CHICAGO — A local community group is seeking donations to support their efforts to curb Chicago's violence through youth art education. They've found the land, but now they need help from the public to build a community center, organizers said last month.
Majostee Allstars, an six-year-old community organization, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 to cover a year's rent for a space on 43rd Street in Kenwood they plan to transform into a youth center that will teach young people valuable life skills.
"We intend to continue to grow our efforts and work in the community, but we need a home," the group posted in a statement on the GoFundMe page. "We have found the perfect location at East 43rd Street. It is in a great and safe neighborhood, and can serve as a remarkable tool in servicing our youth. We are extremely EXCITED about this new venture, but we desperately need your help to reach our goals."
The youth center plans to teach young people between the ages 12 and 24 economic development and entrepreneurship through workshops on subjects like real estate, credit development, and financial literacy. They also aim to provide counseling and offer the center as a safe haven for kids outside of school hours.
Activist Ja'Mal Green, CEO of Majostee Allstars, says the youth center serves two important purposes: keeping kids busy while also teaching them valuable life skills.
"We always talk about violence rising but never talk about the root problems," Green said. "We never talk about the broken homes, underfunded schools, lack of economic development, and no one to help deal with the trauma people are facing everyday. Black youth go from a broken environment to either jail or the graveyard."
"This youth center will be a place that will prevent tragedies, and give them the tools they need to be productive members of society," Green said. Kids "will have people that will put them on a path to success. Then start the new chain will start and we can prepare the next generation for success."
As of Wednesday, Majostee Allstars had raised $2,400 of the $50,000 needed to build the youth center.
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