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My Block, My Hood, My City to host Downtown Day for Chicago youth

Loop Chicago

Posted  11 months ago  in  Trending

2 MIN READ -- On July 8, My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHMC) 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:

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. 

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