BlackSpace Chicago

We localize the 14 principles of the Manifesto to build Black power and Black joy in Chicago.

Our Story

Chicago was the first Cousin to join BlackSpace back in 2017. After hearing the BlackSpace origin story at the second Black in Design Conference, our Chicago Cousin felt inspired to gather and build. Since then, the Chicago network has been organizing Black placemaking initiatives like Jane’s Walks that share the histories of Chicago’s Black neighborhoods.

Bronzeville Walking Tour

We explored the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, learned about the displacement at IIT, the disinvestment of Black-owned property on historic Martin Luther King Drive, and the Victory Monument on 35th & King that honors the 8th regiment of the Illinois National Guard, an African American Unit that served during WWI.

Meet the Organizers

Learn more about the folks who make BlackSpace Chicago possible.

  • Camille Applewhite

    she/her
    Cousin

    Camille (she/her) is a Chicago-based landscape architect. Her work ranges from culturally significant site planning and design to active community engagement. Camille is focused on exploring how urban design can work to promote socioeconomic inclusion throughout the urban landscape.

Interested in joining BlackSpace Chicago?

If you’re a Black urbanist, find out how you can be part of our community.