COMMUNITY BUILDING AND HEALING IN 2020

Chicago, Illinois

Bikes, Birds, & Environmental Justice
On October 17, 2020 approximately 150 community members, environmentalists, healers, justice activists, and bicycle enthusiasts joined Environmentalist of Color, Equiticity, Organic Oneness and partners for a day of solidarity, healing and justice.

The goal of this event was to build solidarity between Black and Brown communities, bring awareness to the intersectionality of environmentalism, and advocate for environmental justice.

Attendees participated in birding activities followed by a Land Acknowledgment, inspirational words, and bicycle tour. Throughout the eight-mile journey, riders visited the African Heritage Garden in North Lawndale that highlights plants originating from the African continent. Riders also visited Semillas de Justicia garden (Seeds of Justice) and the Hilco sites to learn about Little Village Environmental Organization's (LVEJO) journey to bring about food and environmental justice to the community. The day ended with a healthy lunch, positive music, and people expanding their networks with neighbors from both communities.

This event was inspired by the One Earth Film Festival and Environmentalists of Color Outdoors
While Black: Unpacking History, Redefining Safety, and Taking Action.

Watch this presentation to learn about partners coming together and their unique process on planning this event.
Read more about this event from a Baha'i perspective.

Understanding Systemic Racism and Cultural Solidarity

First Nation Community Garden


Organic Oneness partnered with the American Indian Center, Chi-Nations Youth Council, Environmentalist of Color, and Chicago Grows Food on Saturday, August 29, 2020 to learn about the First Nations Community Garden, importance of outdoor healing spaces, and organizing in Native urban communities. Participants also received a food toolkit to begin growing vegetables at home.

The mission of the First Nations Community Garden is to provide a healing space for the Inter-tribal Native Community of Chicago, to promote public knowledge and appreciation of Chicago’s Indigenous landscape, native plants, gardens and the environment.

Beautify Bronzeville Businesses

Organic Oneness and community partners in Bronzeville gathered 60 volunteers to beautify boarded up businesses that were damaged in response to the killing of George Floyd.  Watch the short video by Globe Town to get a glimpse of service, solidarity and unity in the community. Volunteers painted an entire block with beautiful murals designed and led by Damon Reed and Rahmaan “Statik” Barnes on 47th and Cottage Grove, Shops and Lofts. Photos by Nancy Wong.  

Read more about this event from a Baha'i perspective.

2nd Annual Bronzeville Bike Tour: Site Related to the 1919 Chicago Race Riot

On Saturday, June 25, 2020 the Chicago Race Riot Commemoration Project (CRR19), Organic Oneness, and partnering organizations held the 2nd Annual Bike Tour show key race riots sites in Bronzeville, Bridgeport and Canaryville. 

Approximately 200 participants learned about the history of Eugene Williams and how this unjust racial killing started the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 which was among the worst of the twenty-five such incidents, across the nation, that quickly came to be known as the Red Summer.


Read more about this event from a Baha'i perspective.

NATIONAL DAY OF HEALING

On January 21, 2020 Organic Oneness, Public Narrative, and Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) conducted a healing circle where Candace Moore, Chief of Diversity and Inclusion for Mayor's Office, revealed the Proclamation of Racial Healing for the City of Chicago.  

​  Nilufar Rezai, treasurer of OO, led a monthly parent meeting healing circle with other Chicago Public School Staff.

TRHT ended the week with an amazing Jamboree! 

Chicago Race Riots 1919

Organic Oneness supported
Dr. Franklin Cosey-Gay's, Chair of OO, summer events on 1919 Chicago Race Riots to commemorate the 100th anniversary. 

IMPACT YOUTH CONFERENCE
2018: ​KNOW THYSELF

Executive Director was the keynote speaker for the Peace Hub annual conference for youth practitioners and youth in Chicago.

INTERSECTION OF HOPE

A convening point for people of different racial backgrounds and belief systems who come to grieve, create and heal. 

Organic Oneness was asked to support friends and neighbors in the South Minneapolis neighborhoods where George Floyd lost his life as they work day and night to create a new reality. We responded by assisting local volunteers with a food pantry that ran between May 2020 through March 2022 by providing essential supplies. Organic Oneness has followed the lead of local residents and supported the healing efforts of the community. As we reflect on our role, we are connecting people in the area to strengthen relationships made as we plan for the next steps. 

BUILDING A VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE
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Together with adult mentors, youth in Powderhorn Park, Bancroft, Central & Bryant are developing a vibrant community life together.

They're stewarding the natural resources of the community, growing veggies & making fresh foods available, beautifying alleyways, engaging in skill-building work - and having fun! 

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FOOD & SUPPLY PANTRY: NEIGHBORS CARING FOR EACH OTHER

In our Food & Supply Pantry, we contributed to the health & wellness of 90 neighborhood families per week by making food staples, hygiene items, and diapers available at no cost. 
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​Many of these items represented a large expense in household budgets and were not covered by other benefits.