Chicago has always been a city powered by everyday people who rise up and lead—not because they want attention, but because the community needs protection, guidance, and truth. From the West Side to the low end, from the burbs to the block, certain names ring out with impact. One of them is Chairman Fred Hampton Jr.
But he’s not the only one shaping the city’s heartbeat. Here’s a spotlight on community leaders you should know—voices who fight, build, organize, and uplift.
1. Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. — The Continuing Flame
If you know the history of the Black Panther Party, you know Chairman Fred Hampton Sr.: the revolutionary 21-year-old visionary, assassinated during a police raid in 1969. What many don’t realize is how much his son, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., has carried that torch with fierce purpose.
He leads the Black Panther Party Cubs, a continuation of the original Panther movement, with a core mission: serving the people and preserving the truth of what happened on December 4, 1969. Chairman Fred Jr. is known for:
- His annual event “The International Revolutionary Day”
- Pushing back against gentrification through his “Save the Hampton House” campaign
- Bridging generational activism, from Panthers to today’s youth organizers
- Centering Black liberation, self-determination, and community control
In a city where the narrative is often distorted, Chairman Fred Jr. keeps the history real and the mission active.
2. Ja’Mal Green — The Political Firestarter
From running for mayor to organizing protests after police shootings, Ja’Mal Green has become one of the loudest civic voices in Chicago. Whether you agree with his politics or not, he’s consistently at the front line pushing for police accountability, youth investments, and city transparency. His grassroots energy makes him one of the most visible young leaders today.
3. Asiaha Butler — The Resident Leader
As the founder of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE), Asiaha Butler has reshaped the narrative around Englewood for over a decade. She’s known for:
- Community cleanups
- Safety initiatives
- Youth programming
- Aggressive reform on how media covers Englewood
Her leadership style is simple: Let the people living in the neighborhood tell their story—and lead their future.
4. Pastor Corey Brooks — The Rooftop Pastor
Whether you’ve seen him living on the roof of his South Side church to raise funds or speaking on national platforms, Pastor Corey Brooks goes beyond preaching. He focuses on anti-violence programs, small business incubation, and mentorship through the Project H.O.O.D. foundation.
His approach is controversial to some, respected by many—but undeniably impactful.
5. Dion Dawson — Feeding the People
Founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, Dion Dawson turned a personal mission into a citywide initiative feeding thousands of families with fresh produce boxes every week. No long lines. No hoops to jump through. Just dignity and delivery. In a city battling food deserts, he’s building a blueprint for what community care can look like.
WHY THIS LIST MATTERS
Chicago doesn’t move without the people who do the work. The organizers. The activists. The storytellers. The leaders who aren’t waiting for permission to serve or to save.
Whether it’s Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. fighting to preserve radical truth, or everyday champions moving block by block, these leaders remind us that community is a verb—something we do, build, and protect.
