As Black History Month continues, Chicago-based organizations are highlighting efforts to support education by addressing gaps that extend beyond the classroom.
Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), a behavioral health and human services organization serving 17 communities across Chicagoland. It is among those leading the work. President and CEO Donald J. Dew says improving educational outcomes requires addressing race and health equity alongside access and opportunity.
“When communities of color face barriers to quality education, those inequities ripple into health outcomes, economic stability, and overall well-being,” Dew said.
HSI recently marked the fifth anniversary of its Race & Health Equity Awards, recognizing seven local leaders whose work has expanded educational access and opportunity across Chicago. The organization has also launched a national movement focused on Historically Black Community Based Organizations, or HBCBOs, which often step in where public funding falls short.
The new documentary Heading West II highlights leaders from HBCBOs and explores their role in strengthening communities by sharing strategies, resources, and support systems during uncertain times.
Organizations interested in joining the HBCBO movement can find more information at historicallyblackcbo.org.
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