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Brenda Dixon gestures as Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, former Illinois State Superintendent smiles on CAN TV video

CAN TV Episode 10! Featuring Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, former Illinois State Superintendent

On this CAN-TV episode, host Brenda Dixon is joined by Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, former superintendent for the Illinois State Board of Education with over 40 years of experience ineducation. Dr. Ayala discusses her story of coming from Logan Square and dealing with living in a predominantly white community, to what got her into education […]

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Brenda Dixon with Bill Gaston

CAN-TV Episode 8 with Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance Bill Gaston

Brenda Dixon is joined by Bill Gaston, president and founder of Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance. Bill Gaston recounts how he first learned about Major Taylor and the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago, his journey as a club captain, and the founding of the Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance. He also explains how he addressed

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CAN-TV Episode 7 with Southside Critical Mass Volunteers Dannielle McKinnie and Ojie Murchison

Dr. Brenda M. Dixon is joined by Dannielle McKinnie and Ojie Murchison, two avid and experienced bike riders and volunteers with Southside Critical Mass, to discuss the community rides they host and the importance of cycling clubs in communities.  The Southside Critical Mass community bike ride meets once a month on the first Friday at 5:45

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CAN-TV Episode 5 with Michael Kranish, author of The World’s Fastest Man

For Black History month, host Brenda Dixon is joined by guest Michael Kranish, author of The World’s Fastest Man, to take a deep dive into who Major Taylor is. Kranish and Brenda discuss Major Taylor’s childhood and career, from the racism and obstacles he faced to the Six Day Race he competed in.  Michael Kranish is

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City county and other partners in a meeting room discussing trail improvements

Future plans for Major Taylor Trail discussed at January meeting

Photo: Photos from a stakeholder workshop on January 26, 2024 with various government agencies and community-based organizations to discuss future plans for the Major Taylor Trail. In January, government agencies and community partners gathered at City Hall to discuss future plans for the Major Taylor Trail. Each group presented current plan documents and work to

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CANTV youtube clip shows Dr Thompson Dr Slade and Dr Dixon

CAN-TV Episode 4: Nature-based programs to promote mental health with Dr. Brenda Thompson & Dr. Nikia Sledge

Dr. Brenda T. Thompson and her daughter, Dr. Nikia Sledge joined Brenda on this episode to discuss the wide range of mental health problems they have seen in the South Side, an important topic to the greater Major Taylor Trail community. The South Side natives highlight the relationship between community disinvestment and mental health, challenges

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Screenshot from YouTube of Brenda, Keith, Peter discussing Maj Taylor Trail on CANTV

CAN-TV episode 3 with Keith Holt and Peter Taylor – how did the Trail really happen?

Host Brenda Dixon welcomed guests Keith Holt and Peter Taylor to discuss their advocacy work and the foundation of the Major Taylor Trail in December. Keith and Peter are well-known leaders in the biking community, advocates of more Black folks getting on bikes, and for the Major Taylor Trail in particular.

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We have copies of a new kids’ book about Major Taylor to give riders, and a chance to meet the author in January

Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion (Candlewick Press, September 2023) is the newest book by Coretta Scott King Award-winning author and speaker Charles R. Smith, Jr. The new book features illustrations by artist Leo Espinosa, whose drawings have been featured in The New Yorker and elsewhere. You can meet the author on Zoom with us January

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