November 2025: Registration for PN’s Free Conference is coming to a close! Register now! Check the Conference page to plan your day.
Hey, Narrative Change Community!
In this issue:
🟨 PN Updates: Registration for PN’s Free Conference is coming to a close! Register now! Check the Conference page to plan your day.
📰 News: Cabrini Green Legal Aid celebrates 20 years of community impact for those impacted by the justice system.
🔗 Resources: Stabilizing Latino entrepreneurs amid federal policy volatility.
📅 Events: A North Side event with Women Unite! and "All the President's Men" Movie Night with the Chicago Headline Club.
As our free 2025 Connecting Media & Community Conference nears, I’m inspired by the wave of partnerships and collaborations forming in the public square. It’s encouraging to see peers and colleagues rise to the challenge on behalf of the communities they serve. Kudos to the leaders reaching beyond their circles, welcoming new ideas, and promising innovations. I’m excited to gather Wednesday, December 3rd, in honor of the purpose for which we serve, the partnerships whose rising tide lifts all boats, and the possibilities we’ll have explored throughout the day.
When we acquired the Chicago Independent Media Alliance last year, we did so with a strong belief in the possibility of what CIMA could become under Public Narrative’s umbrella. As we continue to realize many of those possibilities during our closing reception, we’ll celebrate the success of our first editorial campaign, Alliance Matters: Temperature Check. Join us for this powerful day of learning, connection, and collaboration. Visit www.publicnarrative.org to register.
In partnership and goodwill,
Jhmira Alexander
President and CEO
Photo of Jhmira Alexander by Matthew Ewing for Public Narrative.
Meet One of Our Three Conference Awardees
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | David Rubenstein Forum, Chicago
Public Narrative is honored to recognize Timothy M. Russell, Vice President of Community Engagement and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at WTTW/WFMT, as a 2025 Champion of Courage! Tim's leadership in shaping community engagement strategies exemplifies the vital connection between content creators and diverse audiences. His work ensures that Chicago's PBS station truly reflects and serves all communities. With an impressive background spanning philanthropy, corporate diversity initiatives, and non-profit leadership, Tim brings a wealth of experience to his role. His commitment to inclusivity and social impact has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition from Savoy Magazine and Diversity MBA Magazine. Join us on December 3rd to celebrate Tim's outstanding contributions and explore innovative approaches to media engagement that bridge cultural divides and strengthen our community fabric.
Prepare for an illuminating discourse with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Trymaine Lee!
Author Trymaine Lee will be joined by a panel of distinguished respondents: Tiffany Walden, bringing relevant perspectives from the frontlines of journalism; Victoria Lakes-Battle, offering keen economic insights; and Sequane Lawrence, sharing deep-rooted community-building and advocacy experience. Lee’s book, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence in America is now a best seller!
This thoughtful ensemble will delve into the media's vital role in serving the public good, exemplifying our mission to foster cross-sector connectivity. Don't wait to register; we are nearing capacity! Then, check the website for details to plan your agenda for this powerful day.
Special thanks to our conference supporter,
MacArthur Foundation!
Meet a few of our Supporters in action!
At our Dec 3, Connecting Media and Community Conference, the Associated Press Fund for Journalism is offering an Early Look at APFJ’s Local News Pilot, with Rachel Aretakis of the APFJ and co-presenter.
Supporter Illinois Humanities is offering a workshop at our conference, too, called Silence Isn't Neutral: Why Your Messaging Matters in a Crisis, with Diego Villegas of Illinois Humanities.
Our conference supporter, the Chicago Headline Club Foundation, is hosting a screening of the classic movie "All the President's Men" on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 5:15 p.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center, followed by a networking reception. Every ticket directly supports the Foundation’s scholarship and internship programs.
See what's being published this month.
Photo of Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA) celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Expungement Help Desk. Photo provided by CGLA.
Cabrini Green Legal Aid celebrates the 20th anniversary of its expungement desk // The TRiiBE
The week of November 13th marked the 20th anniversary of Cabrini Green Legal Aid’s (CGLA) expungement desk. Since the creation of this “help desk,” the organization, which was founded in the Cabrini-Green homes, and is now based in The Chicago Loop, has helped hundreds of community members clear their criminal records in Illinois via sealing, clemency and other forms of relief.
Read more: Cabrini Green Legal Aid celebrates the 20th anniversary of its expungement desk
Medill Local News Initiative named winner of Chicago Innovation Award // Evanston Round Table
The Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University has been named one of the winners of a prestigious Chicago Innovation Award. Medill’s award was announced Sunday downtown at a ceremony that included 700 Chicago business, political and civic leaders.
Read more: Medill Local News Initiative named winner of Chicago Innovation Award
Explore Chicago's opportunities and jobs.
Executive Director // The Investigative Project on Race and Equity
The Investigative Project currently seeks a full-time Executive Director to manage the organization’s operational and financial aspects. Chicago residence is required. Apply here by December 2, 2025.
Director of Business Development & Programs // Revolution Institute
The Director of Business Development & Programs leads Revolution Institute’s partnership, employer engagement, entrepreneurial and workforce development strategies across multiple funded initiatives. This role strengthens relationships with funders, community organizations, entrepreneurs and employers while expanding the Institute’s impact and sustainability. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more here.
Pre-Development Fund // The Chicago Community Trust
Through this program, The Chicago Community Trust seeks to support neighborhood-scale development projects that catalyze economic growth and create thriving neighborhoods where residents can stay and grow their wealth with improved quality of life and well-being, regardless of income. Learn more and apply.
December 6: Annual Event // Women Unite!
Women Unite! will be at Elston Electric from 6–11:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6 to celebrate another year of community and care over some good food, good company, and arcade games! This event is family-friendly until 10:00 p.m and also supports the Chicago United Solidarity Project. Register for the free event.
A hearty PN welcome to our newest member,
City Bureau!
Welcome to the Chicago Independent Media Alliance
Click the image above to play the recap to our Alliance Matters event.
What Rights Do Tenants and Landlords Have While Facing ICE? // Borderless Magazine
After federal agents raided a South Shore apartment building in September, reports revealed extensive damage to the building and residents’ personal property, including broken doors, damaged furniture and missing personal belongings. As federal agents use increasingly aggressive tactics, many Chicagoans are questioning the limits of federal authority and whether agents can be held accountable for property damage and potential civil rights violations..
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Reflections aims to spotlight the different worlds that make up our narrative change ecosystem. We'll share some events, call-to-actions, news stories and even people working towards shifting narratives that impact us all.
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Maleia Tbileh Editor
