When summer arrives in Chicago, the city feels alive again. The lakefront fills with joggers, beaches buzz with laughter, and music from street festivals drifts across neighborhoods. From jazz in Grant Park to food truck gatherings on the South Side, the season bursts with color, sound, and community energy. It’s a time when the city celebrates its culture and diversity under the long glow of the sun.

But beneath the beauty, summer in Chicago also exposes deep challenges—especially around safety and mental health. The city’s summer safety plan focuses on late-night hours when gun violence tends to rise, and many young people—particularly on the South and West sides—live with the trauma of witnessing violence. Across communities, mental health remains a serious concern, with anxiety, stress, and depression being daily struggles.

For many families, fears tied to immigration and community instability add another layer of stress. Even in the warmth of summer, safety concerns and emotional exhaustion can make it hard to fully enjoy the season’s promise.

Yet, Chicago’s resilience remains powerful. Parks, art, and shared spaces continue to offer healing and hope. This summer, as we embrace the city’s energy, it’s worth remembering that joy and struggle can coexist—and that checking in on one another, resting, and creating safe, supportive spaces are as vital as sunshine itself.

Panelists
Dr. Adeyemi Fatoki
Dr. Caroline Olaleye
Dr. Kenneth Soyemi

Contributors
Mrs. Dorcas Fatoki
Mr. Funmi Onayemi

Host
Funmi Apantaku-Onayemi

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