Oprah Donates to "Live Healthy Chicago"
Oprah Winfrey has donated $5 million to "Live Healthy Chicago" to fight health inequity and food insecurity in the city's African American communities. The organizations included in "Live Healthy Chicago" are: MAAFA Redemption Project, West Side United, Rush University Medical Center, Forty Acres Fresh Market, My Block My Hood My City, and the City of Chicago's Equity Rapid Response Team. Executive Director of MAAFA Redemption Project Marshall Hatch Jr. noted “Ms. Winfrey’s gift is a blessing to neighborhoods like ours; it’s also a call to action,” he said. “For too long, West Garfield Park residents have witnessed divestment and indifference."
“This kind of investment shows that we have not been forgotten, even in a global pandemic. Our seniors are worthy of attention and care; our youth deserve health and wellness. Perhaps now others will see the meaning and value of our lives.”
Read more on NBC, or watch the Oprah Talks episode.
MAAFA Impact Story
Our most recent impact story revolves around Robert Ervin, a Deacon of New Mount Pilgrim Church, as well as a Spiritual Life Coach for the MAAFA Redemption Project. Ervin, a formerly incarcerated man, has been mentoring high-risk young men for several years, challenging and encouraging them to choose better paths. Ervin has personally mentored over 150 Black and Brown young men.
MAAFA Men join the "Spirit of King" March to MLK's Westside home
Read more on on NBC.
'Spirit of King' - MAAFA Men
Executive Director Marshall Hatch Jr. spoke at 'Spirit of King' March - June 12