Posted 10 months ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 30, 2023
(CHICAGO) - On July 8, My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHC) will host a citywide event, aimed at bringing 1,000 youth, ages 13-22, to explore downtown Chicago. Thanks to the collaboration of many partners, dozens of youth organizations, local businesses, restaurants, and community-based organizations are supportive of making this day a success.
“The reason I started this organization was because for too many youth in Chicago, their entire worlds are limited to their own blocks and neighborhoods. They’ve never been to one of our great museums, never been to the lakefront, never even been downtown. They’ve been cut off from important life experiences and opportunities,” said Jahmal Cole, CEO and Founder of My Block, My Hood, My City. “This event will show youth that they can access ALL of Chicago, and all of its opportunities. I thank the many partners who have signed on to support this Downtown Day and make it a great day for these young people.”
The day-long event will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the Harris Theater near Millennium Park and end at 5:45 p.m. Participants will be chaperoned in small groups by representatives from youth organizations from across the city along with a collection of volunteers and MBMHMC staff, all in coordination with local law enforcement.
“This Downtown Day initiative helps show how the Loop is truly everyone’s neighborhood, filled with iconic architecture, art, culture, shopping and history that make our world-class city unique,” said Michael Edwards, President and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “It is vital that youth and adults from across Chicago — from Buena Park to Chatham and Austin — feel that downtown is theirs to call ‘home.’ Chicago Loop Alliance remains committed to authentically addressing the systemic disadvantages that make Chicagoans feel unwelcome and unseen, and our partnership with My Block, My Hood, My City continues to advance that mission.”
"The Magnificent Mile® district is excited to host the My Block, My Hood, My City event on July 8," said Kimberly Bares, President and CEO of The Magnificent Mile Association. "Several of our businesses will be participating in the day's festivities, and we look forward to seeing Chicago's youth enjoy The Mag Mile on this special day and every day thereafter."
All youth attendees will be wearing My Block, My Hood, My City branded shirts and will receive a $50 Mastercard for retail, restaurant, or cultural activities. Due to the partnership with local institutions, over 50 different free or discounted activities are accessible to participants.
See an abbreviated list of partners below:
Organizations:
Build On
B.U NFP
By The Hand
Champs Mentoring
Chicago Library - Back of the Yards
Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Police Department
Chicago Youth Centers
Enlace
Increase The Peace Chicago
Jumping Juniors
One Hope United
Pink Lemons
Teamwork Englewood
The Magnificent Mile® Association
Youth Advocate Programs
Youth Guidance
Businesses:
360 Chicago
A&A Ballet
ABC7 Chicago/WLS-TV
AceBounce
Art Institute of Chicago
CannonDesign
Chicago Architecture Center
Chicago Donut Tour
Chicago Electric Boats
Chicago Sinfonietta
Chick-fil-A State and Lake
CIRCLE Foundation
City Hall
Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese
Goethe-Institut Chicago
Harris Theater
Harold Washington Library: YOUMedia
Hostelling International
Millennium Park
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Illusions
Navy Pier
Party Per Purpose
Palenque LSNA
Shedd Aquarium
Skydeck Chicago
The Northman Beer and Cider Garden on the Riverwalk
Wendella Tours
My Block, My Hood. My City encourages the Chicago community to donate or partner in this effort to help the youth of Chicago explore, experience and evolve on July 8. Those interested in advancing the work of MBMHMC can find more information at Formyblock.org/downtownday. Inquiries regarding youth participation can be shared with Info@mbmhmc.com.
About My Block, My Hood, My City
My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHMC) has a mission to inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world one block at a time. Many of the youth of our city live only a few miles away from downtown Chicago, yet have never been there to experience it. My Block, My Hood, My City believes that exposing youth to new opportunities is key to building a better future. MBMHMC wants Chicago’s youth to experience the best of what their city has to offer!
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA)’s mission is to create, manage and promote positive and inclusive programs that attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. CLA is a membership organization as well as the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation produces public art projects and events. For more information, visit LoopChicago.com.
About The Magnificent Mile® Association
The Magnificent Mile® Association is a private, non-profit organization that preserves, promotes, and enhances one of Chicago's most unique and vibrant neighborhoods. The Association works with businesses across The Mag Mile district to plan and execute year-round events, market the Magnificent Mile to a global audience, and beautify the district. The Magnificent Mile district is a world-renowned destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is home to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the DuSable Bridge, the Wrigley Building, and the Chicago Water Tower. The Magnificent Mile is also a major economic driver for Chicago and Illinois, generating significant tax revenue each year. To learn more about the Magnificent Mile® Association, please visit the website at www.themagnificentmileassociation.com.
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