Posted 6 days ago in Trending
3 MIN READ -- 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, a Hilton Hotel
- 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 here.
