A Legacy of Learning: ITAV Leadership Academy’s Bold New Chapter in Bronzeville

Tagged: Anita Andrews-Hutchinson, Bronzeville, celebration, Co-founder, community, education, events, Hales Franciscan, history, it takes a village leadership academy, ITAV LA, leadership in education, news, school, socialjustice, VLA, vlacademy,

9 minutes, 38 seconds

Chicago, IL– October 22, 2024–The air was filled with excitement as freshly painted walls and the gleam of polished wooden gym floors welcomed community leaders, and elected officials, who gathered to celebrate It Takes A Village Leadership Academy (ITAV LA) Bronzeville campus’s ribbon-cutting. The ribbon-cutting for the new campus, located at 4930 S. Cottage Grove, was attended by luminaries such as Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Alderman Lamont Robinson, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, and Pastor Chris Harris, the event was an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of education rooted in the community.

 

 

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Lieutenant Governor Stratton, highlighted the significance of the ITAV LA’s work, emphasizing that it is more than just a school—it is a hub for community change. Stratton, a proud advocate for early childhood education, praised ITAV for its holistic approach, noting how the academy addresses not only the educational needs of its students but also their social and emotional development. “This ribbon-cutting is a bold declaration of the power of centering love within our education system,” she said, reflecting on the school’s deep roots in providing culturally responsive and socially conscious education.

 

 

Alderman Lamont Robinson, representing Chicago’s 4th Ward, echoed these sentiments, lauding the school as a cornerstone for the future of Black and brown students in the community. Reflecting on his upbringing on the South Side, Robinson acknowledged the impact ITAV has had and will continue to have on Bronzeville, describing the school’s founders, Nakisha Hobbs, and Anita Andrews Hutchinson, as modern-day figures akin to Ida B. Wells and Mary McLeod Bethune. “This institution is changing the world,” Robinson remarked, as he presented a resolution from the city of Chicago recognizing ITAV’s two decades of dedication to transforming the lives of young people.

 

However, the heart of the ceremony came from the reflections of ITAV alumni and a current student. Armani Pace, a 2023 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and now an ITAV LA middle school science teacher, shared how her experiences at ITAV shaped her worldview. She recalled trips to Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the school’s World Scholars Program, which fostered a sense of global citizenship. “It is a privilege to be back at VLA [Village Leadership Academy], not only as a teacher but as one of its very first students,” Pace said, her words underscoring the school’s generational impact.

 

Another powerful moment came when eighth-grade student Telvir Williams took the stage, confidently sharing how his time at ITAV has helped him grow, both academically and personally. “I feel confident that I’ll be successful because I have an entire village supporting me,” Williams said, drawing applause from the audience.

 

 

 

The day was filled with reflections on the rich history of Bronzeville, with Congressman Jonathan Jackson reminding attendees of the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, who once walked the very streets surrounding the school. Jackson urged the students and the community to continue fighting for justice, drawing connections between past struggles and current battles for reproductive and voting rights. His message resonated deeply with the audience, particularly as ITAV’s mission is to educate students on social justice issues and prepare them to be advocates for change.

 

 

Pastor Chris Harris brought a spirited energy to the ceremony, declaring, “Black leadership is keeping this block,” as he praised the efforts of the ITAV founders and the broader community for investing in the future of Bronzeville. His impassioned remarks called on the audience to recognize the power of unity and collaboration in driving progress.

 

Co-founder Nakisha Hobbs closed out the ceremony by sharing some of the historical eye-opening moments. She said students were fed up with being told they could change the world–they wanted to know, how. It was from their hunger for change that the Grass Roots Curriculum was created. This is one of the reasons, ITAV Leadership Academy’s new campus is more than just a building—it is a beacon of hope and empowerment for future generations. From the inspired speeches to the energetic crowd, the ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the community’s collective commitment to investing in the future of Black children, ensuring that they are not only seen but also empowered to lead. 

 

This new chapter for ITAV promises to further its mission of transforming lives, as articulated by co-founder Anita Andrews Hutchinson: “Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are an opportunity for us to be present in this space, to take a quick moment of time to be reflective and have gratitude for those who got us to this point and, at the same time, collectively look forward to what we’re going to be building together.”  

 

 

 

 

FAQs

 

1. What is the Grass Roots Curriculum at ITAV LA?
The Grass Roots Curriculum is an educational program that integrates social justice topics with traditional subjects, encouraging students to become active participants in their communities.

 

2. Who are the founders of ITAV Leadership Academy?
ITAV LA was founded by Nakisha Hobbs and her mother, Gwendolyn Harris, and Anita Andrews-Hutchinson and her father, Harold Andrews. They have been dedicated to providing culturally relevant education in Chicago, where ITAV currently runs five childcare centers and two social justice elementary schools.

 

3. What is the focus of ITAV’s educational approach?
ITAV focuses on holistic education that includes academic, social, and emotional development, particularly for Black and brown students, emphasizing culturally responsive teaching.

 

4. How does the World Scholars Program impact ITAV students?
The World Scholars Program exposes students to global cultures, fostering a sense of global citizenship and enhancing their understanding of social justice issues on a broader scale.

 

5. What role does the community play in ITAV LA’s success?
The community is central to ITAV LA’s success, providing support and collaboration that enables the academy to thrive and invest in the future of Bronzeville’s youth.

it takes a village