logan, Jr: The Chief
January 03, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBThis episode features WILLIAM H. LOGAN, JR., also known as Bill or Chief Logan. Listen, as Chief Logan talks about his family and growing up in Evanston. You will hear about his storied career with the Evanston Police Department, which he joined in 1957 and rose through the ranks to become Evanston’s first Black Police Chief in 1984. Chief Logan’s contributions to the Evanston community as the co-founder of numerous organizations shaped much of path for access and opportunity for black youth...
The Fruit Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree
December 14, 2021 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThe fruit clearly doesn't fall far from the tree. In this episode we speak with KIMBERLY HOLMES ROSS who is truly her mother's child. Listen, as Kim describes growing up in Evanston, attending District 65 schools and Evanston Township High School. And why she is drawn to the work she is passionate about, serving her community. Kim opens up about her family, her childhood, and why she has chosen to follow in her mother's footsteps. Kim has spent a life walking the walk and continues to give b...
Kimberly Holmes Ross: The Fruit Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree
December 14, 2021 02:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThe fruit clearly doesn't fall far from the tree. In this episode we speak with KIMBERLY HOLMES ROSS who is truly her mother's child. Listen, as Kim describes growing up in Evanston, attending District 65 schools and Evanston Township High School. And why she is drawn to the work she is passionate about, serving her community. Kim opens up about her family, her childhood, and why she has chosen to follow in her mother's footsteps. Kim has spent a life walking the walk and continues to give b...
Talking Whiteness on Central Street
November 14, 2021 20:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBThis episode features Blaire Frett, Ilana Marder-Eppstein, Lydia Collins, and Louise Bond of the group of Talking Whiteness on Central Street. Talking Whiteness challenges the status quo on their home turf in Northwest Evanston with conversations that could be had around the dinner table. These organizers created a model that puts them face to face with their neighbors, asking pointed questions to encourage people to look at their privilege while talking about whiteness. As we say, there ...
Rodney Williams: I'll Have What He's Having
July 17, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBIn this episode, we talk with RODNEY WILLIAMS, a native Evanstonian who has risen through the ranks of corporate America in marketing at Moët Hennessy, Jackson Family Wines and Mondavi Wines to name a few, while always standing up for what is right. Rodney pays it forward and moves the needle toward a level playing field. Join us as we talk to him about living with integrity, the importance of staying connected to your roots and showing up every day and living as an unapologetically and righ...
Pat Hughes, Sr.: Lucky and Loved
May 25, 2021 19:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBThis episode features PAT HUGHES, SR., who has made Evanston his home since he moved to our town in 1955. Pat attributes who he is to his upbringing, his diverse group of friends and meeting the love of his life, Brigid, while still in middle school. Pat practices an attitude of gratitude as he tells us about his large family whose family ties run deep through the community. His desire to lead a life of service and pay it forward have guided him to be a person we and the community are gratef...
Gail Hutchison: Going To Her Edge
May 04, 2021 22:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBThis episode features GAIL HUTCHISON, a native Evanstonian and a powerful yoga and meditation instructor. Gail gives us some insight into the benefits of self care for all people, but, in particular, black people. Gail states “We can’t pour from an empty cup”, a phrase that should encourage everyone support themselves and work on healing. As a black woman, Gail shares her valuable input about race, who gets opportunities, being honest and acknowledging and learning the past so that we can mo...
Greg Klaiber: Professionalism, Tradition and Service
April 17, 2021 13:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this episode, we talk with GREG KLAIBER, a native Evanstonian who has paid it forward in terms of the equity and diversity that we at ER so cherish. Listen as we talk growing up in Evanston, friends, family, sports, mentors and a life of giving back.
Ben and Melissa Blount: The Importance of Being Blount
April 01, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode, we talk with the truly inspiring BEN AND MELISSA BLOUNT, who moved to Evanston less than a decade ago. Listen as we talk family, art, activism, taking chances and making a difference.
Bob Lamey: Don’t Bet Against Him
March 16, 2021 21:00 - 53 minutes - 37.1 MB*Before listening to this amazing episode, please be aware there is some salty language* In this episode we have an authentic conversation with BOB LAMEY. Listen as he unpacks his childhood, family and friends while growing up in Evanston. Bob doesn't pull any punches as he shares his perspective about life. His experiences drive his work ethic, success and loyal relationships. Listen To Understand!
Dr. Ron Whitmore: The Skin I'm In (Part 2)
February 24, 2021 01:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBIn Part Two of our two-part episode with RON WHITMORE, we continue to discuss a range of topics including family, home, loyalty, racism, opportunities, truth and living in Evanston as an unapologetic black man.
Dr. Ron Whitmore: The Skin I'm In (Part 1)
February 16, 2021 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn our 17th episode, we talk with our very own DR. RON WHITMORE. Listen as he speaks his truth and doesn’t hold back as we delve into a range of topics including family, home, loyalty, racism, education, opportunities, and living in Evanston as a father, teacher and unapologetic black man. We are proud and honored to share a piece of Ronnie’s story with all of you. Come to understand.
Dr. Ron Whitmore: The Skin I'm In
February 16, 2021 13:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn our 17th episode, we talk with our very own DR. RON WHITMORE. Listen as he speaks his truth and doesn’t hold back as we delve into a range of topics including family, home, loyalty, racism, education, opportunities, and living in Evanston as a father, teacher and unapologetic black man. We are proud and honored to share a piece of Ronnie’s story with all of you. Come to understand.
Cedric Singletary: You Know You From Evanston When...
January 17, 2021 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBIn our 16th episode, we talk with CEDRIC SINGLETARY, the founder of the Facebook page, “You Know You From Evanston When.” He discusses his perceptions of the duality of Evanston and how his experiences growing up in Evanston have influenced him. Being a self described underdog, Cedric tells us about the the resilience modeled by his elders and how those experiences made him who he is.
Coming Together: Evanston Rules Virtual Reunion
January 06, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBAs we end a year of chaos and uncertainty, we found an opportunity to come together on Saturday, December 19, 2020, and celebrate our commonality: Evanston Township High School. We reminisced and told old stories, but also dove into pertinent issues like Covid-19, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the continued brutality faced by people of color in our country. At Evanston Rules we seek to challenge our listeners to be positive agents of change through deeper understanding. Join us in o...
Rose Johnson: Rose Waits For No One
December 22, 2020 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBIn our 14th episode, we talk with ROSE JOHNSON. Listen as we learn about Rose's journey from Tallahassee to Spelman College to Evanston with her family. Rose's experiences an educator, school board member, parent and community activist have been a driving force for her truth, while living in Evanston. Rose has been and continues to be involved making a difference. Come to understand.
Bobby Burns: Finding Community
November 26, 2020 00:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBIn Episode 13, BOBBY BURNS shares how the various people in his life have made a difference. He mentions our very own Ron Whitmore who was his kindergarten teacher as a character of influence. In our conversation, Bobby recounts his life choices and the lessons he learned on the way with full transparency. Time has shown him the importance of being thoughtful, wise and focused to get things done. Bobby holds respect towards the accomplishments of those before him. He articulates how his proc...
Larry Axelrood: I Got A Guy
November 14, 2020 01:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBIn episode 12, we talk to LARRY AXELROOD, a man whose thoughtfulness and love of his hometown shine through on our trip down memory lane. Larry is the guy everyone wants on their team and side. He’s an advocate and humanist whose ability to see from other people’s point of view, provided him the insight needed to be a fair and compassionate judge. Join us as we talk about Evanston, equity, love, lifelong friendships, showing up, gratitude, and a life well-lived.
The Miller Family: Generation to Generation (Part 2)
October 31, 2020 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBIn Part Two of our two-part episode with TEEL, WILLIE and ALYSON MILLER, we continue to discuss their family history, achievements, challenges and commitment to make Evanston a better place for all. Missed Part 1? Listen here.
The Miller Family: Generation to Generation (Part 1)
October 22, 2020 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBIn our 10th episode, we talk with THE MILLER FAMILY: Teel, Willie and Alyson. Listen as we learn about how two prominent Evanston families, the Millers and the Spencers merged to bring humanity and humility to the place we call home. Teel, Willie and Alyson dropped knowledge on us, talking about everything from opportunities to inequities. Join us as we delve into the Evanston experience from a perspective that is authentically black and proud. This is part one of a two part episode.
Evanston Township High School's Boosterpalooza
September 23, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 69 MBEvanston Rules was lucky to kick-off Evanston Township High School’s Booster Club’s first ever virtual fundraiser, Boosterpalooza. Michael, Ron and Laurice are so grateful to have spoken with members of SOAR, Students Organized Against Racism, for this necessary and real conversation. We were blown away by the students and recent graduates, past and present members of SOAR, who are the brightest of lights, as well as TaRhonda Woods, an engaged and revered SOAR facilitator and teacher at ETHS...
ETHS: We Will Fight For You!
September 23, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 69 MBThis week’s episode features ETHS (Evanston Township High School) students and recent graduates, past and present members of SOAR (Students Organized Against Racism), a student-led initiative to increase consciousness about social justice issues, anti-racism & empowering students in their racial identity development. We were blown away by Liana Wallace, Kayla Henning, Carmiya Bady, and Nora Miller, who are the brightest of lights, as well as TaRhonda Woods, an engaged and revered SOAR fac...
Dino Robinson: History Preserved — A Life of Legacy (Part 2)
September 03, 2020 21:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBIn Part Two of our two-part episode, we rejoin DINO ROBINSON from Shorefront Legacy Center who continues sharing stories from his experiences growing up in Evanston and his work at Shorefront. Dino’s work at Shorefront ensures that the Black experience along the North Shore is not forgotten or ignored. This work has always been important and is even more necessary in these divisive times. At Evanston Rules, we recognize the necessity of having a space to hold and treasure our histories. Sho...
Dino Robinson: History Preserved — A Life of Legacy (Part 1)
August 21, 2020 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBIn Part One of our two part 7th episode, we talk with DINO ROBINSON, a game changer who ensures the black experience along the North Shore is not forgotten or ignored. Dino didn’t see the contributions of Black people represented in the local historical societies, so he created Shorefront Legacy Center. The Legacy Center works to change that narrative and give Evanstonians (Heavenston) an opportunity to learn. Join us as we talk with Dino. Shorefront Legacy Center is a jewel of a facility t...
Dr. Nancy Glick: The Intersection of Medicine and Community
August 08, 2020 16:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBIn our 6th episode, “The Intersection of Medicine and Community”, we get to know Dr. Nancy Glick. We trace Dr. Glick’s route from a humanities-focused student at ETHS to the director of the Sinai Infectious Disease Center at Mt Sinai in Chicago Illinois. Nancy shares her valuable insights on the inner workings of the brutal fight against infectious diseases. We discuss the disparities in treatment for the Black and Latinx communities. We also discuss biases and judgements and how nobody i...
Delores Holmes: Holmes Is Where The Heart Is
July 28, 2020 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBIn our 5th episode, we feature Delores Holmes. Delores is a special human being, young at heart and in spirit. She is a steadfast champion of her community, beloved for her hard and constant work. Delores might call herself retired, but based on how much her phone rang during our conversation, we would say she doesn’t seem to be slowing down one bit. Join us and get to know Mrs. Holmes, a true trailblazer, amazing storyteller and an Evanstonian, through and through.
Bernie Foster: The Ninth of Nine
July 14, 2020 13:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBIn our 4th episode we feature Bernie Foster. Bernie Foster is a native son. An Evanstonian. The youngest of 9 siblings. A family man. We welcomed his cool, calm, collected, and thoughtful spirit as we sat down together. Bernie is always solid. He shows up and has known that to make something happen, you don’t wait for it to come to you. You go after it. We discuss life, joys, change, fear, belief, the changes in our city, some of the things that we hope for and not sitting on the sideline...
The Crawfords: Open Door Policy
June 25, 2020 00:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MBThis 3rd episode features one of our favorite families, The Crawfords: Sydney, Ron, Suzy, Jen and Ronny. An iconic family who were able to bridge lots of cultural backgrounds and stitch the patterns together. They brought people together in magical, organic ways that spanned generations, race, ethnicity, gender and class. The Crawfords have been such an integral part of folk’s Evanston experiences, that people still don’t realize that they no longer reside at 1423 Elmwood. Those who know t...
Hecky Powell: It's the Sauce
June 15, 2020 00:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MBThis episode features the legendary Hecky Powell, who died tragically from COVID -19, on May 22, shortly after this conversation was recorded. Hecky was a true blue Evanstonian whose actions made him a hero to many. He believed in people pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, but was always there to help others. He was elected to Evanston, Illinois’ District 65 school board, he created the Forest E. Powell Foundation to honor his father’s memory, he had a street named after him and from ...
Welcome to Evanston Rules
May 31, 2020 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBThis introductory episode gives listeners a behind-the-scenes "listen" at the ideation and conception of the Evanston Rules podcast. Evanston, Illinois: a one-of-a-kind city of 70,000 people. Small but mighty. What does the city we call home, in our hearts and our experiences - the human connections we make here - mean to you? Join hosts: Laurice Bell, Michael DeVaul and Ron Whitmore as they share their thoughts and experiences.