Chicago's Black Community has relied on its ward organizations and community organizing. Many of those systems no longer exist. Black Bench aims to fill in this gap and increase the Black political IQ for the next generation of leadership.

The Bench brings individuals together to build community, foster creativity, develop leadership skills, and encourage more progress. During the program period, participants are challenged to think critically about leadership theories, traditions, and models to create, communicate, and carry out solutions to social justice and other challenges in Chicago’s Black Community. The 6-month program includes training modules on Black History & Philosophy, Government & Levers, and Campaigns and Operations.

There are few mechanisms for training the next generation of Black civic leaders targeted for politics. With over 200 applicants and only 15 positions available, our organization quickly realized we needed to expand our capacity and provide more opportunities to Black community leaders who were ready to make a difference. For our initial launch, we expected to welcome 15 Chicago's best and brightest community leaders into our first cohort, but instead welcomed 30, resulting in a variety of success stories that address local and urgent social problems. By supporting more applicants, The Black Bench hopes to increase the number of Chicago's experienced Black professionals.

All funds will be used to cover the expenses of cohort events, as well as to increase the number of cohort members who are eligible to join the program. As a result of your donation, we will be able to open our doors to a few more professionals who are ready to help address the social and political problems within Chicago's Black community.

The Black Bench Chicago Fund

By The Black Bench Chicago

The Black Bench Chicago Fund

Help our community raise $8,000 for Black Philanthropy Month! Our goal is to increase the number of Black community leaders in politics by using these funds to cover operational costs and expand our cohort program.