Singing woman spreads joy, peace in Chicago streets

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Raising her voice in song, a local woman hopes to create peace and shine a positive light on some of the neighborhoods hit hardest by gun violence in Chicago.

You may have seen the videos being posted and shared of Rashada Dawan singing in the street. She turns a neighborhood into a karaoke lounge, bringing smiles to faces once covered in tears.

"I was tired of feeling hopeless and helpless about my city," Dawan said. "I'm born and raised right in Chicago and I didn't like going all over the world hearing about the violence of my city, it just broke my heart."

So Dawan set out to heal the hearts of Chicagoans with her songs.

Popping up in Humboldt Park, Englewood, Roseland or Washington Park, residents hear her singing.

"When I walked out of the door I wasn't expecting it but it brings more joy and a different vibe to the community," said Anthony Dean of Humboldt Park.

Chicagoans everywhere are embracing her positivity.

"I think we should be doing this across the city," said Patricia Hoskins-Saffold of Humboldt Park. "I think it can make a huge impact."

Dawan is hoping to ease the anxieties of living in these neighborhoods one song at a time. She plans to pick four more days this month to sing once again.

"I hope that they leave feeling a little lighter and then that lightness transfers to their families, transfers to their kids, transfers to their communities and ultimately this entire city and maybe to the nation," Dawan said.

Be on the lookout, Dawan could be singing through your neighborhood soon enough.