Interview and Photographs by Caroline Carr
Photographed in Welles Park, Chicago
ANN WILLIAMS, STATE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE 11TH DISTRICT ON CHICAGO’S NORTH SIDE
On her place of special meaning and why she chose to be photographed at it: I chose to be photographed at the Welles Park which is one of the jewels of the district. It is a large park area that is used year round for a variety of things. For me, especially since Covid hit it really has come to symbolize a gathering space for our community and it really has come to symbolize what our community is really about.
On what set her on the political path: I was assigned to the Iowa House democratic caucus and it was a place where I felt really at home. The issues they worked at at the time were issues I found interesting. Some issues that I was completely unfamiliar with including issues of riverboats and gaming but I enjoyed the people, watching the interpersonal dynamics develop, I watched how women especially made a difference and have a really powerful and relevant role in the legislative process.
On making sure everyone in her district’s needs are met: One of the topics that comes up almost every time is we are one district and our communities may vary a lot in terms of resources but it’s one school district and if something is not good enough for the kids in Roscoe Village, it’s not good enough for the kids in all parts of the city.