Turning Up the Volume on Community Voices
The voices of low-income and working families of color are often overlooked in Chicago, where gentrification and systemic inequality threaten to severely limit their quality of life. But the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) refuses to let their voices go unheard. This year, KOCO held its first annual convention since 2019, boldly declaring the power of organized people to create meaningful change. The convention brought together community leaders, elected officials, and residents to address critical issues like elder support, housing, education, youth investment, healthcare, and quality of life. Under the theme “Our Power = Organized People,” KOCO highlighted the importance of community organizing in the fight for social justice.
During the convention, inspiring keynote speeches were delivered by Brandon Johnson, the Mayor-elect of Chicago, and US Congressman Jonathan Jackson. They echoed KOCO’s message and emphasized the need for collective power to ensure access to housing, education, youth investment and an improved quality of life for all community members. Additionally, a town hall meeting hosted by Journey for Justice, part of the national “Equity or Else” campaign, focused on local quality-of-life issues, advocating for resolutions and equity commissions to enact comprehensive anti-racist legislation.
Congressman Jonathan Jackson (left) with Journey for Justice (J4J) National Director, Jitu Brown (right)
Thinkinc. partnered with KOCO to develop a comprehensive media strategy and communication plan for the convention, providing support in media advisories, news releases, and social media planning. The collaboration between Thinkinc. and KOCO resulted in significant media coverage, uniting community members and elected officials in pursuit of shared goals. This success emphasized the importance of effective communication and strategic planning to achieve collective objectives.
The convention garnered extensive coverage from various local media outlets, including WBBM-AM-CBS RADIO, WFLD-FOX Television, WGCI-FM Radio, WGN Television, WGN-AM Radio, WMAQ-NBC Television, and WLS-ABC Television. These networks reached over 750,000 viewers and listeners in the Chicagoland area, highlighting the importance of community organizing in addressing systemic challenges faced by low-income and working families of color.
Thinkinc.’s partnership with KOCO for their annual convention was a success in amplifying the voices of low-income and working families of color in Chicago. By implementing a comprehensive media strategy, including media advisories and social media planning, the event received widespread coverage. The convention served as a platform for community leaders, elected officials, and residents to come together and work towards common goals, emphasizing the importance of community organizing in driving positive outcomes and creating opportunities despite systemic challenges. KOCO’s convention was a powerful reminder of the power of organized people to effect change and promote social justice.
