What Is O-Block? History, Drill Rap Stardom, and Renewal at Parkway Gardens
By James H. Sterling
Parkway Gardens stands as a living mirror of Chicago's racial and economic history over the past three-quarters of a century. It began as an ambitious postwar experiment in cooperative homeownership. It evolved into a worldwide cultural symbol through the rise of drill rap. Today, its ultimate test lies in self-determination. The future of O-Block will not be decided by algorithmic clickbait or out-of-town stream viewers. It will be decided by the families living inside its 35 brick buildings, working daily to protect their homes, preserve their history, and demand the civic resources their community has earned.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
