Joliet Chapter

The past months have marked a period of significant growth and impactful community engagement for our Joliet chapter. From hosting major events to fostering relationships and empowering individuals, our commitment to community building has never been stronger.

This summer, our leadership team collaborated with Justice For Wives and Joliet Eastside for a Back to School event, providing a powerful platform to spread awareness about our HR40 campaign and the upcoming march.

We also connected with Black community members from Joliet’s South END, a neighborhood rich in history and resilience. The first annual South END picnic was a testament to the spirit of unity and strength that binds our community. During the event, EAT met over 100 supporters who echoed our belief that the fight for reparations begins with informed and empowered communities.

Understanding that we have to continue building meaningful partnerships, such as with Paul Dickerson and the Center for Food Equity. We volunteered at the summer pop-up which provides 25 families with healthy, nutritious groceries while also providing critical resources and information.

The second cohort of the Joliet Black Wellness program spanned six transformative weeks at Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church. This program was a space where participants could step beyond their titles and challenge themselves to embrace their true values. The 9 graduates remained engaged, motivated, and active in their communities throughout and beyond the classroom. Witnessing their transformation from start to finish was a powerful reminder of the potential within each person to create the life they aspire to achieve.

As we approach the holiday season, we are thrilled to include Paul and his team in our upcoming Turkey Day. Their participation underscores the shared vision of uplifting our communities through practical support and unwavering solidarity.

From one city to another, the members and leadership of EAT Joliet continue to support one another and embody the essence of family. We stand together, knowing that our collective love and dedication make all the difference. As we close out this year and look forward to the next, we remain committed to growing stronger together and nurturing the bonds that unite us.