IL HR0640

Illinois House of Representatives commends Southside Blooms, a project of nonprofit Chicago Eco House founded by Quilen and Hannah Blackwell, for community revitalization efforts on Chicago's South and West Sides

The organization operates a "farm-to-vase" model transforming vacant lots in Englewood, Woodlawn, Washington Park, Pilsen, and West Garfield Park into solar-powered, pesticide-free flower farms

Southside Blooms provides workforce development and living-wage jobs for at-risk youth ages 16-24, including partnerships with Cook County Juvenile Probation for reintegration of formerly incarcerated young people

The organization opened its first brick-and-mortar shop at 6250 South Morgan Street in Englewood on June 30, 2021

Quilen Blackwell was named the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year for this work in urban agriculture and youth development