The Heritage Trail Continues with the Better Boys Foundation
Join Us on Aug. 30! First Free Breakfast for Children Location in Illinois
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., at 1512 S. Pulaski in Chicago, 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 historic event, as we also honor Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton’s birthday!
Join Us! Registration is FREE! Click Here for More Information!
Historical Markers/Plaques to be Installed in Pavement
Our installations will be similar, not identical. Photo Example: Stars cleaning stars on Philly’s Walk of Fame
If you are looking for our historical plaque at 2350 W. Madison, it will be reinstalled. Headquarters was our test site. To avoid potential hazards with the posts, we decided that the plaques would be installed in the pavement. We are still on track to have them all installed by the end of September.
Save the Date! October 15, 2025
On the 59th Anniversary of the BPP's founding in 1966, we will have a Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois Open House at the Chicago Cultural Center. All of the historical markers for the 13 site inaugural trail will be installed by then.
More details coming soon!
Donate to the Black Panther Party Heritage Trail in Illinois
We appreciate your continued friendship and support of this work. It is your help that is making the Heritage Trail a success.
Consider making a donation today.
