# Event Details - **Event Name**: What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention? - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 25 Jun, 2026 at 07:00 pm – Thu, 25 Jun, 2026 at 09:00 pm - **Event Description**: When neighbors tune in and speak up, watch communities transform and real change happen!About this EventWhat Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention?A Community Conversation Inspired by Unsafe Black VoiceJoin author, civic engagement advocate, and Where The People Meet TV founder Meleika Gardner for an intimate evening of conversation, reflection, and community dialogue inspired by her book, Unsafe Black Voice: Exposing Evanston's Political Machine Inside America's First Reparations City.The evening will be moderated by Lesley Williams, recipient of the 2024 Chicago Area Peace Action Pursuit of Peace Award and the inaugural Spirit of Open Communities Award. A respected leader in advancing racial justice, fair housing, transparency, and community engagement, Williams has served as President of Open Communities and the Community Alliance for Better Government and has facilitated community discussions on issues ranging from racism and environmental justice to inclusion and civic participation.Through personal experience, public records, community organizing, and years of civic engagement, Unsafe Black Voice explores questions surrounding housing, displacement, reparations, public trust, political power, and who gets heard in local government.This is not a lecture.This is not a campaign event.This is an opportunity to gather in community and engage in a thoughtful conversation about the issues shaping Evanston today and the future we want to create together.When planning this event, Gardner was not looking for someone to simply ask questions. She wanted someone thoughtful, independent, and respected...someone willing to ask honest questions, challenge assumptions when necessary, and help create a meaningful conversation rather than an easy one.The evening will include:• A moderated conversation about Unsafe Black Voice and the experiences, stories, public records, and questions explored in the book• Discussion about why the book was written, what surprised the author during the writing process, and the people and moments that shaped it• Audience Q&A and community discussion• Book signing and informal conversation• Wine and water providedFor years, Meleika Gardner has been the one asking the questions. On June 25th, the questions will be directed at her.Whether you've finished the book, are currently reading it, or are simply curious about the conversations it has sparked, you are welcome.Come listen.Come ask questions.Come be part of the conversation.Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMLocation: Evanston Art Center1717 Central StreetEvanston, IllinoisSeating is intentionally limited to encourage meaningful discussion.RSVP is strongly encouraged.Guests are invited to arrive at 6:45 PM to enjoy wine, view the Evanston Art Center's exhibits, and settle in before the program begins.The moderated conversation will begin promptly at 7:00 PM.Agenda?: 06:45 PM - 07:00 PMDoors Open & Welcome ReceptionInfo: 6:45 PM – Doors Open & Welcome Reception Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy a glass of wine, explore the Evanston Art Center exhibits, and connect with fellow attendees before the program begins.?: 07:00 PM - 07:10 PMWelcome & Opening RemarksInfo: Guests will be welcomed, followed by an introduction to the evening's conversation.?: 07:10 PM - 07:45 PMModerated ConversationInfo: A discussion exploring the experiences, civic engagement, and questions that inspired Unsafe Black Voice.?: 07:45 PM - 08:05 PMAudience Q&A & Community Discussion?: 08:05 PM - 08:15 PMClosing Reflections & Thank YouInfo: Final remarks and appreciation for attendees, supporters, and community partners.?: 08:15 PM - 08:45 PMBook Signing, Photos & Community ConversationInfo: Guests are invited to purchase books, have books signed, take photos with the author, enjoy wine, and visit the Evanston Art Center exhibits before the evening concludes.?: 08:45 PM - 09:00 PMEvent Concludes - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/evanston/what-happens-when-residents-start-paying-attention/100001990797271229 - **Event Categories**: art, literary-art, contests - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: under_18_with_guardian - Duration: 2 hours - Location: Evanston Art Center - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Evanston - **state**: IL - **country**: United States - **location**: Evanston Art Center - **lat**: 42.0645472 - **long**: -87.69690829999999 - **full address**: Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central Street, Evanston, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention? - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/fbb71b6084d03599ba903071e8651681d0259d198ac174c13595d0e8e736b039-rimg-w1200-h675-dc040404-gmir.jpg?v=1780963684 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention? being held? - **A:** What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention? takes place on Thu, 25 Jun, 2026 at 07:00 pm to Thu, 25 Jun, 2026 at 09:00 pm at Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central Street, Evanston, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention?? - **A:** What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention? is organized by WTPM TV. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** What Happens When Residents Start Paying Attention? is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Evanston, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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