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COVID-19 prevented Dominican students from traveling during spring break but they made the most of the week away from classes by participating in an Alternative Break Immersion in Maywood, an economically disadvantaged community neighboring the campus. In collaboration with Maywood residents, the Maywood Public Library and the Coalition of Spiritual and Public Leadership, Dominican offered a number of service and learning opportunities throughout the week for students, faculty and staff.

The week kicked off on Saturday, March 6, with a guided walking tour of Maywood, focusing on social inequities and challenges created by the construction of the Eisenhower Expressway in the 1950s. Participants also learned about redlining in Chicago neighborhoods, the displacement of people of color and suburbanization. Students had the opportunity to learn about the rich religious diversity of the community by attending services at a number of local churches on Sunday. Other activities included a virtual session focusing on famous residents of Maywood, including Black Panther leader Fred Hampton and singer-songwriter John Prine; a program on community organizing in Maywood with the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership; and an evening sharing stories through Dominican's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center. 

Throughout the day on March 9, students worked alongside members of the community to prepare, package and distribute food to more than 300 families in a drive-through meal distribution program. The spring break culminated on Friday with a reflection and blessing, drawing on insights learned through a week full of relationship and exploration.