Amethyst J. Davis
Founder
Amethyst J. Davis is responsible for spearheading the growth and development of the HWH, including outlining the editorial trajectory and content. She also produces “The Renaissance Letter,” our biweekly email newsletter, edits content, and fact-checks stories prior to publication Amethyst was an administrator at New York University before launching her journalism career. She is also a member of the Sounding Board, the community advisory board for Chicago Public Media, which includes WBEZ Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times.
In 2022, Amethyst was a Casey Fellow with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Black News & Views, where she covered health and COVID-19 for the NABJ’s newly launched digital news service. She is a sought after speaker on community journalism and has given talks at institutions like DePaul University and the University of Kansas. Amethyst is a regular guest on City Cast Chicago.
She was invited by Harvard University to submit a 2023 Nieman Lab prediction, which taps the smartest in media and journalism nationwide to offer thoughts on the future of digital media. Under her leadership, the HWH has become one of the nation's most-watched hyperlocal newsrooms. The HWH has received national coverage in publications like Poynter, Harvard University's Nieman Lab, the National Press Journalism Club Institute, and Editor & Publisher.
Amethyst is a Brooks Middle School ('11) and Thornton Township High School alum (‘15) and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from NYU (BA'19). She is an alumni of the Data and Policy Summer Scholar program at the University of Chicago.
Follow Amethyst J. Davis on Twitter @APurple_Reign
Stories by Amethyst J. Davis
- Education & Youth
Teachers were already pushed to the brim. Then came COVID-19.
The total number of full-time public school educators statewide has steadily increased since 2018, according to state data. But a pandemic-induced teacher shortage is creating an exodus, raising concerns about the pandemic's long-term impact on education.
- Politics
Could Colby Chapman finally build Harvey's rainbow coalition?
"I don't think that there's ever been an opportunity to create conversation." Harvey's a largely Black and Brown community getting younger by the day. In her quest to become the first Black 2nd Ward alderwoman and first Japanese alderperson ever, Chapman could usher in the greatest political shift in Harvey politics since the David Johnson era.
- Politics
City government hopefuls, struggling to raise own campaign funds, bankroll one another
As some municipal candidates have struggled to build their campaign war chest, some have turned toward clout-driven political coalitions, state finance records reveal. But that support hasn't been mutually beneficial.
- Politics
Who's funding the Harvey Clerk and Treasurer races? A glimpse at state records.
What state campaign finance data say about these often overlooked races.
- Politics
The money driving Harvey's mayoral race
Mayor Chris Clark leads in cash currently on hand. Anthony McCaskill bets on himself. Alderman Marshun Tolbert (2nd) gets a late boost. Here's what you need to know about campaign spending in the 2023 mayoral race.
- Arts & Culture
The fabulous life of Emma Jean Taylor
“I’m proud the Lord kept me all these years to see my kids raised up and help people.” Harvey's Emma J. Taylor celebrates her 100th birthday and reflects on a century of family and service.
- Politics
Meeting recap: City Council approves purchase of vacant Ascension-St. Susanna Catholic Church facility
While it wasn't specified what "government purposes" the facility is to be used under the resolution, City Council approved a similar acquisition of a vacant downtown bank last year. The Harvey Police Department now uses the former First Merchants Bank, although it's not accessible to the public.
- Health
Advocates want more Harvey residents involved in south suburban tree canopy equity efforts
“Historically, the voices of those for whom these impacts are most real have been ignored,” wrote Chief Health Officer and Nordson Green Earth Foundation co-founder Sheetal Rao.
- Arts & Culture
Meeting recap: Rain check on new HVAC system at Harvey Public Library after trustees break quorum
Twenty minutes after the meeting began, officials were required to adjourn because they no longer had the required attendance to conduct city business after one trustee abruptly left the virtual meeting.
- Politics
Meeting recap: With most aldermen a no-show, City Council's first meeting of 2023 is a no-go
Alderman Marshun Tolbert (2nd), Alderman Tracy Key (4th), Alderman Dominique Randle-El (5th), and Alderman Tyrone Rogers (6th) were absent from the meeting, where the Council was to discuss several development-related items.
- Health
Here's your chance to weigh in on development around Wood Street
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital and its nonprofit arm wants residents' input to guide future development projects around the hospital.
- Health
What to know about the winter storm coming ahead of the holiday weekend
Temperatures could plummet into the single digits. Exposed skin can develop frostbite within 30 minutes.
- Education & Youth
For Brooks kids, a trip to the public library turned into a lesson on ruin and release
Brooks Middle School teacher Quentin Wright decided to use a field trip to the library to inspire his students to use art and freedom of expression to cope with social injustice.
- Education & Youth
Meeting recap: New camera system up for bid at District 152
At the September 12 meeting, district officials discussed bids for a new camera system and prepped for the second phase of the Maya Angelou School project.
- Arts & Culture
"Brunch with Bishop" coming to Harvey kids this weekend
Citizens United for Harvey Youth and Universal Baptist Church are co-hosting the free food and entertainment event to spread holiday cheer Saturday, December 17.
- Politics
Public now allowed to attend City Council meetings in-person as election season heats up
Monday's City Council meeting was the first time in over two years the public could attend in-person. The move came as political hopefuls also filed petitions ahead of the November 28 deadline.
- Public Safety
Harvey Police Department auxiliary officers receive training in City Council chambers
The training occurred the as City Hall was busy while political hopefuls filed petitions at the Office of the City Clerk.
- Education & Youth
Meeting recap: School district 205 officials approve final fiscal year 2023 budget
Federal grants have increased, bolstering the district's finances this fiscal year. However, the district is capturing less dollars from tax levies than in prior years.
- Health
Passenger shelters and retail space coming to Harvey Pace Bus Transportation Center
The groundbreaking, set for 2024, will coincide with renovations to the 154th Street Metra Station across the street.
- Education & Youth
Gas provider and nonprofit deliver 250 free coats at Holmes Elementary School
"The students were excited about receiving their coats and are ready for winter," said Holmes principal Gabriela Delgado.
- Politics
Home rule, the most important ballot measure for Harvey voters in 2022
Voters must decide if the city should maintain its own authority. Here's what that means in practice.
- Politics
Cook County is ran by Democrats. In the south suburbs, one man is trying to change that.
Jason Ross Decker is running for Cook County Board of Commissioners 5th District seat as a Libertarian. He says citizens have had enough with partisan politics. “It’s a breath of fresh air” for those who learn he’s not running as a Republican or Democrat here in Cook County, he said.
- Politics
#CheckYourJudges before heading to the ballot box
Pick up a free print voter guide to research Cook County judicial candidates before you cast a vote.
- Arts & Culture
Community and faith leaders take back the night for Harvey's youth
Citizens for Harvey Youth hosted an outdoor movie night under the stars to get youth off the phones and talking with one another. “It’s welcoming and engaging. We’re out sitting together like we’re at home,” one member said.
- Public Safety
Two in critical condition following three-story fire in downtown area Saturday afternoon
Firefighters brought the fire under control shortly before 8pm.
- Health
Family Christian Health Center to get $130,000 boost to expand dental services
Headquartered in Harvey, the nonprofit healthcare organization will use the funding to expand its dental services at their Lynwood location.
- Education & Youth
Harvey teens take lead on tough dialogue with elected leaders to UPLIFT community
UPLIFT Harvey youth held a forum with south suburban political leadership at Thornton Township High School, Thursday, September 15, to discuss solutions to social issues like abandoned houses, communal spaces, and gun violence in the city.
- Business
Harvey awarded $1.6 million in second round of federal ARPA funds
Municipalities can use the funds allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act on a range of items, like upgrades to water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure, costs of responding to COVID-19, or the negative impacts of COVID-19 on small businesses, essential workers, or households.
- Education & Youth
Meeting recap: The Safe Schools Initiative returns to District 205—along with tightened security measures
At the August 10 meeting, district officials announced new safety measures, including appointment-only campus access, designated entrances and exits, and alarms—along with a renewed commitment to refer students to local law enforcement.
- Politics
Mayoral security detail intervened in attempted gunpoint robbery of elderly man in Chicago
The officer with the mayor's security detail drew their weapon in response to an individual attempting to rob an 86-year-old man at gunpoint.
- Politics
[BREAKING]: Mayor Chris Clark's security detail exchanges gunfire with attempted robbery in Chicago
News choppers hovered over the scene on North Avenue and Halsted Street, with a notable heavy police presence in Chicago's Lincoln Park area Wednesday afternoon.
- Arts & Culture
'Julius the dot is free'
Riding high from his new "About Damn Time..." mixtape series, local music producer J.Phree is unapologetically switching gears to write the most authentic chapter of his life, yet.
- Politics
Alderman Marshun Tolbert announces 2023 mayoral run
“Our city has some serious challenges: crime, disinvestment, a need for jobs paying a live-able wage as inflation continues to rise,” said the 2nd Ward alderman, who is the first to formally announce a run to unseat Mayor Chris Clark.
- Arts & Culture
"Harvey's Got Talent" extravaganza highlights young performers for back-to-school season
The newly formed Citizens United for Harvey's Youth, a local community group, held their inaugural talent show to highlight young people and connect them to better opportunities.
- Health
Bike and pedestrian upgrades coming to Broadway Avenue
Residents can expect more accessible pedestrian intersections, bike facilities, and bus shelters.
- Business
Harvey Pace Bus Transportation Center renovation getting $20 million in federal funding
Thanks to $20 million in funding from the United States Department of Transportation, the station will get better weather protection for commuters, restrooms, and an interior waiting area.
- Education & Youth
Last minute back-to-school shopping? Here's how to lower prices at checkout
Through August 14, retailers must lower the sales tax on school supplies for items with a retail selling price of $125 per item. The move is part of the state's gas, property tax, and grocery relief bill that passed in April.
- Arts & Culture
Help us showcase Harvey's eclectic arts and culture scene
The HWH wants to tell stories about young creatives in the city. And, we need your help.
- Business
Phase two of 154th Street rehabilitation gets $400,000 boost for pavement and stormwater improvements
With the funds, the city will renovate stretches of pavement between Wood Street and Broadway Avenue. The city will also replace parts of the sewer line along Wood Street.
- Health
Harvey to pilot new market-based approach to stormwater management
In 2023, Harvey will begin piloting StormStore, which allows landowners to build needed stormwater management projects at a lower cost by generating credits and selling them to developers.
- Arts & Culture
[PHOTOS] No fences or police: The From the 'Go Fest is a new model to reimagine the concert experience
True Star Media, a media company that explores youth people to careers in media and journalism, launched the event last year. “It’s really all about to connect young people, provide spaces for them to have fun—showcase their talents,” True Star co-founder DeAnna Sherman recently said about the festival's origins.
- Education & Youth
Former Brooks band director Roosevelt Griffin now leading VanderCook College jazz and diversity efforts
"It is only appropriate that our students enter the profession with an in-depth appreciation, understanding, and commitment of Diversity and Inclusion. Especially considering they will be in front of our future leaders on a daily basis," Griffin said.
- Arts & Culture
As youth programs dwindle, one local group is putting a spotlight on the city's young entertainers
Citizens United for Harvey's Youth wants to affirm young people, whom they say have been pushed into invisibility. "It is our position as parents, former educators and citizens of Harvey that amidst the political struggles that Harvey has faced, the needs of the children have been disregarded."
- Education & Youth
State awards $50,000 maintenance grants to two school districts that serve Harvey families
Harvey School District 152 and South Holland School District 151 were among 600 first round applicants.
- Health
Senior housing complex in downtown Harvey, known as the 'YMCA building,' getting $15 million renovation
“It’s a new beginning,” said George Ellis, who's lived at the building for seven years. “It’s a blessing to all my fellow tenants—a change.”
- Public Safety
'Vigilant but undeterred': Bullet from nearby shooting pierces car windshield of boxing club director
Johnny Arrington, Jr., 29, was at the club doing personal training with a client and their mom when he discovered a bullet embedded in his windshield Monday.
- Politics
Director of communications resigns from Clark administration after nine months
He is the second person to exit from the role, tasked with handling media requests on behalf of the mayor's office, police, and other city departments, within the last year.
- Arts & Culture
PHOTOS: House music, an auto show, and parade mark fourth of July weekend festivities citywide
Both the Harvey Park District and city officials treated residents to Independence Day events.
- Politics
Parades and fireworks return for fourth of July weekend, but arrest drama looms
Harvey police arrested Dixmoor treasurer and likely 2023 mayoral challenger Anthony McCaskill last weekend after responding to a report of illegal fireworks.
- Politics
Former Obama aide Jaylin D. McClinton seeking south suburban 5th District Commissioner seat
The fresh face to south suburban politics previously served as an aide to the Obama administration and fought against state budget cuts to make college more affordable.
- Politics
Here's where you can pick up a judicial voter guide across the south suburbs
The HWH is distributing 4,000 copies of a nonpartisan judicial voter guide produced by Injustice Watch ahead of the June 28 primary.
- Health
Senior residents reeling from the emotional and financial costs of basement flooding
After a wetter spring than normal, residents have struggled to remove sewage and stormwater from their basements. The costs are growing as they throw money at plumbers and pumps hoping to quell the flooding.
- Business
Developers looking to share economic benefits of East Hazel Crest casino with surrounding suburbs
Wind Creek Hospitality plans to share revenues with the Illinois Gaming Board and surrounding south suburban areas through the newly created Southland Public Benefit Fund.
- Health
Harvey's aging water and sewer lines slated to get $3.5 million overhaul
The federal government appropriated funds to the city in March when Congress passed the spending bill, paving the way for repairs to Harvey's aging infrastructure.
- Education & Youth
No more 'growing up in a drive-thru' as Harvey's food sovereignty movement gets underway
Brian Cepeda is a Thornton social studies teacher. In 2015, he started Urban Farmers, empowering students to combat food insecurity by growing their own food and taking back their community.
- Education & Youth
Thornton drama students bring "Dreamgirls" respite to the Harvey World stage
The young thespians opened the school’s theatre doors to the community during a soulful and raucous two-night event.
- Arts & Culture
Your ultimate guide to south suburban events: Fairs, festivals, activities to celebrate summer 2022
The HWH is rounding up events from all over the south suburbs so you eat, dance the night away, listen to live music, and more this summer.
- Arts & Culture
Behind the (almost) botched haircut that made "the Wright artist" an Instagram icon
And the humility that makes him "an average person."
- Business
Metra, city officials break ground on $20 million 147th Street station renovation project
Officials touted the rehabilitation as part of a collaborative effort that would improve public transportation access for south suburban commuters and make Harvey more economically competitive.
- Arts & Culture
Two years into pandemic, in-person community resource fair returns to Gloria Taylor Center
"We're hoping that people find information that is needed and of value to them," an event organizer previously told the HWH.
- Arts & Culture
A look inside Restoration Ministries, reimagining "what we could be" for over 30 years
As the 1980s crack epidemic raged on, a symbol of hope blossomed.
- Business
Construction on 147th Metra station to begin next month. Here's what you need to know
The station will be closed for 12 to 15 months as the project is underway, officials announced Monday.
- Health
COVID-19 Dispatch: State officials urge caution due to uptick in COVID-19 cases
The IDPH is urging caution due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in some parts of Illinois. Nationwide, cases are up, prompting the CDC to extend its mask mandate on planes and public transportation.
- Business
Anti-poverty organization holding resource fair this Saturday at Gloria Taylor Center
The Community Economic Development Association will join 20 other organizations that assist with jobs, senior services, housing, and more.
- Politics
Clock now ticking to fill vacant third ward seat after Crudup resignation
The mayor’s office now has 60 days to make a nomination to the seat, setting off an appointment process — dead smack in the middle of election season.
- Health
State closing community-based testing locations March 31 citing low demand, end of federal funding
Sites are now seeing about 50 people per day, state officials said. And there's a stockpile of tests in case of another surge, they added.
- Public Safety
Cook County plans $65 million investment in community-based anti-violence programs
The Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants will be used to support a variety of programs, including street outreach workers and mental health.
- Arts & Culture
Amoz Wright and the art of healing
When he was growing up, they told him to go into business so he could make money. But for the Dixmoor native and visual artist, money and fame weren't on his shortlist. It was healing for all.
- Business
Free gas coming to the suburbs Thursday — including Harvey. Here's where you can fill up.
Inflation and soaring gas prices are spurring businessman Willie Wilson to give away $1 million worth of free gas to drivers across the Chicago area.
- Public Safety
Federal grand jury indicts ex-Harvey cop, alleging Derrick Muhammad extorted local tow companies
As the head of the city's traffic division, the former Lieutenant helped dole out city work to private tow companies -- and withheld it if owners didn't provide kickbacks.
- Health
COVID-19 Dispatch: What we know about BA.2, the latest subvariant that has the White House on alert
Previously dubbed "stealth Omicron," BA.2 is believed to be driving the latest surge in Europe.
- Politics
'More than a part-time position': Alderman Quinton Crudup (3rd) announces plans to resign
The exit will set off a nomination process for the next third ward alderman as election season gets underway.
- Health
COVID-19 Dispatch: Omicron surge over but vaccination trends show Harvey not out of the woods, just yet
Data show only 48% are Harvey residents are fully vaccinated as compared to 65% of all Cook County residents.
- Health
How to get more free at-home COVID-19 tests
During his State of the Union remarks, President Joe Biden announced more kits were made available to order.
- Business
With a $1.5 million boost, one Harvey organization seeks to ramp up jobs, mentorship, leadership programming
Staff at the Harvey location for Community Economic Development Association of Cook County spent months hearing from residents to develop new anti-poverty programming.
- Arts & Culture
Chicago journalist Vee Harrison is certain 'Hood Healing' will deliver us from intergenerational trauma
The veteran journalist's latest book is an anthology with some of Chicago's leading voices in media. Harrison discussed the book and her family's Harvey connections with the HWH.
- Health
Major changes to Illinois mask guidance are now in effect. Here's what you need to know.
The changes come as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline.
- Education & Youth
School district 152 going mask optional, but 'highly recommends' masks for all staff, students, and visitors
Masks initially had been required for this year's return to in-person learning.
- Health
Demand for testing decreasing as Omicron recedes, state officials say, but testing concerns linger
Changes in testing and possible mask guidance come as health experts identified BA.2, a more contagious version of Omicron.
- Health
Tracking COVID-19: Confirmed cases in Harvey down 80% over past month
The decline follows a statewide and national plunge in cases of the highly contagious Omicron variant.
- Business
S2 Express Grill, Harvey's second full sitdown restaurant, marks the start of a new chapter in the city's restaurant scene
"It's been a long time coming," co-owners Andre and Suheir Williams said at the packed grand opening event.
- Business
Received unemployment insurance in 2021? Don't forget to file this important tax form
The tax form required for unemployment insurance recipients, a 1099-G, is now available.
- Business
Decline in sales, increased property taxes behind Walgreens exit, company leadership says
For nearly a year, many residents remained confused about Walgreens decision to close up their only remaining Harvey location.
- Business
The 147th Street Metra station slated for a $13 million renovation beginning in spring 2022
The overhaul marks the station's first in 30 years, Metra officials say.
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