Our Mission

Black Millennial Renaissance (BMR) is a network of Black Millennials and their allies fighting to end systemic racism. In the spirit of our ancestors and their fight for Civil Rights, we are answering the call of the Black Lives Matter Movement to organize, educate, and empower society to heal the wounds of slavery and the decades of discrimination and oppression that have followed. Created in 2020, shortly after the death of George Floyd, founders Christian and Chakena Perry saw an immediate need to address the pain and frustration in their community. BMR’s foundational principle is to lead with radical hope. In the face of deep cynicism and the erosion of hard-won freedoms and liberties, BMR remains committed to inspiring those we are privileged to serve, reminding them that the moral arc of the universe does indeed bend toward justice.

Mission & program initiatives

We aim to end systemic racism by executing our six pillars to create lasting, structural change. We begin by sparking dialogue within communities to confront racism and oppression while providing the tools and resources necessary for allyship and collective action. We work alongside community groups, government agencies, businesses, academics, and law enforcement to dismantle anti-Black policies and rebuild institutions rooted in justice. Through strategic collaboration with elected officials and local organizations, we develop policy proposals that reimagine governance through an equitable lens, ensuring that power is built in coalition rather than in isolation.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to intergenerational cohesion, recognizing that sustainable progress depends on uniting people across age groups, sectors, and lived experiences. We cultivate strong coalitions with partner organizations, emphasizing the shared values that drive our fight for justice. As we uplift the next generation of leaders, we create spaces for young people to process their emotions, transform pain into purpose, and play a central role in shaping policies that will define their future. That’s why our Justice & Equity Fellowship is structured to equip 16-to 23-year-olds to be the change agents they want to see in their communities. This work calls us to balance the fight against oppression with celebrating Black wellness, excellence, and joy. Our six pillars help us forge a path toward collective liberation and bridge the gap between institutions and the communities they serve.

Our connection with municipalities and local government

We have a proven track record of mobilizing communities and influencing policy, from leading the largest peaceful protest in South Suburban Cook County to hosting impactful town halls that foster dialogue between residents and stakeholders. We bring deep political expertise—Chakena being the youngest elected official in Cook County history and Christian serving as political director to Mayor Brandon Johnson—positioning BMR uniquely to bridge the gap between government and grassroots advocates. We offer advisory services and equity-focused training for city officials, law enforcement, and public sector leaders. We help municipalities improve civic engagement, build public trust, and implement policies that drive racial and economic equity. By leveraging our experience in both government and grassroots organizing, we provide tailored solutions that align with municipal priorities, whether through strategic policy development, community engagement initiatives, or equity-based economic strategies. Partnering with us is not just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic investment in building more substantial, inclusive communities.

Our connection with non-profit partners, community organizers, and business

We are committed to strengthening the non-profit ecosystem by leveraging our advocacy, policy influence, and community engagement expertise to support emerging organizations. This summer and moving forward, we are partnering with Dion’s Chicago Dream to host the Big Boost Summit, a strategic initiative designed to equip start-up non-profit leaders with the resources, connections, and funding opportunities they need to thrive. In the Summer of 2026, we will launch the Chicago Black Market (CBM). The CBM will provide a platform for entrepreneurs and artists to showcase their talents while celebrating Black culture in the world's best summer city. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, providing hands-on advisory support, and using our political influence to bridge the gap between grassroots efforts and institutional change, we aim to build a strong network of mission-driven organizations that collectively drive sustainable impact.

Social media

Website: blackmillennialrenaissance.com

Instagram/X/BlueSky: @radicalhopebmr

Facebook/LinkedIn: Black Millennial Renaissance

Black Millennial Renaissance

Meet BMR & Learn Our Mission!