Our Committee Members
Committee Members
The Legacy Families of West Garfield Park are generational residents who have witnessed both growth and decline in their neighborhood. They have seen the impact of decisions made without community input, leading to displacement and poverty. Concerned about history repeating itself with the Sankofa Wellness Village, they seek to ensure their voices are heard and to involve the greater community in decision-making. Thus, they embarked on a journey of organizing for a better future.
The Legacy Family is dedicated to safeguarding existing houses, supporting families, and preserving the fabric of our community. We are committed to preventing gentrification and ensuring that the neighborhood remains accessible and affordable to all.
Our Core Members
Meet the dedicated individuals who are working to preserve and enhance the West Garfield Park community.
Education
Malcolm X College - A.A. in Elementary Education
National-Louis University - B.A. in Psychology
Biography
I'm one of the four founding members of The Legacy Family's Community and currently serve as Treasurer. I hold an A.A. in Elementary Education from Malcolm X College and a B.A. in Psychology from National-Louis University. Born and raised in Chicago's West Garfield Park, I continue to reside in the community today. The Mission of Legacy Family is to increase the length and quality of lives in West Garfield Park by providing hope, prioritizing safety, and preventing displacement while adding valuable resources to our community. My interests include discovering new restaurants with excellent food, and my hobbies are writing and pursuing self and home improvement projects.
Biography
I have been a proud resident of West Garfield Park my entire life, spanning over 50 years. Deeply connected to this community, I have dedicated my professional efforts to making a tangible difference. Since 2020, I have had the honor of providing food to more than 19,000 families in West Garfield Park, a role that has reinforced my commitment to serving our neighbors and addressing the challenges we face together.
I care deeply about the well-being and future of our community and am driven by a vision of seeing West Garfield Park thrive. My mission is to bring essential services, meaningful opportunities, and vital resources to our neighborhood, ensuring that every resident has the support they need to flourish. I believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more resilient West Garfield Park where every individual and family can thrive.
Education
George W. Tilton Elementary School
Rezin Orr High School
Triton College
Biography
I am a lifelong resident of Chicago's West Side, specifically West Garfield Park, where I have lived for over five decades. As a Community Organizer with The LEGACY FAMILIES OF WEST GARFIELD PARK and a Cook County employee, I am deeply committed to empowering our community. Having witnessed both triumphs and challenges, my mission is to ensure that the future of West Garfield Park includes and uplifts those with deep roots here. As development unfolds, I am dedicated to preventing displacement and fostering a neighborhood that offers growth and opportunity for all.
Education
Malcolm X College - Associate Degree in Business Administrative Assistant
Biography
I am a proud member of Legacy Families, an initiative led by Rev. Dr. Marshall E. Hatch Sr. and Rev. Marshall J. Hatch Jr. I earned an Associate Degree in Business Administrative Assistance from Malcolm X College, where I worked as an Administrator under Vice President Mrs. Delinda Todd and Mr. Roy Walker in the Athletic Department, graduating in May 2013. My family has called West Garfield Park home since 1969 and remains deeply rooted here. At Legacy Families, our mission is to enhance the quality of life in West Garfield Park by fostering hope, prioritizing safety, and preventing displacement while bringing valuable resources to our community. In my free time, I enjoy designing clothing, crocheting, and pursuing lifelong learning to expand my skills.
The video captures the groundbreaking event for the Sankofa Wellness Village in West Garfield Park, emphasizing community development and health equity. Speakers, including Dr. David Ansell and representatives from local organizations, highlight the initiative’s goal to address the significant life expectancy gap in the area through community ownership and collaboration. The event celebrates the collective efforts of various partners and the vision of transforming well-being in the neighborhood, underscoring the importance of local engagement and resilience. The sentiments expressed reflect a deep connection to the community, with a focus on uplifting and empowering residents for a healthier future
