Little Black Pearl

Description

WHO ARE WE
Beginning as a dream ten years ago in the basement of a gray stone, today Little Black Pearl is a thriving nonprofit serving youth in the Kenwood/Oakland, Woodlawn, and Bronzeville neighborhoods on Chicago's south side. Firmly rooted in the black community, as the population has changed, so has Little Black Pearl by working with an increasingly diverse youth population and adding curriculum and services for adults and families. Today home for Little Black Pearl is its state of the art 40,000 square foot Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center located in the Kenwood/Oakland neighborhood. This cultural arts center not only houses LBP but provides opportunities in art, culture and entrepreneurship to youth, adults and families across Chicago.

WHAT WE DO
LBP works diligently to counter the challenges urban youth face by providing a safe environment, positive role models, and rigorous program and skill development activities and opportunities. Our 10-year history has successfully proven that it is possible to marry art and entrepreneurship through real life application of talent, interest and skills. At Little Black Pearl, youth feel safe and open to exploring, expressing and challenging their ideas and feelings through art. The combination of art and business bring out innate talents and shows youth the value of their work. They learn lifelong skills; enhance their self-esteem and benefit from the sale of their art. A wide array of works of art created by youth in programs and workshops provided by Little Black Pearl are available for purchase through the Art and Design Center.