Blacks in Green

Established in 2017, Blacks in Green is an environmental justice and economic development organization that works within and among communities to design and develop green, self-sustaining, mixed-income, walkable neighborhoods. Blacks in Green develops walk-to-work, walk-to-shop, walk-to-learn, and walk-to-play neighborhoods so that resident dollars can circulate locally and greenhouse gas emissions can be contained. Blacks in Green owns and operates several properties and community gardens in the West Woodlawn neighborhood on Chicago's South Side. Most notably, Blacks in Green owns the historic home of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, which has been designated as a city landmark by the Chicago City Council. Blacks in Green works to increase the household income of local residents and improve the quality of life in historically underserved, predominately African American neighborhoods in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. This award for general operating support enables Blacks in Green to advance its place-based economic development initiatives.