Amethyst J. Davis
Founder
Amethyst J. Davis is responsible for spearheading the growth and development of the HWH, including outlining the editoral trajectory and content. She also produces “The Renaissance Letter,” our biweekly email newsletter.
Amethyst was an administrator at New York University before launching her journalism career. She is also a member of the Sounding Board, the WBEZ / Chicago Public Media community advisory board. Amethyst was recently 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 forthcoming digital news service.
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 recently completed 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
- 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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