Curt’s Cafe, Evanston, IL

When discussing complex social issues such as the increasing homicide rates in the Chicago metropolitan area, inequity in public education and health care, the marginalization and criminalization of black and brown youth, or the re-entry of juveniles or adults into society after periods of detention or incarceration, I am often asked by sincere and well-intentioned persons, “What can we do?”

That question often seems to be one in search of a simple solution. However, complex social issues can only be adequately addressed by complex and comprehensive approaches. The interrelatedness of all of these issues means that unless we deal with all of it we can’t deal with any of it. Understanding their rootedness in our society’s enduring systemic racist, sexist, and classist history is but a beginning to get at more comprehensive and lasting solutions.

However, as a society, we have not shown the long-term commitment to addressing many of the complex issues of history or of our day, nor have we shown the wisdom to know that in many ways these are battles that must always be engaged lest previous gains toward equality and justice be thwarted.

Still, while I strongly believe in comprehensive solutions rooted in justice-based “public” policy, I firmly believe that we cannot wait for a shift in public opinion, for corporations that dictate public policy to become enlightened, or for the privileged to cede status or power.

Small acts of justice, individual and community-based efforts toward liberation and transformation do have their place. As so many of us have been inspired by those unsung heroes who toil away from the spotlight, public acclaim and national press coverage, we know that individuals, groups and communities of committed people intent to live just lives that embrace others who have been marginalized, can often provide the seeds that lead to broader change.

Recently, at the invitation of the Rev. Richard Mosley, Jr. of Hemenway United Methodist Church, I had the opportunity to sit down for a cup of coffee, “a sip of justice” if you will, at Curt’s Café in Evanston, Illinois. Curt’s Café is a restorative justice café that is the brain-child of Susan Trieschmann. The café provides employment, transferrable job skills, and life-skills training for at-risk youth (ages 15-24). As she sat down with us for an extended conversation to tell us more about what she hopes to accomplish here, the youth were still under her loving, yet watchful eyes. What struck me was that while her business plan is excellent, and her experience in the food industry will likely carry her to success in this non-profit endeavor, it is her deep, heartfelt passion, and love for the youth and young adults that will make it a place not just for a good cup of coffee prepared by young skillful baristas but a place that provides a sip of justice that is making a difference and providing these precious young people with a second chance.

According to an article by Julie Chernoff, “part of the beauty of Curt’s Café story is how the community has responded to this non-profit labor of love: with open arms.” That responsive community includes, Hemenway UMC. On Sunday August 4th at 4:00 PM, Rev. Mosley and the church will be celebrating his birthday at Curt’s Café. Donations will go to the café for their continued efforts of investing in the lives of these young people.

The next time someone asks, “What can we do?” Here is but one example of people coming together to make a difference.

Chris Pierson

Curt’s Cafe is located at 2922 Central Street Evanston, IL