Hands Within The Hood: Back-2-School Block Party

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jalah Hood. I'm a rising senior at Howard University majoring in Computer Information Systems, and I'm from the Southside of Chicago, Illinois. I'm the founder of Hands Within The Hood Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to take action and make a difference in our community through a range of services and support. I established my non-profit in 2020, following the passing of my grandmother. She was not only the glue of our family but also a pillar in our community, and I wanted to continue her legacy of paying it forward.

For the past four years, I've organized an annual toy drive on the Southside of Chicago and have been actively involved in community service both in Chicago and Washington, DC, where I attend school. As I approach my final year as an undergraduate, I am excited to announce that I will be hosting my very first block party—a back-to-school event.

This initiative has been made possible through the incredible support of my family, friends, mentors, and professors over the past three years. As a first-generation college student at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, I’ve been fortunate to receive unparalleled support, and I am eager to give back. The back-to-school block party aims to bring together children for a day of fun, music, and games, while also providing essential school supplies to prepare them for the upcoming academic year. Our goal is to foster a sense of community and support, bridging gaps and creating lasting connections.

100% of the funds raised will go towards making this back-to-school block party an unforgettable event. This will be a collaborative effort with Dimplez 4 Dayz, a youth-led non-profit based in Philadelphia, to benefit young people from both Philadelphia and Chicago.

Thank you so much for your support. I am grateful for the opportunity to dedicate my summer to making this event happen in August. Together, we can show the next generation of students that their community supports their education and future endeavors because anything is possible.

Sincerely,

Jalah Hood

Founder, Hands Within the Hood Inc.

Akayla Brown

Founder, Dimplez 4 Dayz Inc.