Rev. Dr. Kenneth Phelps receives an award for his contribution to the Woodlawn community from Jennifer Maddox.
Future Ties, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and families in the Parkway Gardens housing development, hosted a Black History event on Monday, February 17, 2025, drawing an engaged audience of 75-100 adults and children. Held at 6330 S. King Drive in Chicago, just a block from the Crusader newspaper office, the gathering featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, including Mrs. Dorothy R. Leavell, publisher of the Chicago and Gary Crusader newspapers.
Jennifer Maddox, founder of Future Ties, established the organization in 2011 during her off-duty hours as a Chicago police officer, working as a security officer at Parkway Gardens. Recognizing the need for a safe space where young residents could socialize and participate in structured activities, she persuaded Parkway Gardens Apartments (Related) management to allow access to a basement space for after-school programs. Since then, with support from GO Campaign and Beachbody, Future Ties has expanded its operations, acquiring a former Walgreens building adjacent to the housing complex. Maddox envisions reaching all 1,500 children residing in Parkway Gardens and the surrounding community and continues to seek funding partners to further develop the space and expand programming.
The event featured vendor tables, light refreshments, and a series of powerful speeches from community leaders. Mrs. Leavell, a trailblazer in the Black press, shared insights on the role of African American newspapers in chronicling Black history and the ongoing fight for civil rights. Her presence added historical depth to the occasion, underscoring the significance of documenting the struggles and triumphs of the Black community.
Future Ties provides essential services to the community, including after-school programs for elementary school students, teen workforce development, parent mentoring programs, and community outreach initiatives such as clean-and-green activities and resource referrals. The organization also offers case management and mentorship programs for middle and high school students, which include career planning, job training, and restorative justice programs. Future Ties hosts a summer camp where younger students engage in recreational activities while older students serve as counselors, gaining valuable job skills.
The organization’s after-school program operates five days a week, focusing on improving reading and math skills through homework assistance, life skills workshops, and project-based learning. Collaborating with teachers, Future Ties monitors students’ academic progress and provides literacy support through programs such as Scholastic’s ReadAbout®.
Attendees at the Black History event engaged in discussions about the importance of preserving and celebrating Black history, recognizing that stories of resilience and achievement continue to shape the future. The gathering served as both a commemoration of the past and a call to action for the next generation, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy, education, and community engagement.
By bringing together thought leaders, activists, and families, Future Ties reaffirmed its mission to create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. The Black History event was not only a reflection of historical significance but also a moment of empowerment, inspiring attendees to carry forward the lessons and legacies of those who paved the way.