The 77 Project

The 77 Project is a storytelling and media project presented by Xfinity with additional support from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help share the narrative of our neighborhoods from the inside out. Our hope is that this project will help inspire citizens to connect with solution-makers in the city of Chicago and beyond. If you didn't know, the city of Chicago recognizes 77 community areas within the city limits, and this year we're shining a light on organizations and individuals who are making a positive impact in each of those locations.

More on Xfinity:

Xfinity connects people in all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago each and every day.  Xfinity is proud to sponsor the 77 Project to provide a platform for local residents to voice ideas that will shape our city's future.  

Community Area #77: Edgewater - Chicago Gay Men's Chorus (CGMC)

WHO THEY ARE:

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus is an inclusive, community-based performing arts organization that creates musical experiences to entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. Through colorful performances that blend traditional choral music with musical theater, jazz and pop, and a gay aesthetic, they seek to delight our audiences, enrich their members and explore issues relevant to LGBT people and their allies—enlivening Chicago’s cultural landscape and creating a better community for all.

HOW TO GET GET INVOLVED:

Learn how to contribute to CGMC's mission at cgmc.org

Connect with them on social by following @chicagogmc

Community Area #28: Near West Side - Cara

WHO THEY ARE:

On their website, Cara describes itself as bootcamps and businesses that get people back to work. Since 1991, Cara has helped people affected by poverty (and often the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration) to get and keep quality jobs and, more importantly, rebuild hope, self-esteem and opportunity for themselves and their families in the process.

HOW TO GET GET INVOLVED:

Learn how to contribute to Cara's mission at carachicago.org

Connect with them on social by following @carachicago

Community Area #25: Austin - Jacqueline Reed

Jacqueline Reed is the founder and original CEO of the Westside Health Authority—and though retired today, she continues to connect with her community through establishing mutuality and empowering individuals based on where they are on their journey. We hope Mrs. Reed's story of continued community uplifting and connection inspires you to connect with your neighbors and build up your community from the inside.

Community Area #69: Greater Grand Crossing - The Dovetail Project

WHO THEY ARE:

The Dovetail Project gives young African American fathers – ages 17 to 24 – the skills and support they need to be better fathers for their children and better men in their communities.

HOW TO GET GET INVOLVED:

Learn how to contribute to The Dovetail Project's mission at thedovetailproject.org

Connect with them on social by following @dovetailproject

Community Area #2: West Ridge - Indo-American Heritage Museum

WHO THEY ARE:

The Indo-American Heritage Museum (IAHM) is a community-based and inclusive institution, a place where visitors can better understand and experience the rich cultural heritage, fascinating immigrant history and important contemporary developments that shape the lives of millions of Americans of Indian origin.

HOW TO GET GET INVOLVED:

Learn how to contribute to IAHM's mission at iahmuseum.org

Community Area #31: Pilsen

We’re thrilled to partner with Pilsen Fest to kick off The 77 Project. Pilsen—a neighborhood rich in cultural talent rooted in the art, food, and music of the Latino community that calls it home—is located in the Lower West Side; community area 31 out of the 77 located in Chicago. Pilsen Fest’s primary goal is to expose the Latino community to the immense pool of talent that exists in their own backyard to help preserve the cultural heritage of one of our city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. We selected Pilsen Fest as our community partner for the launch of The 77 Project because it is more than a street festival. It is a movement and a symbol of pride for the people of Pilsen who are actively combating displacement and the potential erasure of their culture in an area they know and love.

Get involved:

Learn more about Pilsen Fest and its mission at: pilsenfestchicago.com

Follow Pilsen Fest on Facebook to be the first to know about their next event.

Follow artist Sam Kirk on Instagram.

Community Area #6: Lakeview

We took The 77 Project to Lakeview to visit Center on Halsted, the Midwest's most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. Center on Halsted offers a state-of-the-art facility, thoughtfully crafted programming, and a dedicated staff to the community of Lakeview and beyond. Their doors are open every single day from 8am to 9pm, and they are open to all, whether you are a part of the LGBTQ community or one of their allies. Inspired by their mission, inclusivity, and positive impact, we spoke with the Center's CEO, Modesto Tico Valle, for a deeper understanding of their mission and their hope for the future. 

Get involved:

Watch our Interview with Center on Halsted's CEO on our The 77 Project Instagram Highlight.

Read about how Center on Halsted is providing a safe space for Chicago youth.

Follow @center_on_halsted on Instagram.

Visit centeronhalsted.org to donate, volunteer, attend a program, and more.