Tributes to Alex’s 20 years—and one more ask from him
Alex Goldenberg has given Southside Together two decades, 14 of them as executive director. At his send-off party, he asked everyone to give funds for the organization’s exciting, challenging transition to new leadership. Please make a year-end donation today!
This page’s photos are from his send-off party. Below are just two of the tributes to him.
From Deborah Harrington of South Shore
Alex - do not try to tell me it’s been 20 years since my foundation site visit with “Student Tenant Organizing Project” (same acronym different name), seeking support for its organizing work with Grove Park tenants along with a deeply committed student from the UChicago.
Both you and STOP have come a very long way since then, and it is deeply gratifying to witness STOP’s powerful multi-generational coalition, deep youth leadership development, holding public officials accountable, unwavering commitment to power and community building, winning (against the odds) the University of Chicago trauma center, pressuring the Obama Center to do the right thing by committing to a CBA, and most recently expanding South Side capacity, geography, and power via a strategic alliance with Not Me We.
It’s been a remarkable journey and your work and legacy continue to have tremendous impact!
Congratulations on 20 years of work fighting for the dignity, rights, and justice of our Beloved Community!
From Anna Durr, our youth organizer and restorative-justice coordinator
Dear Alex,
Thank you for believing in me and for taking chances on me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. From the very first day I met you in Hyde Park, you have been a father figure to me. You’ve allowed me to grow into my role and have supported me every step of the way.
When I first joined your program as a youth in high school, I could never have imagined that I would one day run the very program that shaped my life. Thank you for welcoming me into everything and for showing up for me during crucial moments. Because of you, I had the opportunity to go on my first trips out of Chicago and to come back to the program after high school.
I will forever cherish the marches to City Hall, the road trips as a young person, and the unforgettable journeys with other young people. These experiences have shaped who I am today and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Working with you has been an amazing experience. You’ve not only given me invaluable advice about family matters, but you also taught me financial budgeting and essential life skills that I didn’t learn from my own father. Your guidance in these areas has been instrumental in my growth, and I truly appreciate the wisdom you've shared.
You even pushed me to see potential in myself that I didn’t recognize. When I became both a youth organizer and felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities, you were there to remind me that I could handle it all. Your faith in my abilities gave me the confidence to rise to the challenge.
Thank you for always having my back. It’s going to be tough not having you as a father figure in my professional life anymore. But I want to express my deepest gratitude for helping me come alive. Before I stepped into this position, I felt lost and uncertain about my future. You encouraged me to bring every idea I had to life, and for that, I am truly thankful.
Thank you, Alex, for everything. Your belief in me has made all the difference.
Sincerely,
Anna