Atavia Reed

@ataviawrotethis.bsky.social

On the South Side beat. Nosey by Nature. Words around town. Always talking film, music and books 👩🏾‍💻

Hi world, I'm working on a story looking back at Hurricane Katrina's impact on Chicago and local relief efforts. If you are/know someone who was displaced and came here — or if you were involved in relief efforts at the time — feel free to shoot me a DM or email. maxwell[at]blockclubchi.org

I loved this story so much! Great reporting by @ataviawrotethis.bsky.social about The Watermelon Man, a South Side staple. The piece also dives into the racist history of Black people and our relationship with the fruit and how one local pie shop owner uses the produce for an item on her menu.

Meet The Watermelon Man, A South Side Legend With The Sweetest Melons In Town

When South Siders have a taste for the sweetest summer fruit, they know exactly where to find it: on Kenny The Watermelon Man's truck at 83rd Street and Stony Island Avenue.

blockclubchicago.org