NEWS RELEASE
Sarena Duncan Public Relations Director 224 303 0832 SarenaDuncan@2BLACKExcellence.org
For Immediate Release
November 30, 2023
NORTHWESTERN’S RYAN FIELD REBUILD
A promise of ‘generational wealth’ for Black residents of Evanston
Chicago, IL, November 30, 2023 — The Black community in Evanston stands in solidarity and is asking for full transparency of Northwestern University’s $800 million multi-year plan to rebuild Ryan Field. Evanston City Council acquiesced to the project on Monday, November 20th which includes rezoning the stadium to accommodate six concerts during the off season. Black residents however, are strongly questioning claims by NU that the renovations will provide them with long-term financial benefits, specifically generational wealth. It remains unclear exactly how the new stadium will increase cultural and financial vibrancy among minority and women-owned businesses, as promised. Mayor Biss however, is assuring a $208 million investment expected to drive substantial revenue to the area. If the conversation is about ‘generational wealth’, will NU also contribute to the disbursement of reparations owed to the Evanston families impacted by slavery?
During NU’s Ryan Field campaign, Black business owner, Kandi Corbbins of iKandi Hair Studio on Central Street, felt strongly that shady public relations tactics were used to falsely glamorize the project’s benefit to Black Evanston. “Northwestern’s slick public relations campaign claims the new Ryan Field will ‘build generational wealth for Black and Brown families.’ As the owner of one [of] Central Street’s few Black-owned businesses, I have my doubts,” Corbbins wrote. “What I see, instead, is … powerful Evanstonians coalescing behind the plan and cynically using artificial promises of Black wealth as cover.” NU, what is your explanation to the Black community regarding your messages and marketing used to promote the new Ryan Field.
The University has made several public guarantees which have caused more vagueness and uncertainty surrounding the true financial benefit for residents of color. Black community members desire respect as citizens who value honesty from politicians and organizations. In addition, The Village of Wilmette is strongly considering taking legal action for their concerns on the matter. Will Black residents of Evanston and the surrounding Northshore area receive the same media coverage and opportunity for full accountability?
In a statement from The Northwestern Accountability Alliance, “Northwestern will already make up to $100 million every year from athletics with its new Big 10 media deal—on top of its over $15 billion endowment. That means the university can more than afford to redevelop the stadium plus pay property taxes—or payments in lieu of taxes—and make other commitments to the community, as many of its peer universities do.” Is this deal actually about the community or is the Ryan Field Rebuild simply about the money and an attempt to soften public perception, increase future revenue, and add corporate partners amid reports of discriminatory acts with University Athletics and well as students?
According to NU and the Ryan Family, the priority is to transform Evanston into a diverse business and entertainment district of progression and unity. Black residents have been made aware of NU’s claims that many clergy and prominent voices from the NAACP are in support of the plan. However, many believe this is another tactic to sway public opinion. Who are these supporters by name? The overwhelming sentiment from the residents remains to be, full transparency. More conversations are likely as Mayor Biss is clear on his stance to move forward.
“I think Evanston needs to be willing to embrace change right now,” Biss wrote.” Our economic challenges won’t be solved by staying the same as we’ve always been or trying to return to 2019. Finally, our progressive values and ambition require funding to realize, and we won’t be able to access that funding without unfairly burdening those who can least afford to pay — unless we embrace growth and new ideas,” Biss said. The Mayor has since responded to the decision in a poignant letter to the community. Moving forward, will Black residents receive a specific, actionable plan with exact details on how the new Ryan Field will be a ‘generational investment’ in Black residents? How will this facility improve cultural connection with the Black community in Evanston and NU?
To validate the truth from all parties involved including, Mayor Biss, Evanston City Council, NU, and the Ryan Family, it’s necessary to detail the plan to match the parallel accountability measures in place should the implementation fail. Why are Black residents a part of this conversation and why does the community matter? In lieu of full transparency, how will the new Ryan Field create ‘generational wealth’ for Black residents and business owners of Evanston? How will NU, and the City of Evanston execute this permanent contractual promise to women and communities of color?
About the author
Sarena Duncan is an outstanding journalist, editor and writer by craft. She’s a natural creative with a background in radio, law, counseling, communications, youth advocacy, voice acting, storytelling and philosophy. Sarena cares deeply about the advancement of Black people in the United States and beyond and is invested in the advancements and positive change that BLACK represents. Sarena has graced roles such as supervisor for LSAC, producer for iHeartMedia, ghostwriter for Million Dollar Book Agency & Dreamstarters Publishing, and voice actor for World Communication Institute, where she was also a student of News Broadcasting and Writing. As a high-achieving Northwestern University alumni, Sarena has fine tuned her research, writing and creative skills, further enhancing her impressive business acumen.
About BLACK
Building Leadership and Community Knowledge (BLACK) is for African Descendants of Slaves (ADOS) who share the common goal of improving the quality of life among Black people. Our work at the grassroots level is to educate and engage communities, and to provide neighborhood-based services and solutions addressing community problems.