Globalization in Washington Park
In economically troubled communities such as Washington Park, it can be very difficult for residents to access the financial means to leave the neighborhood, and there is a misperception that the area has nothing to offer. However, in Washington Park, connections at a global level are abundant. In addition to the immigrant communities who come from various countries, businesses, individuals, and organizations in this neighborhood are also making connections far beyond their immediate surroundings.
The Chocolate Connection
Dan Bieser, owner of Tabal chocolate, maintains global connections from his local workshop. He sources the cacao beans for his chocolate company from six different countries, and builds relationships directly with farmers in each of them. Over 60 years ago, Lois Luglio was also in the chocolate business, growing cacao beans on her husband's family farm in Peru. Back then it was not possible for chocolatiers to buy beans directly from cacao farmers the way that Dan does now. These individuals put Washington Park on the global map and contribute to the shape of the neighborhood's identity through their experiences with international cacao farming.
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The Art Connection
Artist Muneer Bahaudeen helps community members identify their visions for the neighborhood and transform these ideas into artwork. They paint ceramic tiles and place them on wooden posts that serve as "architectural talismans." He recently traveled to Uganda through Milwaukee-based organization Grandmothers Beyond Borders and their sister organization Grandmothers Here to help grandmothers and grandchildren realize the same creative expressions for their family plots of land. Muneer's work to encourage active community engagement through art connects the urban streets of Washington Park with small family farms in rural Uganda.
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