Computer rooms, classrooms, meeting areas, a quiet room and more, are adding to the mission of Black Lives Matter Lake County as Executive Director Clyde McLemore has created a resource center on Waukegan’s south side to help people develop skills and find help.
McLemore renovated an office building, which was once a horse stable, into a resource center where people can learn to navigate the internet on a computer, develop skills in a trade or earn other talents to lead to a more prosperous life.
Starting Black Lives Matter Lake County out of his home in 2015, McLemore has not abandoned the political purposes that motivated him to bring the organization to the area. He helped open an office in Joliet, needing one more to make Illinois an official chapter of the organization.
“We want to be a voice for the voiceless, and liberate Black and Brown people,” he said. “We’ll be able to raise the voice of the voiceless. We will help them in every way we can.”
McLemore, local officials and community members cut the ribbon opening the Black Lives Matter Lake County Resource Center on Sept. 24 in Waukegan, creating a place where people can find services, from education to drug counseling.
“This is a dream I’ve had for the south side,” he said. “God works in mysterious ways, and here we are with these resources for the community. It’s here for everyone in the community.”
Lake County Board Vice Chair Mary Ross Cunningham, D-Waukegan, represents the south side neighborhood on the board. She said she lived there for 40 years raising her children in the area. The building was once a horse stable, and became an auto shop. She helped cut the ribbon.
Cunningham said the Rev. Arthur Gass Sr. acquired the building, founded the Black Chamber of Lake County in 2009 and housed it there. Gass was her pastor and McLemore said the clergyman was a mentor to him.
State Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, also helped cut the ribbon. She said it is important to put resources in a neighborhood close to people who need them. It is both more convenient and adds a comfort level.
“This is a cultural hub that is needed for the people of this community,” Johnson said. “They know this building, and will be comfortable coming here. It’s available for all of Waukegan and Lake County.
As people enter the building, there is a place for them to check in. There are a variety of rooms for people who have different needs and comfort levels. There are places for education, like the computer room, and other spots for drug counseling.
“We have a conference room for people who don’t like to meet in an office,” McLemore said. “This is where someone can unplug,” he added, showing a room designed to help people get some relief from stress.
Altogether, McLemore said there are three classrooms. He hopes young people will be comfortable coming to spend some time after school, doing homework and potentially receiving academic help if needed.
Reginald Handy, a social worker with ties to A Safe Place, will be assisting people who come to the resource center for counseling.