Steven Graves Embedded: Chicago's Englewood Neighborhood
get the free appThe people of Englewood are resilient, vibrant and full of innovation.
It is with deep excitement that I get to tell these stories each and every week with care and compassion; how they deserve to be told.
I would love to hear who you want to highlight - whether it be an organization doing grassroots work or your neighbor who makes a difference in the community.
Feel free to send me any stories! I look forward to hearing from you. Email: srgraves@cbs.com
Chicago teens travel to Switzerland, speaking at conference on racism and violence
CHICAGO (CBS) -- They're taking Chicago's gun violence crisis to the global stage.
it's a heavy burden to bear for anyone, but as CBS 2's Steven Graves explains, some high schoolers took on the challenge. Only on 2, they talk about the fight for change, thousands of miles away from home.
'Art eases my mind': Englewood teen paints outside, every day, filling her neighborhood with color
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago teenager is building up a business in a unique way, with a message of perseverance and defiance.
CBS 2's Steven Graves introduces us to this young lady who's filling her neighborhood with color,
Englewood clothing store owner needs help restoring old ice cream truck to activity vehicle
CHICAGO (CBS) -- What's old is new in the eyes of Chicago clothing store owner Corie Luckett.
One thing that's old is an ice cream truck he owns – but he has a vision to repurpose it and spruce it up. As CBS 2's Steven Graves reported Friday, the truck is a vehicle to make Luckett's neighborhood of Englewood safer.
Virtual reality technology helps Chicagoans get training and future jobs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A virtual reality simulation project is no game, but rather a serious new program where people are even being paid to participate.
CBS 2's Steven Graves takes us to Chicago's South Side to show us how the VR experience aims to provide real life lessons.
By The Hand Club for Kids brings young people downtown for a fine dining experience
CHICAGO (CBS) --You have likely experienced a meal in a restaurant many times, but such is not the case for everyone.
CBS 2's Steven Graves took us Tuesday to a kids' fine dining experience that is catering to a special group of people.
New Chicago mental health training aims to address residents' trauma
CHICAGO (CBS) – A new training initiative hopes to address gun violence in Chicago's underserved communities.
CBS 2's Steven Graves spoke to organizers about how the initiative works and how it could help residents and their neighbors.
Something Good in Englewood recognizes parents with awards for their dedication
CHICAGO (CBS) -- For the people doing good in their neighborhood, their deeds are not always recognized.
But the Englewood community dedicates a whole weekend to doing just that, and more. As CBS 2's Steven Graves reported Friday, the goal is to make change for generations to come.
Englewood community joins police in 'Operation Cleanup' effort
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Englewood community is in prayer after two of its police officers were shot just days apart recently.
Chicago Police Englewood (7th) District Cmdr. Rodney Hill talked with CBS 2's Steven Graves Friday about officer morale and his outlook on the summer season.
Englewood residents get land to build dreams for the community and themselves
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It is a one-of-a-kind gift that is helping strengthen and beautify one Chicago neighborhood.
CBS 2's Steven Graves introduces us to one lucky winner and his plans to pour love into his community.
Annual Roll N Peace bike ride - addressing crime in Englewood
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Pedaling to tackle the issue of gun violence. A Chicago neighborhood is in high gear preparing for a huge bike ride that took a break last year.
CBS 2' Steven Graves has more on its meaning this time around.
Englewood voters' top concerns
CBS 2's Steven Graves spoke to voters on Tuesday in Englewood about their top concerns during this election cycle.
Littleton Rush said his top priority while voting was gun violence.
Pride South Side celebrates the LGBTQ+ community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Pride is not just confined to Chicago's North Side.
Right now, there is a movement to highlight what the South Side has to offer as well, as efforts just keep growing. CBS 2's Steven Graves has more on what it means to those who put it all together.
How Chicagoans affected by gun violence are helping the Highland Park community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Hope and healing spans beyond Highland Park.
The reality is trauma around gun violence across our area is constant. CBS 2's Steven Graves talks to community leaders in Englewood.
They are looking at the tragedy as an avenue to enact change on a broader scale.
Former liquor store set to bring clothes, coffee, and fresh new haircuts in Englewood
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It is something that is sure to make you stop and stare; a new space for Black entrepreneurs is taking shape on the South Side of Chicago.
Only on 2, Steven Graves spoke with the first owner opening shop.
Excel Academy students overcome struggles to graduate and achieve academic dreams
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Imagine the feeling of setting a goal you thought was unrealistic – only to achieve it despite huge odds.
Dozens of grads at the Excel Academy schools did just that. CBS 2's Steven Graves met some of the students who are getting a second chance to achieve their academic dreams.
Inspiring the next generation: School murals take Black history to new places
CHICAGO (CBS) -- From the classroom to a canvas on school hallway walls, some Chicago teachers and students are taking Black history to new places.
As CBS 2's Steven Graves reports, what started as a small idea is only growing bigger and more popular.
After 2 officers shot in Englewood, organizations express concern over relationship between community, police
CHICAGO (CBS) – There's a worry after two Chicago Police officers were shot on the South Side within a week. There's also a growing concern over the relationship between the community and police.
CBS 2's Steven Graves explains there is a major focus leading into summertime.
Teacher's Golden Apple win creates new opportunities at Englewood STEM
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A sit-down, one on one talk with an inspiring educator on Chicago's South Side.
Out of hundreds of applicants -- she was chosen as one of the top teachers in the state.
Steven Graves tells us why she says the honor is much bigger than her.
Englewood community leaders work hard to mend and strengthen relations between residents and police
CHICAGO (CBS) -- After a Chicago Police officer was shot and wounded in West Englewood Wednesday evening, our crew could not help but notice tension between community members and police.
It is a relationship that Englewood leaders say needs to be mended to see true change. As CBS 2's Steven Graves reported Thursday, it is challenging work - and constantly ongoing.
Englewood chef David Fuller lives his dream to get his greens to a national audiences
From the city's south side..to the national stage.
A chef and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teacher is accomplishing a long time dream, all while inspiring his students. As CBS 2's Steven Graves explains, it's part of a journey spanning more than two decades.
Englewood organization awarded huge grant towards violence prevention initiatives
There is a lot of discussion around youth and violence in Chicago.
Grassroots organizations defy odds just to do essential work. and now one group on the south side is getting one of its biggest financial boosts ever. CBS 2's Steven Graves introduces us to its leader.
Preservation Chicago wants city to do more to protect historic structures from fires
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The walls are still being brought down at the old Antioch Baptist Church in Englewood after a fire last month, but that does not mean the fight to preserve its legacy is waning.
CBS 2's Steven Graves shows us the work being done keep its legacy alive and protect other historic buildings.
As Whole Foods closes, Englewood organizations offers produce for the community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The mission for one Chicago neighborhood is make sure no one goes hungry.
With the recent news of a big grocery store leaving, grassroots organizations are stepping up.
CBS 2's Steven Graves shows us how.
CPS high school students compete in food truck style culinary competition part of year end showcase
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Order up! Some Chicago high schoolers are showing off their cooking skills -- competition style.
There's a taste test and big bragging rights to earn. But as CBS 2's Steven Graves shows us, it's more about invaluable lessons they learn.
The name of the game here, "Food Truck Wars". A lot of great ideas, with only one winner. But before you get to that, you have to taste everything, right?
New Englewood Grocery Store Aims To Be 'A Beacon Of Light' For Community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new business in Englewood is re-imagining how a simple grocery store can unite a neighborhood, foster health and wellness and provide much needed resources.
CBS 2's Steven Graves takes us inside for a sneak peek before its grand opening next week.
Alia Bilal is with the Inner-City Muslim Action Network or IMAN. One of several organizations that is part of the Go Green on Racine Initiative. It's an effort to build up the 63rd Street corridor.
'So much strength and passion': How an Englewood nonprofit is getting funds to strengthen neighborhood programs
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The COVID-19 pandemic is still exposing how many communities continue to struggle.
One Chicago neighborhood is getting a huge amount of help, through a new partnership. CBS 2's Steven Graves explains.
Cecile De Mello does the long work of leading nonprofit Teamwork Englewood because of a love for her home and three young children.
"I say to myself if I do a good job today, I'm one step closer making this a community where they can raise their family safely."
After the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church fire, former parishioners remember their cherished parish
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The blown out windows and piles of ashes are devastating sights for people who remember Antioch Baptist Church best.
The images caught the eye of a family living 1,500 miles away who left Chicago more than a decade ago. CBS 2's Steven Graves reports from Englewood where that church burned Friday.
The church place means everything to hundreds of families, as the ashes settle, prayers are going up. Memories shared by members from across the country.
'This is my Englewood' mural sets to drive change and pride in the South Side community
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A larger than life street mural with a message is taking over a street in one neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.
CBS 2'S Steven Graves tells us why it is so much more than just art.
Whole Foods closing Englewood grocery store after six years
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Whole Foods will be closing its store in Englewood, six years after opening a grocery store in what had once been a food desert on the South Side.
A Whole Foods spokesperson confirmed the company is closing six out of its more than 530 locations nationwide, including the Englewood location at 832 W. 63rd St. and their store in the DePaul University Welcome Center at 959 W. Fullerton Ave. in Lincoln Park -- a former Dominick's. The other stores closing are in Montgomery, Alabama; Mobile, Alabama; Tarzana, California; and Brookline, Massachusetts.
"As we continue to position Whole Foods Market for long-term success, we regularly evaluate the performance and growth potential of each of our stores, and we have made the difficult decision to close six stores. We are supporting impacted Team Members through this transition and expect that all interested, eligible Team Members will find positions at our other locations," a Whole Foods spokesperson said in a statement.
Despite Whole Foods closing, Englewood coffee shop says community is thriving
CHICAGO (CBS) -- It was news no one wanted to hear: Whole Foods closing on the South Side.
Now, local business owners want people to know the community is still motivated to thrive. CBS 2's Steven Graves tells us how one coffee shop owner is making it happen.
It's not the typical shop some might envision in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood.
Steven Graves
Steven Graves is a Multimedia Reporter for CBS2 Chicago. He joined the team in September 2019.
The Maryland native comes to Chicago after working three years as a fill-in anchor and MMJ at WVEC in Norfolk, Virginia. That's where he shot, wrote and edited numerous exclusive stories.
Some of his most memorable experiences include court reporting and following high profile trials. He also boarded Navy aircraft carriers and followed historic missions with the crews on board. Steven was lead reporter on national stories such as the Virginia Governor blackface scandal and historic hurricane damage in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
His storytelling at the station eventually earned him a regional Emmy nomination.
Steven got his start in journalism as a fill-in anchor and MMJ at KVII in Amarillo, Texas. He first grew a passion for reporting after working at PG-CTV, a cable station in his hometown
He loves journalism because of the opportunity to advocate for people every day who normally might not have a voice. He also loves seeing a piece come together and telling extraordinary stories through shooting video.
Don't be surprised if you see him in The Loop taking pictures. And yes, he's much taller than he appears on TV!