Welcome to the Chicago I know and love. When I spotted this stylish group of friends on Michigan Avenue laughing and joking with each other, I knew they were the perfect representatives of a city known for its warmth and hospitality. In this photograph, the bonds of friendship between Taylor, Mynita, Breanna and Raena are unmistakeable.

 

It’s heartbreaking when the international conversation about Chicago focuses only on the negatives. And once again, this weekend we made international headlines for gun violence, with 82 people shot and 15 people murdered in just 72 hours.

 

I don’t know what the solution to the violence is, and it certainly deserves attention. But at some point the news coverage becomes sensationalized gawking, and does that help solve the problem? I want to draw attention to the fact that ALL of Chicago – not just the Magnificent Mile in the photo above – is overflowing with wonderful, loving people who care for their neighbors and communities, even in areas plagued by the problems you see in the news.

 

Please do our city a favor, and share something positive about Chicago on your social media profiles today. It’s easier to focus on the negatives, but let’s celebrate the positives this summer.