Tonika Lewis Johnson - Englewood Luminary (PT1) | 029

We taking it out south this week!! Photographer and social justice artist Tonika Lewis Johnson discusses her impactful projects, Folded Map which connects residents from different neighborhoods in Chicago to explore the realities of segregation. We also get into Tonika’s projects Inequity For Sale and Unblocked Englewood which aim to educate and empower residents while addressing historical injustices in home ownership on Chicago’s South Side. Tonika discusses her deep connection to her community in Inglewood, the cultural significance of Black neighborhoods, and how her art serves as a catalyst for social change. All in all, Qurissy is GAGGED! And a proud Chicagoan.Life Check: Tonika Lewis Johnson’s work is extensive!! So we have a lot of links this episode:Tonika was named the 2025 Red Cross Social Justice Impact HeroProject: Inequity For SaleRead Her book! Don't Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It Co-authored by Maria KrysanFellowship: 2021 Artists as Instigator for the National Public Housing MuseumFellowship: 2024 Gordon Parks Foundation FellowCo-Founder: Englewood Arts CollectiveShoutout to the Chicago legend Que Billa“Remain diligent & curious”You can find, hire, or reach Tonika at: instagram, website, or Tonika Lewis Johson on Facebook - we working on tiktok lolWatch/Listen to Photographer Life Check ⁠⁠⁠on Youtube , Apple, Spotify Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, & TikTokPhotographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original