Black History Month 2022 | Community
For this year’s Black History Month theme, we turn our attention to the importance of health and wellness in the Black community, and honor the legacy of Black scholars, medical practitioners, and wellness experts. Each week in February, a new facet of Black health and wellness will be highlighted to showcase Black-owned businesses, organizations, and grassroots efforts whose goal is to lift up the mind, body, spirit, and community of Black people everywhere.
This week’s highlight focuses on initiatives and organizations that center community engagement. From organizations offering tangible acts of service, to groups that rebuild neighborhoods and create spaces for collaboration, to programs that empower youth to confidently lead their communities forward, these organizations are building and powering sustainable opportunities for connection, support and success.
Brave Space Alliance
Brave Space Alliance is the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago, dedicated to creating and providing affirming, culturally competent, for-us by-us resources, programming, and services for LGBTQ+ individuals on the South and West sides of the city. They strive to empower, embolden, and educate each other through mutual aid, knowledge-sharing, and the creation of community-sourced resources as we build toward the liberation of all oppressed peoples.
Follow on Instagram: @bravespacealliance
ALT_
Alt Space Chicago was incepted by two artists, Jon Veal and Jordan Campbell, in response to the trauma of surrounding communities and the belief that art could be used as a tool for healing. Alt Space’s mission is to positively disrupt and revitalize communities through tangible acts of service, as well as through art and culture. Alt Space provides an alternative to the dominant cultural narrative, manifesting new opportunities in a time of need on the South and West Sides of Chicago.
Follow on Instagram: @alt__chicago
My Block My Hood My City
Founded with the belief in providing opportunities for others to step outside their comfort zone and explore new communities, this youth-centered organization aims to build a better-connected Chicago on the pillars of service and education. Empowering the youth of Chicago’s communities through mentorship and volunteer programs, MBMHMC teaches that it is only through our efforts of service, empathy, and collaboration that we will see our communities truly evolve.
Follow on Instagram: @myblockmyhoodmycity
Rebuild the Hood
Rebuild the Hood's purpose is to "Revitalize Distressed Communities via investment in Small Businesses and Real Estate." What was initially created as a stand-alone event in 2017, Rebuild the Hood has now morphed into a full-service organization that is dedicated to the economic growth and sustainability of distressed and impoverished neighborhoods in the Chicagoland area.
Follow on Instagram: @rebuildthehood
Gray Matter Experience
Gray Matter is an entrepreneurial experience program for high school students across the country. Participating students learn business concepts from entrepreneurs and professionals and then use that knowledge to create businesses to help impact Black communities within their cities. Gray Matter aims to educate, empower and assist students in creating their own businesses while providing them access to resources and support to ensure students understand that their ideas are valid and vital to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Follow on Instagram: @greymatterexp
Be sure to follow and support the organizations and resources we have highlighted in this series in addition to staying engaged and educated on Black history and current events all year long.