Cabrini-Green in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Nari Garden
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025
1. The Nari Garden Marker
May this be a space for all young people to explore, sit quietly, and enjoy.
"On each day that Janari came to Farm Camp, he always brought so much happiness with him. One day in particular, he and his friends crawled under the twisting branches of the filibert tree, believing they were hidden from view to the rest of the world. After letting the boys' excitement build, staff pulled back the curly branches to reveal the brightest smiles filling their faces and squeals of delighted laughter that could be heard across the farm.
Now, as my heart hurts for a world without Janari physically in it, I remember this day and the pure joy that he brought into this world. May we all hold the same exuberance for life in our hearts.
Rest in Peace. Rest in Power."
Stephanie Budd, Former Associate Director of Child and Family Engagement
Chicago Lights Urban Farm
Erected by Chicago Lights.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 41° 53.8′ N, 87° 38.44′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Nari Garden (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Native Plants are Important (about 400 feet away); Oaks Are Important (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Native Plants are Important (about 500 feet away); a different marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025
2. Chicago Lights Urban Farm
The Nari Garden Marker is obscured by the structure in the foreground.
More about this marker. An identical marker, erected in 2020, can be found a short distance east of here. Based on Google Maps, this marker seems to have been added later, between 2021 and 2024.
Regarding The Nari Garden. On July 31, 2020, 9-year-old Janari Nicks, a rising fourth-grader at Salazar Elementary School, was playing among a group of people behind some townhouses in the Cabrini Green neighborhood, about a block north of this sign, when a gunman opened fire on the group. Nicks tried to flee but was shot in the chest and died. Police believed he was not the intended target of the shooting; his murderer was arrested a week later and, in 2025, he was sentenced to 25 years in jail.
Also see . . .
1. Killed while playing outside, 9-year-old Janari Ricks had plans to rebuild the community, mom says. From the Chicago Sun-Times.
Excerpt: Mayor Lori Lightfoot called gun violence 'every bit a public health crisis as COVID-19' while addressing Janaris killing in a series of tweets. 'How many more families must be torn apart? How many more communities need to be traumatized? How many more children have to die? Weve had to write these words far too many times just this summer alone,' Lightfoot said.(Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Chicago Lights official site. (Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
