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FREE Vol. 39 No. 51
December 24, 2025 ■ Also serving Garfield Park ■ austinweeklynews.com
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He’s making a point about fencing, empowerment
‘The People’s Hearing’ shines spotlight on West Side homeowners facing tax strain Residents voiced frustration over what they see as racially targeted tax increases
‘When I put on the mask,’ says Scott Holliday, ‘it’s like I’m transported into a different mind space’
By HECTOR CERVANTES
By GREGG VOSS
Contributing Reporter
Contributing Reporter
Fencing is a time-honored combat sport, tracing its roots back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome. But in Scott Holliday’s mind, today it’s a means to bring kids together for empowerment. Holliday, a Fenwick High School senior from Oak Park, is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Black Boys Fence, which exposes youngsters to the sport and opens a window to what Holliday has been passionate about since he started fencing when he was 10. Black Boys Fence has been around for about two years and offers events such as clinics and partnerships with schools on the West Side, where he dons his gear, does lunges with his foil – one of three types of fencing weapons – shares See SCOTT HOLLIDAY on page 7
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PROVIDED
Fenwick High School senior Scott Holliday is the founder of Black Boys Fence, which introduces the sport of fencing to Black youth.
Chicago faith leaders condemned what they see as racially targeted property tax hikes on Black homeowners at the People’s Church of the Harvest. The event Monday, dubbed “The People’s Hearing,” gave residents a platform to hold Cook County officials accountable as the second installment of the 2024 property tax bill was due on Dec. 15. Michael Eaddy, pastor of the People’s Church of the Harvest Church of God in Christ, welcomed attendees and said the church was honored to host the Leaders Network’s community gathering. He emphasized that the purpose of the meeting was to give residents space to directly See PROPERTY TAXES on page 12
HappyHolidays!