$50K Donation Brings Major Expansion to North Lawndale Youth Arts Center
NORTH LAWNDALE — A major philanthropic gesture is opening new doors for youth in Chicago’s West Side. The Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts, located at 1512 S. Pulaski Road, has received a $50,000 donation from actor Jussie Smollett, sparking a meaningful expansion of its programming. The donation is enabling the center to provide 100 new slots for young people in the community who want to explore their talents in the creative arts.
Currently, the center reaches about 1,500 students annually, offering a range of programs in music, fashion, arts, and communication. But due to limited funding and high demand, many children have been placed on waiting lists, hoping for a chance to join. According to Pamela Blackman, CEO of the center, this donation is more than just money—it’s a message of hope.
Donation Rooted in Controversy, Directed Toward Healing
The funds are part of a legal settlement tied to Smollett’s highly publicized 2019 conviction for staging a hate crime. As part of the resolution, the actor agreed to direct money toward community-centered organizations that support healing, justice, and youth development. Though the controversy still garners mixed opinions, the impact of this donation is undeniably positive for the neighborhood.
Pamela Blackman noted in her interview with NBC Chicago, “When I opened the envelope and saw the check, I burst into tears. We’ve had over 250 students on the waitlist. This means we can finally say yes to more families who have been waiting for this opportunity.”
Founded in 1961 as the Better Boys Foundation by Joseph Kellman, the Building Brighter Futures Center has served generations of families in North Lawndale. It offers more than just extracurricular activities—it provides a safe, nurturing space where creativity and personal growth go hand in hand.
A Closer Look at the New Opportunities for Local Youth
Thanks to this $50,000 boost, the center can now immediately expand its curriculum and hire additional staff to facilitate:
- Music production and DJ workshops, including digital mixing, beat-making, and sound engineering
- Fashion design and sewing classes, complete with access to textiles, machines, and industry-standard tools
- Visual arts instruction, from painting and drawing to digital design and graffiti-style expression
- Podcasting and storytelling programs, helping youth find their voices and speak on issues they care about
- Dance, theater, and performance arts, with public showcases and mentorship from local artists
- Chess and critical thinking, teaching strategy, patience, and academic confidence
These new programs are designed to help students gain both technical skills and personal confidence, preparing them for possible careers in creative fields or post-secondary education. Many former students have gone on to win scholarships, enter college arts programs, or work in creative industries across the Midwest.
Aligning with a Broader Movement for Justice and Equity
Jussie Smollett’s support for the Building Brighter Futures Center is part of a larger campaign of community reinvestment. Other organizations receiving funding through similar settlements include:
- The Chicago Torture Justice Center, supporting survivors of police violence
- Rainbow PUSH Coalition, founded by Rev. Jesse Jackson, which champions civil rights and social equity
- The Trevor Project, a national nonprofit that provides suicide prevention support to LGBTQ youth
A public statement or event featuring Smollett and representatives from the donation recipients is expected later this summer, highlighting how the funds are being used to support under-resourced communities.
A Cultural Anchor in North Lawndale
The Building Brighter Futures Center has long played a vital role in North Lawndale’s cultural and educational ecosystem. In a neighborhood facing systemic challenges—ranging from underfunded schools to economic barriers—the center represents resilience and opportunity. It has partnerships with local schools, libraries, and citywide arts coalitions, ensuring that youth from all backgrounds have access to meaningful creative development.
Parents in the area say the center has been a lifesaver. “When my son joined the DJ program, it changed everything for him,” said Yolanda Simmons, a resident of the neighborhood. “He found a passion, made new friends, and even performed at a city event. We’re grateful more kids will get that chance now.”
Do you believe arts and cultural funding can uplift communities? What creative programs do you think every neighborhood should have? Share your thoughts in the comments.
