A Message from Regina:

The South Side of Chicago is where I’m from. I am a product of Mt. Vernon Elementary School, Jackie Robinson Park, Woodson Regional Library, and Carver Area High School. The teachers and neighbors of this environment both nurtured and educated me into a love of Black History and Culture; exposing me to the strength and beauty of our history while encouraging me to build on the legacy of those who came before me. The South and Far South Sides have produced some of the greatest individuals of our culture such as Lorraine Hansberry, Donnie Hathaway, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Michelle Obama.  And we’re not done yet.  It’s time to renew hope and create new greatness.

Chicago has a documented history of being racially segregated, with our Black and Brown communities suffering as a result. While my family has enjoyed a long history in the Altgeld Gardens, Washington Heights, Roseland, and Morgan Park neighborhoods, we have also, like many other south siders, experienced losses to gangs, gun violence, mental illness, and addiction.  This internal melting pot of experiences has helped to inform my work in the reproductive health advocacy space as well as my work in public libraries. I intimately recognize that for every horrible story told about my beloved city, there are people just like me, who want to improve the world we live in and who feel passionate about family and community. 

I believe that we are deserving of a space that encourages us to dream, plan, and work towards our goals. And to achieve those goals, we need access to supports that for too long have been inaccessible due to cost and proximity.  For generations, we have been denied valuable information about our health and future opportunities by way of dismissive stereotypes and misinformation. 55% of Chicago’s Far South Side is between the ages of 19 and 34. This is the perfect age range to support reproductive health education and wellness resources. 

My vision is to create a physical space where people can come to learn, to explore wellness and health careers, and to find support and community among like-minded individuals.  I envision support groups for mental, physical, and financial health, combined with educational opportunities to increase the number of Black people serving in the wellness fields.  I plan to revitalize my neighborhood by erecting a sustainable building, comprised of refurbished shipping containers, featuring a courtyard, classrooms, community garden, and wellness resource center.  And I plan to do it all, with an ever-present emphasis on reproductive health and wellness.

Help me get it done.  Donate your time, talents, or funding to support the Well Lit project.  We are turning the lights on, and shining light in the dark spaces.