To say that 2020 has proved to be the unexpected, would be an understatement. Still far from over, the year has been a huge challenge from the coronavirus pandemic and its devasting health and economic toll, to tensions and activism over racism and brutality reaching a breaking point. It has been rough, for individuals and collectively. Yet, these moments and movements are also galvanizing and provide us opportunities to make a difference.
Our Village of Antioch community saw the moment seized when the Antioch Mask Brigade took the charge and produced mask after mask, nearly 43,000, all donated, and giving added protection to health care workers, frontline defenders, those at-risk, to community members and those afar, shared with our military in Afghanistan through local families. Other forging moments, too, like working together with Antioch Township to create an ongoing network of resources and outreach, along with our staff, work crews and merchants, who quickly shifted gears to “virtual” “curbside” “takeout” and all the “new” normal we’re all still getting used to.
Our community came together in an unprecedented time to speak and rally, a movement against racially-targeted violence, to promote the importance of equality, that all lives matter, and the international human rights movement, Black Lives Matter. Converging at the same time when guidelines for sized-gatherings required difficult decisions canceling July 4 activities, several citizen-led events were unifying and uplifting. While much of the nation was experiencing displays of anger and destruction, those that came out in Antioch showed we can come together, from all backgrounds and experiences, to be a strong, diverse community.
The Village of Antioch is proud of its commitment to promoting diversity. Our differences make us a strong, beautiful community here and in the roles we may play on the world stage. In recognition of the importance and place this holds, a resolution was approved in 2017, for the
WELCOMING AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY PLEDGE. As mayor and a resident sharing the community with you, it was an honor to be a part of such an important outward sign and voice. This pledge has held true, over time, stands today, and for future generations. “We have an even greater responsibility to speak out against discrimination, xenophobia, and hatred because when the unacceptable becomes the norm in our society, human rights for all are threatened…”. (view more at antioch.il.gov).
As we look ahead into fall and other seasons, may we look with optimism. I’m hopeful these times have made us more resilient, kinder and encouraged us to look at things with more empathy and understanding. These moments and movements are learning ones, and ones that we will never forget.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Mayor Lawrence “Larry” Hanson
lhanson@antioch.il.gov
847-395-1000
antioch.il.gov
HELPFUL COMMUNITY & AREA RESOURCES
Health & Welfare
Antioch Area Healthcare Accessibility Alliance (AAHAA)
aahaa4health.org
847-395-2809
Village of Antioch Senior Center
antioch.il.gov
847-395-1000 or 847-395-0139
Food, Clothing, Essentials & General Assistance
Antioch Traveling Closet
(clothing and basic needs resource)
antiochtravelingcloset.org
Catholic Charities
catholiccharities.net
847-546-5733 or 847-740-6708
Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission
lakecountyil.gov/veterans
847-377-3344
Lake Villa Township Food Pantry and General Assistance
lakevillatownship.org/food-pantry/
847-356-2116
Northern Illinois Food Bank
solvehungertoday.org
630-443-6910
Open Arms Mission
openarmsmission.org
847-395-0309
The Salvation Army
centralusa.salvationarmy.org/waukegan/
847-336-1880
United Way Lake County/211
liveunitedlakecounty.org/portfolio/211/
847-775-1000
Utility & Financial Assistance
Antioch Township
antiochtownship.il.gov
847-395-3378
