Tragedy sparks change

By Andrew Kudelka

Martha Gonzalez’ tragic hit-and-run awoke a sleeping giant in Pilsen.

There had been rumblings for months concerning the safety of the 18th and Halsted. The T-shaped street corner is a precarious section of traffic. Stand on the northwest corner and you will see just how precarious it is when buses and trucks cut over the sidewalk turn west onto 18th Street. There has also been concern over the timing of the walk signal: cars will still turn on green while pedestrians are making their way across Halsted Street.

This corner’s issues could have been lost in the frequent news reports about crime and violence Our case might have been just another tragedy that lingers for only a day or two in the news. It took endurance and focus from the community who live, work and play near this intersection to provoke change.

That could not have been done alone.

One must find strength through local community activism. Local activists might already have the research and resources needed that can assist in your quest to create change. In my experience, I found that immense initial help came from the place just steps from where Martha lost her life: Kristoffer’s Café on Halsted Street.

Through the café I got in touch with leaders from the 18th and Halsted Association, 12th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis’ office and the Active Transportation Alliance. Kristoffer’s Café also provided a sanctuary for monthly meetings and media conferences, informally provoking us to form the Martha Gonzalez Memorial Committee. This kind of organization allowed us to reach media and work with Active Trans to keep a public dialogue on the intersection going. We also attended local CAPS meetings where we made our voice heard with the police, who were incredibly helpful, especially in our efforts to produce a vigil for Martha and in ticketing drivers who don’t yield to pedestrians at that intersection.

The alderman’s office was instrumental in getting the Chicago Department of Transportation and the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication to attend the November CAPS meeting and begin a dialogue. Even though our struggle is ongoing and only time will tell if any the promised long term changes will occur at 18th and Halsted, we feel that we can be heard if we remain diligent and positively focused on keeping an open line of communication with the community, its activists and local leaders.

Andrew Kudelka is Martha Gonzalez' husband. Find out more information at www.marthagonzalezmemorial.com, search "Martha Gonzalez Memorial" on Facebook or contact 312-203-4986.