Importance of Chicago’s South Side
The South Side of Chicago has always had an important role in the entirety of Chicago since its beginning. In fact, The South Side has a valuable history stemming from several decades ago. The attitude the residents of the South Side have is purely one of absolute admiration. “The Southside of Chicago plays an important role in Chicago s economic and cultural life.” as well as “the Southside contains a diverse, hardworking population.” mentions The Chicago Traveler. Unfortunately, there are many stereotypes that surround the South Side of Chicago, and those will be broken, all thanks to a grant that will provide more tourism to the South Side.
Tourism In Chicago In The Present
Tourism has not really been something that many want to do on the South Side. As aforementioned, the stereotypes that are presented about the South Side turn people away from potentially touring the South Side. As a result, they are missing out on the beauty that the South Side has to offer. Touring is also a topic not spoken of, therefore there are fewer people that tour the South Side. One grant may potentially change the way tourism looks throughout the Southside of Chicago.
What is this Grant? Who Gave the Grant?
This grant was given to directly go to tourism of the South Side. “The city’s tourism arm is getting a $5.5 million boost from the federal government to persuade more people to visit Chicago’s neighborhoods, with much of the effort being focused on the South and West sides,” mentions Block Club Chicago. This will not only increase the number of tourists that are visiting Chicago’s South side but will certainly erase many of the stereotypes that come along with it. “Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), this grant will allow Choose Chicago to greatly increase its efforts to develop, implement and manage a unified and comprehensive tourism marketing strategy” mentions Choose Chicago.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on the Grant
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is especially excited about the grant coming through, and helping persuade people to visit Chicago’s South Side. “Each of our 77 unique neighborhoods is home to rich histories, world-class cuisine, and entertainment that tourists should experience,” mentioned Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The things that people would say about Chicago’s Southside will certainly change because of this initiative, and this grant will bring more tourists to Chicago’s Southside.
“I’m continually grateful for ARPA funding that allows us to continue our equitable economic recovery by supporting our neighborhoods and the local organizations who uplift them,” mentions Mayor Lori Lightfoot. If it were not for the ARPA funding, tourism would continue to decrease in Chicago’s South Side. Therefore, It is so important that we make aware that the South Side is home to an amazing history and amazing residents.
The Future of Tourism on Chicago’s South Side
Now that there is a grant to help with tourism, there will be more appreciation of the South Side. More people will finally be able to hear about the South Side and explore the South Side for themselves. There is a lot that the South Side has to offer, and it will finally be appreciated by more people. Finally, in the future, many hope that this grant works for years to come, and increases tourism on Chicago’s South Side. This grant will increase the number of tourists, and counter the stereotypes that have been laid against the South Side.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
Chicago Tribune: $5.5 million grant aims to expand tourism in 12 more underrepresented neighborhoods
Choose Chicago: Choose Chicago awarded $5.5 million to expand neighborhood tourism marketing
Block Club Chicago: Chicago’s Tourism Bureau Lands $5.5 Million Grant To Bring More Visitors To City Neighborhoods
The Chicago Traveler: Top 10 Reasons To Love The Southside Of Chicago
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Spiterman‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of CafeCredit.com’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
