Join Us! Aug. 30 Dedication Ceremony for the First Free Breakfast for Children Program location of the Black Panther Party in Illinois!
Join Us to Landmark and Celebrate Our Heritage: 1512 S. Pulaski
Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton at the opening of the Free Breakfast for Children Program at the Better Boys Foundation, 1512 S. Pulaski in Chicago. Photo: ST-19031010-0001, Chicago Sun-Times collection, Chicago History Museum
Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton and Deputy Minister of Education Billy “Ché” Brooks decided that the Archie Moore Boxing Gym would be a great place to start the first Free Breakfast for Children Program. After all, the gym was considered neutral territory in North Lawndale for the surrounding gangs, and Brooks was a member. All they had to do was convince Joseph Kellman and his board, which they did. The program opened on April 1, 1969.
Kellman, inspired by the success of the Free Breakfast for Children Program, wanted to do more for the boys in Lawndale. He decided to expand the program's reach and impact by transforming the gym into the “Better Boys Foundation.” Since then, the BBF has been serving the children on the west side, evolving into the BBF Center for the Arts, a place steeped in Chicago history and a hub for artistic and educational activities.
Join us on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in a celebration hosted by former Deputy Minister of Education Billy “Ché” Brooks that is a testament to the close connection between the Illinois Chapter and the Joseph Kellman Foundation. We invite you to be a part of this significant event, as we also honor Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton’s birthday!
We Want to Meet You at the Reception!
Program
2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reception
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Program
No Rain Date: Indoor Program