Our cover photo features Kristian Jackson—a Black boy whose joy and future we are determined to protect. His image reminds us of our collective responsibility: to
Save the Children.
June was such an extraordinary month that we’ve decided to reflect on it again in this July issue. We’ve welcomed diverse community voices, thanks to what Rael Jackson, Program Manager of Real Men Charities, called Black Liberation Month. The name stuck—and so did the spirit. It blossomed into citywide collaborations rooted in love, heritage, and pride.
Right here in Chicago, we spent the month uplifting our music, our culture, our soul food (like no one else can serve it), and our unique paths to liberation.
Liberation is the act of breaking free—from systems, mindsets, or histories that hold us back. It leads us to a place of freedom, where we can make choices for ourselves and shape the futures we deserve.
We celebrated liberation in parks, museums, and neighborhood venues—especially across the South Side. At The Quarry Event Center, we hosted some of our most powerful events, including the historic Real Men Cook Father’s Day celebration. That event, now in its 36th year, honored the power of family, fatherhood, and community collaboration.
Inspired by the Nguzo Saba—everyday principles often shared during Kwanzaa but relevant year-round—The South Side Drive invited seven individuals to explore each one through personal stories and reflections:-
Umoja (Unity): Rael Jackson himself shares how Black men, women, and families came together in love and unity during Men’s Wellness Week, the Juneteenth Flag Raising, and our June 1 kickoff.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): Karmen Hodge, a third-year Hampton University student, embodies this principle in her powerful story about defining and creating her own identity.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): Darryl Holmes, whose activism dates back to Operation Breadbasket, reminds us that the work of leaders like Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and the PUSH Coalition lives on through all of us.
Nia (Purpose): Journalist and radio host Salim Muwakkil emphasizes the purpose behind celebrating Black holidays, urging us to absorb their wisdom and transform it into cultural power.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): Isaiah Williams shares his family’s commitment to building economic freedom through unity, justice, and mutual support.
Kuumba (Creativity): Eli Williamson brings creativity to life through the National Veteran’s Rodeo and Resource Fair—an innovative event designed to honor and serve veterans with dignity.
Imani (Faith): Natalie Noble reminds us that faith is foundational. Her testimony shows how spiritual belief continues to guide her through challenges and triumphs alike.
We hope this unique issue stirs reflection, celebration, and action as you look back on a remarkable June—a month of liberation at a time when we so desperately need it.
And now, as we turn toward August—officially Buy Black Month—we encourage you to begin today. Invest in our businesses, support our creators, and uplift our economy. Despite the adversity and resistance to our Blackness, we continue forward—boldly, joyfully, together.
