Rich Conversations: 026. Wayne Cauthen
Native Chicagoan, Wayne Cauthen, discusses his experience living in the city. He presents a wholistic perspective of Chicago, its people and issues.
How long have you lived in Chicago?
I was born and raised here. Born on the west side—grew up there. Lived all over town.
What’s your neighborhood like?
Right now I’m living in Avondale. It’s affordable but it’s about to transform. But I identify most with the city. I grew up looking for addresses and intersections—not neighborhoods. With people moving to the city, it helps them locate themselves.
If you have an open Saturday, how would you choose to spend it?
I don’t really associate tasks or hobbies with days of the week. I usually assess myself and where I’m at each day. It’s going to change every time. Anything from going to breakdance and hip hop events to sleeping inside or playing Play Station for hours. I’m a big believer in the time we organize ourselves by and the time we use it for our internal desires.
When you think of Chicago, what colors do you imagine first?
Colors of people. All of us. It’s deeper than a rainbow. People make this city.
What’s your proudest moment as a Chicagoan?
I feel like even though there’s a lot of confusion about the city, but I think the people of the city are banning together. We’re moving in the right direction. I think my proudest moment is yet to come. We have all the minds and skills to put it together and be a blueprint for other cities.
If someone were to visit you from out of town, what restaurant would you take them to?
This one right here—Golden Nugget. Really it depends on the person and what they like. There’s a place to take anyone.
What’s your hidden gem in the city?
The people. It’s something rich that people don’t notice. People get so caught up in their physical surroundings, and they miss what’s right in front of them.
What sound do you most affiliate with Chicago?
The Mexican dude with the cart going down my street.
What music influenced you the most during your time in the city?
Hip-hop. The whole culture represents something. Knowledge of community. Healthy independent people helping other people. It’s put me on a path of how I see the world.
What’s a common scene you see in your daily interaction with the city?
People minding their own business.
If you were given secret information that Chicago were to be destroyed in one week, what’s one quality you would keep to rebuild the city?
The geography. We don’t have natural disasters and don’t have to worry about a lot other things that some places have to.
What’s one small thing would you do to improve your neighborhood or the city as a whole?
Free parking. I think that would save the people a little money and allow the city to be less congested. Another thing: stop looking at our city like a bunch of neighborhoods instead of one whole one.
When people learn you’re from Chicago, how do they respond and what’s your reaction?
I’ve gotten a lot of mixed reviews. When you meet people who were also born and raised here you get a lot of pride since there are so many transplants.
When you feel overwhelmed or need a mental escape but can’t leave the city, where do you go to clear your mind?
I try to find the smallest space, like my bedroom. I go inside my own head.
What’s something you’re curious about recently?
I’m thinking about moving out of Avondale because my Family Dollar got sold to make room for more condos. Why are more condos needed that it pushes people to move? If we took care of the properties we already have, we could be fine. If it’s for the improvement for the city then that’s different.
Another thing is the fear of getting sick and diseases. I wonder if it’s controlled by someone because it seems like there’s always something keeping people on a slight level of tense. I wonder if that’s strategic or biology. It makes me curious.
Within the past five years, what personal realization has improved your outlook on life the most?
Forgiveness is a powerful tool to put on your belt if you fully able to let things go.
What’s something you’re excited or dream about in the future?
Some friends and I started up a talent network. Stylin’ Out Network. These people that have so much talent—more than what you’d pay to see on TV. But I think what’s missing is the sense of genuineness. We’re trying to change that.