My Block, My Hood, My City will host the fourth annual Downtown Day, bringing 1,000 young people into the heart of downtown for a powerful day of exploration, inspiration, and connection. Media are invited to attend the kickoff event on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 A.M. at the Harris Theater (205 E Randolph Street). Interview opportunities with youth participants, organizers, and community partners, including Chicago Loop Alliance representatives will be available onsite.
Many youth on the South and West Sides have never been downtown, despite living just a few miles away. Downtown Day is intentionally designed to break down invisible and financial barriers that make many young people feel excluded from the city’s civic and cultural center.
In addition to the opportunity to experience downtown, each youth participant will receive a Downtown Day T-shirt; a $50 prepaid debit card to support local businesses sponsored by My Block, My Hood, My City; and access to dozens of participating destinations across the Loop and other downtown neighborhoods, in partnership with Chicago Loop Alliance.
“Downtown Chicago is one of the most beautiful and inspirational places in the world, and our 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 it’s time we invested in that. Connection, not exclusion, builds safer and stronger communities.” Now in its fourth year, Downtown Day is investing in local youth in partnership with local businesses, corporate sponsors, and civic organizations.
“Since inception, Downtown Day has represented thoughtful, strategic collaboration that extends beyond routine partnership to authentic connection, aimed at ensuring Chicago’s youth know and understand that the Loop belongs to them too,” said Dr. Suzet McKiney, President & CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance. “Our partnership with My Block, My Hood, My City further evidences Chicago Loop Alliance’s commitment to being an ally for both Chicago’s youth and business community.”
For more information about Downtown Day or to support making this inspiring experience possible for Chicago’s youth, please visit formyblock.org/downtownday.
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ABOUT MY BLOCK, MY HOOD, MY CITY – My Block, My Hood, My City provides youth and communities with opportunities for exploration, education, and service, helping foster pride and ownership in their neighborhoods. Through engagement, resources, and hands-on support, the organization empowers residents to build stronger and more connected communities across Chicago.
ABOUT CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE – Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) leads 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 free public art projects and events. For more information, visit LoopChicago.com.
