Rich Conversations: 005. Ahmad Williams

Show notes from episode 005 of Rich Conversations with Ahmad Williams. Answers are cut down to fit into writing format.

How long have you lived in Chicago?

On and off since 2006.

How would you describe your neighborhood?

South Loop I would describe as “up and coming” even though everyone uses that term. As far as bars and nightlife, things have picked up. I love the South Loop. You’re still downtown but it has a chill vibe to it. It’s its own entity. I dig it. I used to live in Wrigley, but it’s not for me.

If you have an open Saturday, how would you choose to spend it?

Laying on the couch. I’m joking. It depends on the mood I’m in. Usually my weekends are Mondays. Recently I took my dog on a walk all the way to Navy Pier. That was cool just enjoying the lake in the summer. I’ve been working like crazy, so I haven’t been able to get out and see the city as much. One of my friends has a boat. I go on that sometimes. It’s fun, man. He docks it at Burnham and we cruise on the lake and chill out in the Play Pen. You see some ratchet stuff there. What else? Hanging out with family friends and BBQ.

When you think of Chicago, what colors do imagine first?

Honestly, red. The stars of the flag. And the light blue and white. Because of the flag. I love that our flag means something. It’s the most iconic. The four stars are Ft. Dearborn, Chicago fire, Columbian Exposition, and A Century of Progress.

What’s your proudest moment as a Chicagoan?

When the Cubs won the World Series. I was actually out in the suburbs at my friend’s house. The reason I watched it with him is because him and his uncle took me to my first Cubs game – like in 2002. I remember just tearing up. These fools actually did it.

If a friend visits you from out of town, what restaurant would you take them to?

That’s a great question. There’s so many places. I love this place Boulevard. It’s like art deco 1960s Hollywood. A couple huge crystal chandeliers. It’s low key. It’s under the green line. Just the vibe there – you feel cool. They have these big booths and you feel like an old school gangsta. The West Loop has some of the best restaurants.

What’s your hidden gem in the city?

Millie’s. 100%. Our food is phenomenal. We don’t have complicated dishes. It’s comfort food. Everything we do we take out time making. Our beer cheese soup is incredible. We were in the Tribune a couple years ago as one of the best fried chicken in the city.

What sound do you most affiliate with the city?

The train for sure! The L. That’s it. 100%. Every time I go back to the suburbs to visit my mom I’m like, “it’s too quiet here!”

What music has influenced you the most during your time in the city?

Chance. Hip-hop in general. Chance sheds a light on what Chicago is. He also puts his money where his mouth is. He helps. And helps. And helps. And helps. And helps. And helps. (He then shows me three Chance hats—all in the Chicago flag colors).

What’s a common scene you see in your daily interaction with the city?

Somebody smoking weed on the L. Especially on the redline platform. “Guys, you’re slowing my day!” That’s the most common thing. It’s frustrating. I’m over that. You’re not lookin’ cool.

If you were given secret information that Chicago would be destroyed in one week, what’s one quality you’d choose to keep to rebuild it?

Our grittiness. Our grind. A lotta people can’t make it here.

What’s one thing you’d do to improve your neighborhood or the city as a whole?

After school programs for our kids. We need to invest in our kids. Speaking of Chance, he gave $1 million to the school system.

When people learn you’re from Chicago, how do they respond?

Oh man. I’ve had so many different reactions with this. Everyone always thinks there’s bullets flying downtown. We’re a beautiful city and I hate that stigma. It’s bad if you’re scared to be there. Come on man, does that even sound right? The third biggest city in the country.

When you feel overwhelmed or need a mental escape but can’t leave the city, where do you go to clear your mind?

Right outside. On the terrace. I would go outside. I’d enjoy the skyline. It’s kind of therapeutic. I was reading The War of Art out there a couple days ago. It’s amazing.

What’s something you’re curious about recently?

Everything. How can we change anything? Whether it be this city, the country, or the world—what can I do? What encourages people? Especially the youth of this city. What makes someone pick up a book instead of a gun?

Within the past five years of living here, what personal realization has improved your outlook on life the most?

I’m in love with the best person ever. She’s made my life ten times better. We’ve been together for eight years. I always saw how hard she works. She inspires me.

What’s something you dream of accomplishing over the next five years?

Opening my own place. Restaurant. Bar. That’s it. I want it to be in Chicago. I’m gonna do that. Definitely within the next five years. That’s not question.