Da'Jae Allen 
Monique Scott, Alderwoman of the 24th Ward on the West Side of Chicago, recently visited True Star’s Out West location at the BBF Center (Building Brighter Futures) where she was featured on the “Lifin’” podcast. True Star podcast personalities Dereon Pyles and Zach Cummings had the pleasure of interviewing her about her ongoing work in the Lawndale community.
Scott shared that she began serving her community by working with the Park District, but felt as though she wanted to do more. In 2022, she succeeded her brother in the role of Alderwoman, determined to expand her impact and bring new opportunities to the residents of the 24th Ward.
Scott has been able to work towards making meaningful impacts on the 24th Ward. She spoke about a $66 million project that is currently underway, as well as the anticipated arrival of butcher stores, the provision of affordable housing units, and other forms of housing, and even two sit-down restaurants that Scott says the community has not had in 50 years.
At the heart of her work lies a challenge Scott describes as one of her greatest: ensuring that communities of Black and Brown families are not overlooked and forgotten. She noted how the administration has disinvested in their communities, making it critical to remind them that “the 24th Ward is on the map” and deserves its fair share of resources. By giving the people of the 24th Ward the experience of a living environment that isn’t run down and dilapidated, but instead, thriving in development and economic growth, she reminds the administration that the 24th Ward deserves investments and support.
Still, Scott acknowledges that her work is far from finished. She has made it a priority to focus more deeply on youth engagement and development. “I need to focus on our youth because you all are the next me, next commissioner, the next possibly president, the next CEO.” To that end, she is working on establishing STEM programs in neighborhood schools to foster enrollment and retention. “It’s my role as an alderman to make sure that we have at least three schools in our area to make sure that we populate them, because right now our enrollment is low in almost every single school in our community.” She harped on the fact that a community can not thrive in either schools, housing, or economic development, but that success in all three is vital in order to have a thriving community.
She encouraged young people to come back home once they’ve finished school. To “reinvest in your community, to build in your community, to start a business in your community.” While she is laying the foundational building blocks to get our West Side community back on its feet, it’s the young people of today who will inherit their work and be responsible for carrying it forward and ensuring that it doesn’t go to waste.
Born and raised in the 24th Ward, Scott continues to stay closely connected to her neighbors. Her office remains open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and residents are encouraged to call, stop by, or attend meetings she organizes throughout the community. She also shares updates through newsletters and regular appearances at local events and park districts. For those looking to get involved, Monique Scott’s office is located at 1158 S. Keeler Ave.
Watch the full interview below.
By Da’Jae Allen, Junior, Howard University
Instagram: @dajae.10
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