In the wake of several tense Halloweens in Hyde Park, I helped co-found Collabooration (“Colla BOO ration”), a community-led safety and engagement initiative supported by Chicago’s 3rd and 4th Ward offices.
Our mission was to reimagine Halloween on the South Side as a night of celebration, safety, and visibility for Black and Brown youth. Working alongside GoodKids MadCity, Kenwood Academy, and local businesses, we designed activations that emphasized community presence over policing—training volunteers in restorative approaches and building trust through familiarity, recognition, and design.
My role focused on creative strategy and youth engagement, ensuring that the experience was both safe and culturally resonant. The effort continues today, shaping new models for youth-centered public safety across Chicago.
