PHOTOS: Better Boys Foundation Dedication Ceremony Success
On Aug. 30 Ceremony for First Free Breakfast for Children Location in Illinois
(l-r) The Honorable Bobby L. Rush, co-founder and former Deputy Minister of Defense of the Illinois Chapter, Billy “Ché” Brooks, former Deputy Minister of Education of the Illinois Chapter, New Sense, BBF Alum and rapper, Alderwoman Monique Scott, 24th Ward, Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, DCASE, child of a Black Panther mother, Wanda Ross, former member of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panthers, (back l-r) Jack Kellman, President of the Joseph Kellman Family Foundation, son of Joe Kellman, Troy Ratliff, EVP of the Joseph Kellman Family Foundation, Mayor Nathaniel George Booker, Maywood (not pictured)
Photo: Corey Walden
Donate to the Heritage TrailOn Saturday, August 30, 2025, the birthday of Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton, we held our Dedication Ceremony for the Better Boys Foundation, hosted by Deputy Minister of Education Billy “Ché” Brooks. The BBF, Site 4 on the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois, is the first location of the Free Breakfast for Children program in Illinois. We were honored by our illustrious speakers and guests! Thank you for coming!
Order of Speakers
Billy “Ché” Brooks, former Deputy Minister of Education of the Illinois Chapter
Alderwoman Monique Scott, 24th Ward
Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, DCASE, child of a Black Panther mother
Mayor Nathaniel George Booker, Maywood (not pictured above)
Troy Ratliff, EVP of the Joseph Kellman Family Foundation
Jack Kellman, President of the Joseph Kellman Family Foundation, son of Joe Kellman
Wanda Ross, former member of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panthers
New Sense, BBF Alum and rapper
Background
Hampton and 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.
PHOTO: 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
Aug. 30 PHOTOS!
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