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 Hero
Project: Inequity For Sale
Read Her book! Don't Go: Stories of Segregation and How to Disrupt It Co-authored by Maria Krysan
Fellowship: 2021 Artists as Instigator for the National Public Housing Museum
Fellowship: 2024 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellow
Co-Founder: Englewood Arts Collective
Shoutout 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 lol
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Photographer Life Check is a BWP Network Original