Join us for our next Public Newsroom Visualizing Our Dream Community Spaces with Imagine Englewood IF! This community conversation and workshop will center how to support and uplift young people in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood and beyond.
We’ll hear how Imagine Englewood IF has expanded their work since we last partnered with them in 2022. Our creative writing workshop will be led by artist and creative director Heavy Crownz. Together we’ll explore how we can imagine/co-create spaces that are a reflection of the young people in our city.
This edition of the Public Newsroom is co-planned by City Bureau’s Spring 2025 Civic Reporting Fellows. You’ll also get a sneak peak into their feature stories focusing on youth employment and education in Chicago.
RSVP for free! Refreshments and food will be provided.
About Imagine Englewood IF
Imagine Englewood if (IEi) is the longest-serving nonprofit in Englewood dedicated to creating safe and empowering spaces for youth in the Greater Englewood community. IEi strengthens the Greater Englewood community by teaching local youth and their families positive communication skills, healthy living, and environmental awareness. IEi was founded in 1997 by two community advocates—Jean Carter Hill and Helen Arnold Massey—who sought tools to improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater Englewood community.
Today, Imagine Englewood If remains steadfast in its pursuit to make a difference in the lives of the families residing in the Greater Englewood community of Chicago. Under the leadership of Michelle Rashad, Executive Director and West Englewood native, IEi is the owner and operator of West Englewood-based nonprofit and community-based coalition, We Grow Chicago (formerly named I Grow Chicago).
IEi operates out of its Peace Campus. This campus is a block of 18 houses, two open lots, a community garden, two basketball courts and a nature play lot which serves as a resource hub for residents to obtain immediate basic needs and access to community connection, skill building and opportunity. The Peace Campus is an essential component for the reimagining of a Greater Englewood community and available to all residents in need of services or support.
About Heavy Crownz
Heavy Crownz is an artist, educator, and community leader from Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. As an MC, he’s released over ten music projects and toured nationally and internationally, using his music to uplift themes of growth, unity, and agriculture. He’s performed alongside legends like KRS-One and Digable Planets, always with a focus on planting seeds of positive change.
In education, Heavy has guided over 200 young Black men to graduation at Urban Prep and helped many pursue college. He also partnered with Chicago Public Libraries to create a citywide curriculum blending music performance with youth development.
As a creative director, Heavy has led music videos, photo shoots, and live events that amplify Chicago’s culture. He’s worked on standout campaigns, including a collaboration between LDRS and Trap House Chicago, and leads his own clothing line, Grdn Supply, merging streetwear with a gardening mindset.
Currently, Heavy serves as Director of Programs at Imagine Englewood If..., where he oversees wellness-focused programming for both youth and families. Rooted in love, skill-building, and community strength.
Our 2025 Spring Civic Reporting Fellows:
Hector Cervantes
Leona Towner
Robyn Meurkson
Robert Speed
Learn more about them at citybureau.org/youth-summer-opportunities