Flags, Food and Faith is a collection of photographs made primarily in Chicago’s South and Westside neighborhoods that focuses on small businesses owned by Black and Latino residents. Utilizing environmental portraits and photographs of interior spaces, my images highlight the economic and social contributions of small businesses in our underserved neighborhoods. Based on data collected by the city of Chicago for the new Citywide Plan, a clear disparity in business ownership exists across racial groups. Black residents are 29% of the population yet own only 4% of businesses. Latinos are 30% of the population and own just 9% of the businesses across the city. During my time making this work it became clear to me through conversations with business owners that building ownership was an important ingredient in creating more permanent establishments. The kinds of shops that become integrally woven into the fabric of the surrounding community very often do so because building ownership creates stability and longevity. This is how a donut shop in Roseland that opened in 1972 becomes so beloved that it still sells out its donuts every day or a soul food restaurant in Austin is a required campaign stop for almost every city, state and national politician. This project seeks to honor the businesses that do exist, their owners and the people who keep them running while also creating a social contract with the city of Chicago. Data has been collected, disparities have been identified, and communities have been consulted. Now work needs to be done.
Project funding provided by the Chicago Departments of Cultural Affairs & Special Events and Planning & Development as part of the Citywide Plan.
Jonathan Michael Castillo is a visual artist, photographer and educator based in Chicago whose projects focus on people, place and social issues.