Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC), the North Lawndale Homeowners Association (NLHOA), and Harmony Community Church will host The Property Tax Bonfire: Light the Way to Fairness on Saturday, November 15 at 6:00 PM at Harmony Community Church. This impactful community action will bring together residents, small business owners, and commercial property stakeholders to demand transparency, fairness, and meaningful reform in Illinois’s property tax system.
Illinois has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, yet many residents lack clarity on how those rates are calculated and why they continue to increase. The event will amplify the voices of those most affected—homeowners, renters, and small business owners—while shedding light on longstanding inequities built into the current system.
“This is about more than numbers on a bill,” said Dr. Richard Townsell, Executive Director of LCDC. “It’s about fairness, stability, and the right to stay in the homes and neighborhoods we’ve built for generations. People deserve a property tax system they can understand and trust.”
A symbolic bonfire will visually represent the community’s shared frustration and unified commitment to systemic change. Participants will share personal experiences with unpredictable tax hikes and explore solutions modeled after California’s Proposition 13, which limits property taxes to one percent of assessed value and caps annual increases at two percent.
“This system is broken, but we can fix it if we act together,” said Whittney Smith, LCDC Deputy Director. “We’re calling for simplicity, transparency, and fairness for North Lawndale—and for every Illinois resident who deserves economic security.”
The gathering will also function as a listening and research session to inform a broader statewide campaign for property tax reform. Policymakers, community leaders, and media outlets are encouraged to attend and hear directly from residents impacted by inequitable taxation.
Founded in 1987, LCDC is a mission-driven organization committed to revitalizing North Lawndale through affordable housing, economic development, and community empowerment. By cultivating strategic partnerships and launching innovative programs, LCDC works to create sustainable change and improve the quality of life for residents on Chicago’s West Side.
“Black girls defy the odds.” Those were the opening words from Jamila Trimuel, Founder and President of Ladies of Virtue (LOV), and they instantly grounded the room in purpose. Though the space was already filled with love, laughter, and an unmistakable sense of joy, Trimuel’s message reminded everyone why they gathered for the 2025 Leading With Virtue Cocktail Reception—to invest in the brilliance, resilience, and future of Black girls.
From the moment guests entered the venue, it was clear they were in for a special evening. Volunteers and staff cheered as attendees arrived, registration flowed seamlessly, and servers weaved through the room with beautifully crafted hors d’oeuvres. If the night had a theme song, it would have been “A Night to Remember”—because that’s exactly what it was.
The night honored a lineup of phenomenal women making an impact across the city and beyond. Among the distinguished honorees were:
For nearly two decades, Dyanna Knight Lewis has uplifted women throughout Chicago through the Women of Excellence initiative. Seeing her honored by an organization committed to empowering girls felt like a full-circle moment—an affirmation of her influence on the generations rising behind her.
One of the evening’s most powerful moments came from a LOV participant Tamyra Loggins who shared her journey from childhood bullying and emotional pain to confidence and purpose. Once struggling with suicidal thoughts and feeling unseen both at home and in school, she found safety, affirmation, and a new sense of self in Ladies of Virtue. Today, she stands as a military veteran, a mother, a wife, and a college student—proof that support and access can transform a life.
The generosity in the room spoke volumes. Through enthusiastic giving, heartfelt pledges, and community unity, LOV raised over $271,000—and counting, pushing toward nearly $300,000 to expand access, programming, mentorship, and opportunities for Black girls across Chicago.
Trimuel’s words echoed throughout the night:
“Our Black girls are brilliant, but brilliance alone does not protect them. Our Black girls are confident, but their confidence is labeled as defiance. Our Black girls are leaders, but their leadership potential often goes unnoticed. And so many of our Black girls’ dreams are deferred, not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of access.”
Her message ignited a renewed commitment—one that extends beyond the reception walls. The funds raised will fuel LOV’s mission: developing confident, creative, career-ready Black girls who lead in their communities and beyond.
As Ladies of Virtue celebrates 14 years of impact, the organization continues to prove a simple truth:
When one Black girl rises, she lifts her family, her community, and generations after her.
Saturday night wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was a declaration of possibility. A testament to what happens when a community shows up, gives boldly, and believes in the power of Black girls to change the world.
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