“MAAFA,” a Kiswahili word meaning “the great disaster,” is commonly used to refer to the tragic history of the Transatlantic African Slave Trade and its enduring effects in the present-day. In 2000, the term was re-appropriated and reimagined by New Mount Pilgrim Church, a key stake-holder in West Garfield Park, Chicago. The church commissioned a twenty-five-foot stained glass window entitled “MAAFA Remembrance,” to commemorate the history, as well as inspire observers to commit to the redemptive work of transforming self and community. The window now serves as New Mount Pilgrim’s brand; encapsulating its mission and ministry. Accordingly, the Pilgrim Development Corporation, the church’s social and economic development arm, has created the MAAFA Redemption Project, an initiative targeting and investing in the neighborhood's most vulnerable population: African American males. The project's overall goal is linked to the church’s ongoing ministry: transforming West Garfield Park one life at a time.
External link for The Maafa Redemption Project
Chicago , Illinois 60624, US
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Conversations that matter with people who inspire. Loved every minute of the SALA Series Martha's Vineyard Retreat. Can't wait for the next one!
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🚨 A Better Chicago needs YOUR vote for SXSW EDU 2025! 🗳 Our session will highlight how data can help break the cycle of youth poverty. Vote for our panel now through August 18 to bring Chicago to the national stage: https://lnkd.in/gYjRcwWh
📚 Enroll in Pastor Marshall Hatch's "Black Church Studies" course at Seminary Now! 🗓️ Starts: September 12 📆 12 Weeks | 📍 Thursdays, 6 PM CST 🎓 3 Credits This course will explore Black Church history, Black perspectives in biblical studies and hermeneutics, Black and Womanist theologies, distinctive Black music and worship, unique Black preaching traditions and ecclesiologies, and engage in the continuing Black Church search for relevance and Christian mission in the twenty-first century. 🔗 Enroll now - https://lnkd.in/gfSWGgRD #BlackChurchStudies #seminarynow
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“Gun violence is the moral issue of our time,” says Marshall Hatch Jr. of The Maafa Redemption Project. He should know. Few in Chicago are doing more to inspire young people and help lead the city forward. We’re so inspired by the change he’s helping create. #chicago #leadership #community
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A Better Chicago proudly supports eight outstanding nonprofits through our Catalyst Fund. These organizations are centered around community-embedded programs for youth in the South and West sides of Chicago. Prioritizing BIPOC-led organizations, we aim to uplift early-stage initiatives that are often overlooked. Portfolio organizations in our Catalyst Fund include: A House In Austin, Austin Childcare Provider Network (ACPN), Dream On Education, The Firehouse Community Arts Center, Lion's Pride Mentoring Inc., Lost Boyz Inc., The Bloc, and The Maafa Redemption Project.
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This year, we are grateful to celebrate seven years of service in the West Garfield Park community! Check out our most recent Impact Report. 🔗 View Full Report - https://rb.gy/6xfvtp #ImpactReport #MAAFARedemption#CommunalTransformation
This year, we are grateful to celebrate seven years of service in the West Garfield Park community! Check out our most recent Impact Report. 🔗 View Full Report - https://rb.gy/6xfvtp #ImpactReport #MAAFARedemption#CommunalTransformation
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Thanking God for the Maafa Redemption Project 7th cohort graduation celebration 🙌🏿✊🏿🙏🏿
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My brother Joshua Phillips 🙌🏿👌🏿✊🏿
Graduated from Maafa Redemption project
Meet Our Senior Director: Rev. Robert Ervin Jr. We're thrilled to introduce Rev. Robert Ervin Jr., the inspiring Senior Director of the MAAFA Redemption Project! With a heart dedicated to community upliftment and a passion for meaningful change, Rev. Ervin embodies our mission to foster hope and redemption. His favorite Bible scripture is Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Join us in celebrating his unwavering commitment and the divine wisdom that guides him every day! #MAAFA #Leadership #Inspiration #Romans828 #FaithInAction