FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com
Chicago 2024 Host Committee Unveils “The Future Is Built In Chicago” Neighborhood Spotlight Campaign
Chicago, IL — Today, the Chicago 2024 Host Committee unveiled a new ad campaign, “The Future is Built in Chicago”, featuring community leaders from nine neighborhoods in the city. The campaign aims to highlight Chicago’s diverse community areas and the working people who reside in them. The campaign is live on digital billboards and street furniture throughout the city with a special emphasis on high-traffic areas where delegates and members of the media will be staying for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
The campaign features nine custom typefaces that represent the many diverse cultures and communities in Chicago. The unique fonts will be donated to Chicago-area youth artists upon the conclusion of the convention.
The ad campaign is part of the Host Committee’s larger beautification and decor program which includes street banners, welcoming signage, painted crosswalks, curb cuts, refreshed planters and trees, and skyline lighting.
“Chicago’s best asset is our people,” said Host Committee Executive Director Christy George. “These leaders have dedicated their lives to helping their communities and we are excited to share their stories with convention delegates and visitors.”
MEET THE AMBASSADORS
Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, Auburn Gresham Neighborhood
A self-taught historian, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas uses the power of storytelling to make Chicago’s history accessible to all. Garnering tens of millions of online views, he frequently gives tours of Chicago’s historic neighborhoods through his company Chicago Mahogany.
Susan Patel, North Park Neighborhood
Born and raised in Chicago, Susan Patel is an advocate for the South Asian community for her non-profit work and grassroots organizing. She is a respected board member of several community organizations, including APIA Vote.
Denise Avant, Lakeview Neighborhood
Blind since birth, Denise Avant has had a distinguished career serving the citizens of northeast Illinois in the Cook County Public Defender’s office for thirty years. Avant served as the head of the National Federation of the Blind Illinois, and has advocated on behalf of the visually impaired throughout her career.
Josephine “Mother” Wade, Chatham Neighborhood
Founder of Captain’s Hard Times restaurant, Josephine “Mother” Wade brings joy to her community with her passion for soul food. For decades, she has fed, clothed and employed young people from Chatham.
Dr. Xochitl Bada, West Lakeview Neighborhood
A University of Illinois-Chicago professor, Dr. Xóchitl Bada teaches Latin American studies and focuses her research on the Mexican-Chicagoan identity and migrant rights. She’s a passionate advocate for government agencies to increase civic participation and political engagement for Latinos.
Lt. Quentin Curtis, Washington Park Neighborhood
Lt. Quention Curtis is a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department and founder of the Black Fire Brigade, a non-profit organization that provides tuition assistants for aspiring public servants receiving training as firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians.
Pastor Chris Harris Sr., Bronzeville Neighborhood
Pastor Chris Harris Sr. is the Senior Pastor of two rapidly growing churches in the historic Bronzeville community. A noted singer in the gospel music industry, Pastor Harris also established Bright Star Community Outreach, an organization that leads educational enrichment programs, anti-violence prevention and intervention activities throughout the Greater Bronzeville Community.
Cathleen Lewandowski, Lincoln Park Neighborhood
Cathleen Lewandowski is a fourth generation Chicagoan, a veteran, and professor of social work. She volunteers in her Alderman’s office, where she assists with constituent services, responding to a range of community members’ concerns. When not teaching or volunteering, she enjoys exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, cultural opportunities, hiking the forest preserves, and sketching Chicago’s monuments and architecture.
Marseil “Action” Jackson, Austin Neighborhood
Marseil “Action” Jackson, a proud Westside Chicago native, is a dynamic business owner and radio personality with deep roots in the Austin community. Known for his unwavering support of the Soul City Corridor and African-American Business District in Austin, Marseil has built a career that merges entrepreneurship with community activism.
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