Floor SpeechCeremonial2025-04-30

HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

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On 2025-04-30, Representative Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION" in the House.

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HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E367-E368] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ______ HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the remarkable 60th Anniversary of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO), a cornerstone of community empowerment and a beacon of hope in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois and the City of Chicago. The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, otherwise known as KOCO, was founded in 1965 by visionary community and religious leaders. It stands as one of the oldest Black-led, membership-based grassroots community organizations in Chicago. KOCO has served as a vital force for justice, dignity and transformation, steadfastly uplifting low- income and working African American families in the Kenwood-Oakland and broader Bronzeville communities. KOCO's enduring mission is to cultivate multi-generational leadership and effect meaningful change in public policy. It has made significant strides through impactful campaigns that have expanded access to affordable housing, ensured equitable education opportunities, advanced youth leadership development, championed the rights and well-being of senior citizens and vigorously fought for healthcare access and environmental justice. KOCO's dedication to their mission has achieved historic victories, leaving behind an indelible mark on the community. This includes the construction of King High School, the establishment of over 400 units for those that needed affordable housing, founding a vital community medical clinic, as well as establishing a national precedent through the successful reopening of Dyett High School, which followed a courageous 34-day hunger strike. KOCO's advocacy has aided in the reopening of the University of Chicago's adult trauma center and secured the landmark Community Benefits Agreement that proactively prevents the displacement of long- term residents surrounding the Obama Presidential Center. Additionally, KOCO launched transformative initiatives such as GirlsLead, the Bronzeville Restorative Justice Hub, and the Silver Fox Cafe, each centering on healing the community and fostering economic development in the Black community. Under the dedicated and visionary leadership of Executive Director Shannon Bennett, KOCO continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact while remaining grounded in its core mission: to empower new generations of Black leaders who will continue the vital [[Page E368]] work of advancing opportunity, liberty, and justice for all. KOCO's historic legacy, its transformative impact on the lives of countless individuals and families, and its enduring role as a beacon of hope and liberation for the City of Chicago and the Nation will continue to inspire our community to great acts of service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 60th anniversary of KOCO. ____________________

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HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E367-E368] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION ______ HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the remarkable 60th Anniversary of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO), a cornerstone of community empowerment and a beacon of hope in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois and the City of Chicago. The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, otherwise known as KOCO, was founded in 1965 by visionary community and religious leaders. It stands as one of the oldest Black-led, membership-based grassroots community organizations in Chicago. KOCO has served as a vital force for justice, dignity and transformation, steadfastly uplifting low- income and working African American families in the Kenwood-Oakland and broader Bronzeville communities. KOCO's enduring mission is to cultivate multi-generational leadership and effect meaningful change in public policy. It has made significant strides through impactful campaigns that have expanded access to affordable housing, ensured equitable education opportunities, advanced youth leadership development, championed the rights and well-being of senior citizens and vigorously fought for healthcare access and environmental justice. KOCO's dedication to their mission has achieved historic victories, leaving behind an indelible mark on the community. This includes the construction of King High School, the establishment of over 400 units for those that needed affordable housing, founding a vital community medical clinic, as well as establishing a national precedent through the successful reopening of Dyett High School, which followed a courageous 34-day hunger strike. KOCO's advocacy has aided in the reopening of the University of Chicago's adult trauma center and secured the landmark Community Benefits Agreement that proactively prevents the displacement of long- term residents surrounding the Obama Presidential Center. Additionally, KOCO launched transformative initiatives such as GirlsLead, the Bronzeville Restorative Justice Hub, and the Silver Fox Cafe, each centering on healing the community and fostering economic development in the Black community. Under the dedicated and visionary leadership of Executive Director Shannon Bennett, KOCO continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact while remaining grounded in its core mission: to empower new generations of Black leaders who will continue the vital [[Page E368]] work of advancing opportunity, liberty, and justice for all. KOCO's historic legacy, its transformative impact on the lives of countless individuals and families, and its enduring role as a beacon of hope and liberation for the City of Chicago and the Nation will continue to inspire our community to great acts of service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 60th anniversary of KOCO. ____________________