Posted 4 years ago in Trending
3 MIN READ – Each month, Chicago Loop Alliance highlights a different Street Ambassador who provides enhanced hospitality services, fosters a consistent pedestrian experience, and keeps State Street safe, clean, and beautiful seven days a week. This month, meet Antonie Johnson, Garfield Park resident and member of Chicago Loop Alliance’s Street Team.
How long have you worked as a Chicago Loop Ambassador?
One year.
What’s the best part of your job?
Interacting with the people is the best part of my job. When I interact with people, I learn a lot from them, and vice versa. Moreover, it’s a great experience for me because I’m interacting with a large group of diverse people that come from different places and neighborhoods. So every time I exit my duty for the day, I feel as if I’ve learned something from somebody.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is interacting with our homeless population on State Street. It’s the fun part of the job, but it indeed has its challenges, because many individuals from that particular population struggle with a wide variety of chronic and mental illnesses that require special attention and patience from people who work with them. I noticed this when I first started, and over time, I’ve had to take a step back and reflect and ask myself what I can do to be a service, a helping hand to those who struggle or live on the streets. And the more I engage them, the more I find myself making a difference in their lives, step by step.
What’s your favorite thing about State Street?
My favorite thing about State Street is the different architectural buildings and sculptures that surround the business district. Many of the buildings have been there for many years, and to see the foundation stand through the years is incredible.
What’s the most common question you get asked?
The most common question asked is what we do on State Street. We serve many roles. Many ambassadors are cleaning, and other ambassadors are providing social services and other hospitality tasks. That kind of variety of duties would leave many people curious and wondering who we are and what we do.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have a few hobbies. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is play chess. I love to play chess. The game of chess gives me a sort of relaxation and brain exercise all at the same time. I also like to watch sports, with basketball and football being some of my top sports to watch. What I also like about the two is that the seasons are so spread out, I'm able to watch one or the other throughout the year, during each other's off seasons.
How do you feel your work helps make the Loop “Everyone’s Neighborhood?”
My work plays a big part in maintaining the Loop. Everyone benefits from the work I do, so the task brings everyone together to form one neighborhood: our neighborhood. All different backgrounds and ethnicities sharing one big space—that’s the Loop.
