This branch of the Chicago River is lined with green spaces. It boasts a trail that runs along most of its length, encouraging movement up to the North Shore suburb of Wilmette and back. At once, the channel carries highly-treated wastewater from the North Shore suburbs down through Chicago. Although it seems that this branch is serene, green and clean, there is more to the story. You only have to move away from the banks, into the surrounding communities, and beneath the pavement to find out. In Chicago, single family homes and two-flats built before 1986 are most likely to be connected to a lead service line, which are in high concentration along this channel.
Character of the North Shore Channel
The North Shore Channel personifies the white person who doesn’t understand the concept of privilege. They are someone who doesn’t see the systems at play that allow them to have a clean river to use for recreation and wellbeing, while the people living on that very same river 15 miles south don’t get the same chance. They represent the “liberal racist” archetype, those who might advocate for Black Lives Matter, but would cause a stir if a Black person moved into their neighborhood. They are the type of “ally” who, when confronted with problematic behavior, will make it about themselves instead of listening to the harm that was caused, being humble and taking responsibility.
