Posted 8 days ago
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 14, 2025
CHICAGO - On July 19, My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHMC) will host Downtown Day, a citywide event, aimed at bringing nearly 1,500 youth to downtown Chicago in an effort to expose Chicago teens to the dynamic opportunities of the Loop and downtown area. Over 30 downtown businesses will offer free or discounted attractions; intimate workshops; tours and culinary experiences.
"What we are doing right now is part of the solution. Downtown Chicago is one of the most inspirational places in the world and our own young people don't feel included,” said Jahmal Cole, Founder and CEO of My Block, My Hood, My City. “We believe that exposure is violence prevention, and we need to invest in prevention. Downtown belongs to everyone.”
The day begins with a welcome reception for participating youth at 10 a.m. at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Youth are free to explore and interact with participating businesses from 11 a.m. to 4:30 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.
“We view our participation with My Block, My Hood, My City’s Downtown Day program as an opportunity to enable the youth of Chicago to embrace the Loop as their own,” said Michael Edwards, President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “Our partnership is a direct outcome of authentically fostering community. We acknowledge the need to be solution-oriented when called upon to address systemic disparities, which is why it continues to be our pleasure to play the role of connector between M3 and our member businesses.”
“Downtown Day reflects what’s possible when we come together with a shared commitment to our city’s future,” said Kimberly Bares, President & CEO of The Magnificent Mile® Association. The Magnificent Mile is more than a destination; it’s a gateway to opportunity, connection, and pride. We’re honored to partner with My Block, My Hood, My City and Chicago Loop Alliance to ensure that young people across Chicago feel welcome and inspired here."
All youth attendees will be wearing My Block, My Hood, My City branded shirts and will receive a $50 gift card for retail, restaurant, or cultural activities. Due to the partnership with local institutions, dozens of different free or discounted activities are accessible to participants.
See a full list of partners below:
Organizations:
Chicago Loop Alliance
The Magnificent Mile® Association
Businesses:
360 Chicago
Aries Charter Transportation
Apple
Art Institute of Chicago
Ballet Chicago
Big Bus Tours
Capital One Café
Chicago Architecture Center/Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Chicago History Museum
Chicago Park District
Chicago Public Library
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Sports Museum
Design Museum of Chicago
eATLAS-Adventures To Go
Field Trip Chicago
Flyover
Harry Potter Store
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Industry Ales
Kendall College
Kilwins Chicago
Lookingglass Theatre Company
Navy Pier
Painted Penguin
Seadog
Shedd Aquarium
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago
The Gwen Hotel
theWit Hotel Chicago
Underground Donut Tour
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 19. Those interested in advancing the work of M3 can find more information at Formyblock.org/downtownday.
About My Block, My Hood, My City
My Block, My Hood, My City (M3) 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 lead the community by creating and supporting inclusive programs that attract people and investment to the Loop. 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, please 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. It is a world-renowned destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. For more information, please visit themagnificentmile.com.
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