The Southeast Chicago Commission (SECC) Neighborhood Enhancement Grant (NEG)
Just over two years ago, sculptor, teacher and beloved resident of the Oakland community, Milton Mizenburg Jr. passed away. For the uninitiated, Oakland is a vibrant urban community southeast of Bronzeville and north of Hyde Park with a rich cultural heritage in the creative arts. In a small but mighty way, Mizenburg’s vision and artistic expression on vacant lots, including the site affectionately known as the Oakland Museum and Garden, helped an ever-evolving community for nearly twenty-five years. Community stewards championing his broader social impact learned about the SECC-NEG, were awarded a grant, and are on the road to preserving his expressive wood artworks. An organization serving South Side communities, the SECC’s grant program has helped the Oakland community launch an important conversation about Mizenburg’s contribution across an intergenerational and multicultural neighborhood. (Yetta Starr)
South East Chicago Commission: 1511 E. 53rd; Oakland Museum and Garden: 4116 S. Lake Park
