Chicago’s Black communities have always been powered by people willing to organize, protect, and rebuild—often without headlines or institutional support. From grassroots activism to food justice and faith-based organizing, these leaders are shaping Chicago’s future in tangible ways.
Here are five Chicago community leaders you should know, not just for who they are, but for the impact they continue to make across the city.
Fast Facts
- City: Chicago
- Focus Areas: Activism, Food Justice, Housing Equity, Faith-Based Organizing
- Community Impact: Black neighborhoods across the South and West Sides
- Why It Matters: These leaders address systemic gaps left by policy failures and disinvestment
Fred Hampton Jr. — Chairman, Prisoners of Conscience Committee
Fred Hampton Jr. carries a legacy deeply rooted in resistance and community self-determination. As chairman of the Prisoners of Conscience Committee, Hampton has remained outspoken on issues of police accountability, political incarceration, and state violence.
His organizing continues the work his father began—connecting history to present-day struggles while demanding justice for Black communities harmed by mass incarceration and state repression.
Learn more: Prisoners of Conscience Committee | Hampton Foundation
Ja’Mal Green — Community Activist and Political Organizer
Ja’Mal Green emerged as a prominent voice during Chicago’s racial justice protests and has remained active in community accountability efforts since. Known for blending activism with civic engagement, Green focuses on empowering residents to challenge systems through organizing, policy pressure, and local leadership.
His work reflects a growing movement of organizers pushing for structural change rather than symbolic reform.
Learn more: Instagram | Block Club Chicago
Asiaha Butler — Founder, R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood)
Butler has long advocated for improved healthy food access in Englewood and led community-driven economic initiatives. Her work highlights long-standing efforts to address structural disinvestment in local food infrastructure.
Her advocacy helped draw major grocery investment to the neighborhood after decades without access—proof of what resident-led development can achieve.
Learn more: R.A.G.E. | TED Speaker Profile
Pastor Corey Brooks — Founder, Project H.O.O.D.
Known citywide as the “Rooftop Pastor,” Corey Brooks founded Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) to combat violence through opportunity, not punishment. His organization focuses on mentorship, job training, and economic development for youth on Chicago’s South Side.
Project H.O.O.D.’s community center vision aims to provide long-term resources for education, employment, and healing.
Learn more: Project H.O.O.D. | Instagram
Dion Dawson — Founder, Dion’s Chicago Dream
Dion Dawson is redefining food justice in Chicago. Through Dion’s Chicago Dream, Dawson delivers free groceries directly to families experiencing food insecurity—meeting people where they are without barriers or stigma.
His work highlights how grassroots solutions often move faster and more compassionately than traditional systems.
Learn more: Dion’s Chicago Dream | Instagram
Why These Leaders Matter Right Now
At a time when corporate investment often bypasses Black neighborhoods and policy solutions move slowly, these leaders step into the gap—organizing, feeding, protecting, and advocating for their communities in real time.
They remind us that progress in Chicago has always come from the people, not permission.
Supporting their work—by sharing, donating, volunteering, or simply staying informed—is one way to ensure these efforts continue to grow.
