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47th (Green)

Back on the road to Bronzeville's glory days.

Friday Sep 23, 2005.     By Venita Griffin

Lifestyle Feed

Just a few short years ago, words like "run down" and "dangerous" were frequent catchwords when describing the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. Those people lacked vision. Indeed, the area did have more than its fare share of abandoned buildings, crime and destitution. But it also had history: turn-of-the-century mansions; the legacies Gwendolyn Brooks, Richard Wright and other great African-American artists, athletes and businessmen. Much like New York's Harlem, Bronzeville was a key part of black Chicago's intellectual and social resurgence in the first half of the 20th century. Yes, Bronzeville was hurting, but it was not dead. All the community needed was a few visionaries. Those seers have arrived, and the area is on the road to recapturing the magic of its glory days while blazing a trail for a new generation.

Safety rating: Despite its reputation, the area is no more dangerous than say, Rogers Park or Humboldt Park.

Panhandler rating: Depending on the time of day, you'll see more panhandlers. Once the sun goes down, the population dwindles significantly.

Dinner-date destination
Blu 47
The beautiful people come here, perfectly coifed in their precise outfits. But don't be intimidated: The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. A retro combo of brown and blue set the stage for a modern dining experience. Soul or Caribbean-influenced entrees carry a bit of a kick (spice that is). Tasty dishes, such as the shrimp appetizer and the stuffed catfish, leave you wanting more.

The portions are on the small side, and Blu 47 isn't the spot for a cheap date, but it doesn't break the bank, either. Dinner for two, including an appetizer and a drink apiece totaled an ambiance-is-worth-the-price $55. Usually packed, service can be slow, but the wait stuff does make sure you're not wanting for drinks while you wait for your dinner. Here, those factors just contribute to a "perfect date spot" categorization: flattering lighting, small portions so you don't stuff yourself, plenty of time for uninterrupted conversation and plenty of things to look at and talk about.

Where to chill
Spoken Word Cafe
Located just under Blu 47, the Spoken Word Cafe is the perfect place for a mellow catch-up session with friends. This cool spot features a stage for live music and spoken word performances; on any give night, visitors can be treated to the latest in underground hip-hop, smooth jazz and soul, or hear established or up-and-coming poets do their thing. It's not a place that requires you to dress up; the vibe is so chill that you can wear whatever suits your fancy and you'll fit right in. At Spoken Word, you can order up a sinful desert and a hot cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer), kick back and really talk; something that you can't do at most bars or "hot spots" in the city. Planning a party? Look no further. The cafe does private events.

Good for groups
Negro League Cafe
Like the neighborhood it calls home, the Negro League Cafe is founded on a legacy of the greats that came before us. A homage to the men who played in baseball's Negro League (prior to the 1940s integrations of major league teams), the cafe is decorated with art that reflects the league's glorious past.

The menu is a virtual smorgasbord of contemporary soul food dishes with a West Indian twist. Confused? Think greens (collards, of course) that are sauteed instead of boiled down, in a delicious but somewhat foreign manner. Baked macaroni and cheese, again, very standard soul food, becomes creamier, packed with a wider variety of cheeses than mom's classic version. Reasonable prices put a foursome's night of appetizers, dinner and two drinks apiece at just over $80. The cozy yet lively vibe makes this a great pit stop with friends before hitting the town.

Place to be seen solo
Afrocentric Bookstore
Martin Luther King Drive is one happening place, and this particular storefront is no exception. Several must-see locales are housed under one roof, and Afrocentric is included in that mix. The retailer specializes in titles that reflect the experiences and interests of the African Diaspora. The inventory in the 4,000-square-foot space is diverse: historical fiction, chick lit, creative nonfiction, children's books, self-help titles, you name it. Once a month, Afrocentric, once located on Michigan Avenue, stages author readings. The store has been known to draw big names: Terry McMillan of "Waiting to Exhale" fame has appeared in the past, along with Michael Eric Dyson and General Colin Powell. The spot's outstanding reputation has academics, writers, students and casual readers pouring in to support owner Desiree Sanders. What they get here is something they can't find via the chains: personalized attention from staff that truly cares and are knowledgeable about the products and the community they represent.

For the artiste
Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center
Monica Haslip, Black Pearl's founder, established the organization in the basement of her Bronzeville mansion ten years ago. Her mission? To provide a safe after-school haven for young children while helping them develop their artistic talents and teaching them to market their work. Today Black Pearl makes its home in the 40,000-square-foot Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, located in the Kenwood area, which lies just outside of Bronzeville.

The cultural center houses Black Pearl, but also provides Chicagoans with artistic and cultural experiences while staying true to its original goal of training youth in arts and entrepreneurship. Black Pearl's nonprofit workshop instructs students in a variety of media, including sculpture, ceramics, papermaking and furniture design and building. Student work is on display and for sale. The center also hosts an artist-in-residence program, where local creatives share their work with the community. A must-see destination for all Chicagoans, the center is splendidly rich in color and life and truly anchors the corner it now calls home.