37 episodes

In our podcast, EVANSTON RULES, we explore the history and stories of people who have made a difference in our town. Voices of the past, present, and future cross-stitch a tapestry of our community: the opportunities, disparities, legacies, what's been lost and what can be found. Where are we now? How did we get here? Where do we go from here? In Evanston Rules, we’ll explore different historical perspectives and create a new paradigm, one that collectively empowers all Evanstonians. Our value words: Inclusion, Acceptance, Equity and Love drive our work and our conversations. Join us on Evanston Rules. Come to Understand!

Evanston Rules Laurice Bell, Ron Whitmore

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 43 Ratings

In our podcast, EVANSTON RULES, we explore the history and stories of people who have made a difference in our town. Voices of the past, present, and future cross-stitch a tapestry of our community: the opportunities, disparities, legacies, what's been lost and what can be found. Where are we now? How did we get here? Where do we go from here? In Evanston Rules, we’ll explore different historical perspectives and create a new paradigm, one that collectively empowers all Evanstonians. Our value words: Inclusion, Acceptance, Equity and Love drive our work and our conversations. Join us on Evanston Rules. Come to Understand!

    Marcus Campbell: Making History In Education

    Marcus Campbell: Making History In Education

    Dr. Marcus Campbell is making history in education, reshaping the landscape through his unwavering commitment to equity. Taking actionable steps, Dr. Campbell, in our 6th episode of Season Three, shares insights as the superintendent of Evanston Township High School, District 202—the first Black person to hold this position in over 134 years. Reflect on what this signifies for our diverse Evanston.
    In our conversation, Dr. Campbell discusses his tenure at ETHS, where his passion for teaching continues to drive his role as Superintendent. He opens up about the memorabilia in his office, connecting him to his ancestors and grounding him. This link fuels his dedication to improving Evanston for future generations.
    Dr. Campbell is an unapologetic advocate for equity in education. Listen to understand the transformative journey he's leading.

    • 30 min
    Allan Alson: Building Equity

    Allan Alson: Building Equity

    In "Building Equity" our 5th episode from Season Three, we speak with Dr. Allan Alson, the former superintendent of Evanston Township High School, District 202. Dr. Alson talks about his move to Evanston, addressing perceptions about the community, and candidly sharing how he didn't let initial impressions affect his belief in Evanston's potential. With this perspective, he committed to creating an equitable Evanston, embracing the differences that make him stand out. He's bold, courageous, and committed to the work. 

    Dr. Alson is not just an ally; he's an accomplice in making Evanston even better. 

    Listen To Understand.

    • 31 min
    Mabel Williams: Ahead Of Her Time

    Mabel Williams: Ahead Of Her Time

    In this 4th episode from Season Three, "Ahead Of Her Time", we spoke with Dr. Mabel Williams, a cherished educator, mentor and Evanston resident of over 60 years, who has not only called this community home, but has also contributed significantly to its educational landscape. Her journey began as a special education teacher at Walker School and later as a learning disabilities teacher at Dawes School. Her passion for student success and well-being drove her to become a supervisor in the Special Services Department. Throughout her career, Dr. Williams' unwavering commitment to her students often raised eyebrows, as she placed their success above all else, even job security.
    In her well-deserved retirement, Dr. Williams continues to lead a purposeful life, attending multiple classes and nurturing her mind, body, and spirit. Her dedication to lifelong learning and self-improvement serves as an inspiring example to us all.
    Her legacy embodies the values we strive to uphold, and her story is a testament to the impact one can have on a community. In a previous episode of Evanston Rules, we had the privilege of featuring Dr. Williams' son, Rodney Williams, in an enlightening conversation titled “I’ll Have What He’s Having.”
     Listen to understand.

    • 31 min
    Devon Horton: Unbroken Resolve

    Devon Horton: Unbroken Resolve

    In this 3rd episode from Season Three, we spoke with Dr. Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65. Dr. Horton's passion for his work shines through as he shares his deep belief and unwavering commitment to achieving equity in education. He envisions a school system that is fair and just for all students, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.
    It is essential to note the significance of the timing of this episode. Since our conversation, Dr. Horton has made the decision to resign from his position as superintendent in Evanston. He concluded his tenure at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and has taken on the role of superintendent in the DeKalb County school district.

    Listen to Understand!


    Photo Credit: Evanston/Skokie Dist. 65

    • 31 min
    Janet Dees: The Art of History

    Janet Dees: The Art of History

    The Art of History. The 2nd episode from Season 3 of the Evanston Rules podcast features Janet Dees. Janet is a curator and art historian who speaks about her life experiences and how they inform her work in art history and vice versa. 
    Janet is the Steven and Lisa Munster Tananbaum, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Northwestern University‘s Block Museum of Art. 
    Listen to understand.

    • 25 min
    Laurice Bell, Ron Whitmore & Larry Axelrood: And The Beat Goes On...

    Laurice Bell, Ron Whitmore & Larry Axelrood: And The Beat Goes On...

    In Season Three's 1st episode, we (LAURICE and RON) are switching seats with one of our good friends and favorite guests from Season One, Judge LARRY AXELROOD.
    Larry asks us some questions about how we got to where we are today and where we see Evanston Rules going and growing. And we answer with our typical no holds barred style. 
    Listen to understand.

    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
43 Ratings

43 Ratings

Pdang420 ,

Mr Whitmore’s K class of ´91

Former student loving the show! Mr Whitmore always taught us to tell others “I like you, but I don’t like what you’re doing” when we had a conflict. I like Mr Whitmore and I do like what he’s doing here! 👏👏👏👏👏very educational and enlightening. -Paula

Sylvia Bell ,

Go to Your Edge

I just listened to the episode featuring Gail Hutchison who put into words feelings I have felt. Gail talked about her experience at Northern Illinois University. I too attended and graduated from NIU. This was the first time I was called the “n word” by 3 male Caucazoids driving by in a pick up truck as I was waiting to cross the street. I looked around to see who they were talking to. I saw no one else and then realized they were talking to me’

Samcropie ,

Thank You

for some powerful stories and introducing me to some powerful people!

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