Last week, the Westside community came together for an unforgettable celebration marking the 100th anniversary of Booker T. Washington High School—a cornerstone of Atlanta’s historic Westside and a beacon of African American excellence and resilience. The event brought alumni, students, educators, and community members together to reflect on a century of academic achievement and cultural significance. 

Founded in 1924, Booker T. Washington High School was the first public high school for African Americans in the state of Georgia. Named after the famous educator and leader Booker T. Washington, who served as the first president of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), the school quickly became a symbol of hope and progress for African Americans in Atlanta and the Southeast during the Jim Crow era. Its halls have nurtured some of the most influential leaders and changemakers in history, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who graduated in 1944. The school has produced generations of scholars, athletes, artists, and activists who have gone on to shape not just the Westside but the nation.

The centennial celebration paid homage to this rich history with a week full of events, starting with a centennial anniversary assembly honoring the class of 2025. Students and alumni gathered in the school gym where they heard remarks from City Councilman Byron Amos, a fellow graduate of the school, who shared that 20 members of his family have also graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

On Saturday, alumni, current students, faculty, and esteemed guests joined for the signature event of the celebration, the Experience the Best of Booker T. Washington Atlanta Alumni  Centennial Gala, to honor a century of educational excellence.

Earlier this summer, the Westside Future Fund Volunteer Corps partnered with Boston Consulting Group for a mobilization of over 300 volunteers who helped spruce up the school for the 100th school year. Volunteers landscaped, designed murals, and touched up the halls of the school with fresh coats of paint. 

For the residents of Atlanta’s Westside, Booker T. Washington High School has always been more than just a school. It’s a pillar of the neighborhood, providing not only education but also a sense of identity and pride. Through decades of social and economic changes, the school has remained a steadfast institution, adapting to new challenges while staying true to its mission of empowering African American youth. 

The 100th anniversary celebrations were not just about looking back at the past; they were also about looking forward. Several speakers highlighted the ongoing efforts to support the next generation of leaders emerging from Booker T. Washington’s classrooms. With partnerships between Westside Future Fund and organizations across Atlanta, the school continues to be a key leader in the Westside’s revitalization. 

As we reflect on this momentous milestone, it is clear that Booker T. Washington High School is not only a historical landmark but a living testament to the power of education in shaping a brighter future. The weeklong celebration reminded us all of the profound impact that one school can have on an entire community and beyond. 

Here’s to the next 100 years of Booker T. Washington High School—an enduring legacy of excellence and a beacon of hope for the Westside.

Westside residents, community members, and business leaders convened for the September 20 Transform Westside Summit, sponsored by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, to hear about workforce development and financial inclusion in Atlanta’s Westside communities. John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, welcomed attendees and Destiny Mobley, English Avenue resident and Home on the Westside participant, led the devotion.

The event featured a panel moderated by Ebony Ford, a proud resident of English Avenue and a graduate of the Westside Works program, who shared how her participation transformed her life. Panelists included:

• Amy Woodson – Executive Director, First Step Staffing
• Ralfiel Worthem – Director of Career Centers, Goodwill of North Georgia
• Theresa Austin-Gibbons – Deputy Commissioner of Signature Programs, Atlanta Department of Labor & Employment Services
• Quasandria Turner – Director, Westside Works

The conversation showcased how these leaders are working in unison to create more equitable workforce development systems in Atlanta, with a special focus on ensuring the Westside community can thrive through sustainable employment, partnerships and innovation.

Key Themes from the Conversation

Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts
The event highlighted the importance of partnerships between organizations working to address the unique challenges faced by individuals in underserved areas, particularly on Atlanta’s Westside. Each organization plays a vital role in building an ecosystem that not only creates jobs but also enables career development and long-term economic empowerment.

Theresa Austin-Gibbons emphasized the role of the new Atlanta Department of Labor & Employment Services. She detailed various government programs aimed at reducing unemployment and fostering financial inclusion in the Westside. She highlighted collaborative efforts between the government and community organizations to increase employment opportunities for underserved populations.

The support of funders, including the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, has allowed for critical partnerships that deliver resources, training and services to the community, helping alleviate the burdens that often prevent people from participating in workforce development programs.

Focus on Underserved Communities
Changing dynamics of underserved communities and how workforce development needs to adapt to those changes was another recurring theme. The speakers emphasized the need for tailored solutions that address the specific barriers residents face, such as access to transportation, childcare and skills training. Programs like Westside Works have evolved over the past decade to listen more effectively to the community’s needs, responding with flexible and innovative solutions that support both the individual and the employers who drive economic growth.

Workforce Development and Career Pathways
The panelists emphasized sustainable career opportunities, not just temporary jobs. Programs are now designed to help individuals not only secure employment but also build long-term careers that offer stability and growth. 

Ralfiel Worthem from Goodwill of North Georgia highlighted the importance of skill development in securing long-term employment. Through their career centers, Goodwill offers educational workshops, resume building and connections to employers, ensuring Westside residents have access to resources that support career advancement. The introduction of new training programs, such as electric vehicle (EV) technician training and heat pump installer programs, demonstrates a forward-looking approach aligned with emerging industries and the green economy.

This shift reflects a broader vision of helping individuals and families move from economic instability to financial independence, ultimately building generational wealth in the community. The conversation centered on how to provide training in industries that will continue to grow, giving participants a path to well-paying, stable careers.

Addressing Specific Barriers
Panelists spoke about the importance of addressing specific barriers residents face when trying to access workforce development programs. Childcare was a significant focus, as many individuals, especially single parents, find it difficult to attend training programs due to the high cost and limited availability of childcare services. The Nana Grants program is a solution that provides free childcare to participants while they are enrolled in training programs and for a period after they transition into the workforce, easing their financial burden.

Quasandria Turner spoke about transportation, another key barrier, and how one participant had to take four buses and start his commute at 5 a.m. to attend the Westside Works program, highlighting the challenges residents from outside the immediate area face. The solution, facilitated by partnerships with rideshare services like Lyft, helps participants with long commutes access training without such time-consuming and exhausting journeys.

Amy Woodson discussed how First Step Staffing is committed to providing job opportunities to individuals facing significant barriers, such as homelessness or prior incarceration. The organization focuses on immediate job placement and helping individuals achieve financial stability through sustained employment.

Community Impact
One of the most powerful aspects of the Summit was the focus on community-driven solutions. By listening to the community’s needs, workforce development providers have been able to tailor their services, ensuring that they are accessible, relevant and impactful. These programs are not just about finding jobs but about creating opportunities that will have a lasting effect on individuals and their families, helping to build economic mobility and generational wealth.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

In 2020, Westside Future Fund launched its Program Related Investments (PRIs). PRIs are low-cost loans made with favorable terms to support the growth of minority enterprises. WFF provided these PRIs to small, minority-owned businesses that are based in or serve Atlanta’s historic Westside. Unlike traditional banking institutions, PRIs offer a viable solution to organizations that are gaining traction and doing important work within the community.

WFF has launched a new series, “Empowering Entrepreneurs on the Westside,” featuring PRI recipients and highlighting their contributions to the historic Westside. In this installment, Georgette “GG” Reynolds, founder of JuicedUp, tells the story of how her son inspired her to create a business that supports health and wellness for all. 

When she first got the news In 2017, it was all new to Georgette Reynolds. Her son Gage had just been diagnosed with autism, an often challenging diagnosis for both the individual and the family – but Georgette wasn’t fazed. In fact, she was inspired.

“That day, my son was given his title of superpowers. As a parent, I didn’t know much about autism and I had to go out and seek resources to help. At the same time, I was making this juice and as we know the gut and the brain are deeply connected and if I could take care of his gut I could help his brain function, and boom JuicedUp was born,” said Reynolds. “I first started making juice to help my sick father even before that. I’ve always believed in the power of juice, but the business didn’t start until I realized the value to my son and others as well. When people ask how I got started, I always say it was the father, the son, and my spirit to serve.”

That’s when she started on her mission. For Reynolds, she believes individuals with autism are too often given limitations in life – told what jobs they can and can’t do, what things they can and can’t accomplish when in her eyes and in the eyes of others, they’re just as capable as anyone else.

“JuicedUp exists because autistic people exist. My goal and driven passion is to create jobs, educational resources and additional platforms for autistic individuals to thrive in life,” said Reynolds. 

The Westside community has been critical to JuicedUp’s success according to Reynolds. When faced by countless challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic turmoil, small business owners have joined together to ensure that nobody was left behind. Seeing how the community came together and given her own history there, she knows the Westside is home for the future.

“I started in a community kitchen called Marddy’s Kitchen, and the role they played was so important. I met so many people, made connections, and everyone supported each other,” said Reynolds. “And for me, this community is personal. I grew up on the Westside, my family is on the Westside, I have to give this to my community. I owe it to myself and I owe it to my community. I got even more specific with the autistic because there aren’t many resources for them in underserved communities, specifically this one and southwest Atlanta.”

When the Westside Future Fund heard about her mission, there wasn’t a question that Reynolds and JuicedUp were playing a critical role for the community, which is why they were named a recipient of the Program Related Investment (PRI) program. The funding from the program immediately went into action according to Reynolds, helping her to establish the company’s first retail space.

WFF’s mission is to advance a compassionate approach to neighborhood revitalization. This mission requires a holistic investment into the communities we serve, including supporting local business owners. Our philanthropic partners make initiatives like WFF’s PRI program possible. 

Join us in supporting our work as we continue Our Next Chapter. 

When Ivera Powell first moved to Atlanta in 1959, she spent years moving between rooming houses and public housing with her children. Then, one day, while passing through the historic Westside, she found what would become her forever home.

“I saw this house, and I said, ‘That’s a nice place to live,’ because my kids could go to school there,” said Powell. “So I started making inquiries about how to get it.”

Situated across the street from Booker T. Washington High School and just blocks from M. Agnes Jones Elementary School, the house was perfect for her family. The proximity to quality education and the charming design of the home made it an ideal place to settle down.

“I’ve always wanted two children and a white house with a swing on the porch,” said Powell. “I got three children and a white house with a swing on the porch.”

For Powell, the Westside wasn’t just a neighborhood; it was a community where her children could thrive. Her children attended both local schools, walking the same streets every day that she had come to love. The home wasn’t just a structure; it was the foundation of a life she had always dreamed of.

After a 56-year career as a domestic worker, Powell is now retired and still enjoying the home she fell in love with so many years ago. But as Atlanta’s rapid growth and development brought rising property taxes, her ability to remain in the home and community she cherished was threatened – until she was introduced to Westside Future Fund.

As part of Westside Future Fund’s signature Home on the Westside program, legacy homeowners can register for the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund (ADTF) program. Funded by philanthropic contributions, the ADTF operates as a grant that does not require repayment, offering critical relief to residents.

Once enrolled, homeowners are protected from increases in their existing property taxes, with the ADTF covering the difference for up to 20 years. The program serves qualifying legacy homeowners in the English Avenue, Vine City, Ashview Heights, Atlanta University Center, Just Us, and Booker T. Washington communities.

Powell’s status as a legacy resident qualified her for the fund, which dramatically reduced her property tax bill from over $3,000 to just $37. This assistance has allowed her to continue living in the home she has known for decades.

“I don’t know how I would have made it,” said Powell. “I can’t see myself paying that much with the money that I have. It would have been a real struggle for me to stay here. I would have had to ask my children to pitch in, and I don’t want to do that. I don’t ever want to have to do that unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

Thanks to the support of the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund, Powell’s future in her home is secure. The fund has provided not only financial relief but also peace of mind, allowing her to continue enjoying the safety and stability she has worked so hard to maintain.

“I was just grateful for them being able to pay because I didn’t think I would be able to make it otherwise,” said Powell.

To learn more about the Anti-Displacement Tax Fund, visit https://www.westsidefuturefund.org/homeonthewestside-adtfprogram/

Earlier this month, the partnership of organizations housed at 970 Jefferson took a significant step forward in their collective mission to serve Atlanta’s Westside with the launch of a dedicated website, 970Jefferson.org. This online platform not only highlights the vital work being done within the walls of the warehouse facility but also serves as a beacon of the collaborative spirit that drives the mission of the partner organizations.

The Evolution of a Partnership

The story of 970 Jefferson is one of evolution and deep commitment to community impact. In 2019, Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund (WFF) joined forces to purchase and rejuvenate 970 Jefferson St. NW, the historical site of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. What began as a shared vision to restore this important space has since blossomed into a thriving hub for community-focused work.

Today, 19 nonprofits and local enterprises operate from this revitalized space, collectively contributing to the betterment of the Westside community and beyond. The diversity of organizations housed at 970 Jefferson embodies the shared vision that inspired the partnership, with each entity bringing unique expertise and resources to address a broad range of community needs, from affordable housing and economic development to health and education.

The Importance of Collaboration

Food Well Alliance and Westside Future Fund continue to collaborate closely on managing the facility, with Food Well Alliance taking the lead on overseeing the warehouse and upstairs space, and Westside Future Fund maintaining the rest of the building. This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together with a common purpose.

The launch of the 970 Jefferson website marks a new chapter in this journey. It provides a platform for the public to learn more about each partner organization, their missions, and the collective impact they are making. It also underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling complex community challenges.

Looking Ahead

As the 970 Jefferson partnership continues to evolve, the new website will be a crucial tool in engaging with the broader community, attracting new partners, and sharing success stories. It will also provide transparency and accessibility, allowing community members and stakeholders to stay informed about ongoing projects and initiatives.

Westside Future Fund is proud to be a part of this transformative partnership and looks forward to the continued growth and success of 970 Jefferson. The launch of 970Jefferson.org is not just a milestone; it is a reflection of the enduring commitment to community collaboration and the belief that, together, we can build a brighter future for Atlanta.

Community members and business leaders gathered at the August 16 Transform Westside Summit to hear from Josh Humphries, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ Senior Policy Advisor for Housing.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, legacy resident and community advocate of English Avenue, welcomed new and returning attendees and Monnica Taylor, Home on the Westside participant, led the devotion. 

Key Moments from the Discussion:

• Blight and Vacant Properties: John Ahmann opened the discussion by highlighting the persistent issue of vacant properties owned by absentee or predatory owners, often left neglected and hazardous. The presence of these properties can harm neighborhoods, and residents are calling for effective strategies to address this issue.
• Introduction to the Blight Tax: Josh Humphries explained the recently approved blight tax by the Atlanta City Council. This tax imposes a property tax rate up to 25 times higher than the average for owners of blighted, unoccupied properties. This approach aims to discourage absentee owners and corporations from leaving properties vacant and dilapidated, and it ensures that seniors and other residents struggling to maintain their homes are safeguarded.
• Strategy and Implementation: Humphries emphasized a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to addressing blight. The City is expanding its toolbox, introducing new measures like the blight tax to effectively target properties that detract from the quality of neighborhoods. The aim is to shift the burden of improvement onto those who profit from holding these properties without making necessary repairs.
• Community Engagement and Support: For homeowners struggling with repairs, Humphries reassured attendees that the City is committed to offering support, including financial assistance and legal aid for estate planning and property title issues. The newly launched Housing Help Center is designed to connect residents with these resources, ensuring those who wish to stay in and improve their homes have the necessary support.
• Demolition and Beyond: While demolition of dangerous, blighted properties is an important tool, Humphries noted that it is not the end goal. The City’s priority is to restore these properties to productive use, whether through rehabilitation or new construction. The ultimate goal is to increase access to quality housing and create safe, amenity-rich neighborhoods for all residents.
• Case Studies and Future Plans: Humphries cited examples, including Forest Cove, where the City intervened to relocate residents living in substandard conditions and is now redeveloping the area to provide new housing opportunities. The City’s broader initiative, Safe and Secure Housing, aims to hold landlords accountable for maintaining livable conditions, ensuring that all Atlanta residents have access to safe and quality housing.

The Summit concluded with a call to action for community members to report blighted properties and get involved in efforts to revitalize their neighborhoods. By working together, the city, community organizations, and residents can transform Atlanta’s neighborhoods into vibrant, thriving places to live.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

On a day that will be remembered as a milestone in the journey toward environmental justice, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials visited Atlanta’s Westside to honor a local community leader who has been instrumental in the ongoing cleanup of one of the most toxic sites in the country. The Westside Lead Superfund site, encompassing nearly 2,100 properties west of downtown Atlanta, is at the center of a massive effort to remediate soil contaminated with dangerously high levels of lead.

Rosario Hernandez, a dedicated resident of English Avenue and the founder of Historic Westside Gardens and longtime community partner of Westside Future Fund, was awarded the Citizen Excellence in Community Involvement Award by the EPA. This prestigious national award is presented to only one individual in the country each year, recognizing them for their commitment to working closely with the EPA to tackle hazardous waste issues. Hernandez’s unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of her community made her a standout recipient.

The story of the Westside Lead Superfund site began in 2018, when Emory professor Eri Saikawa and her students discovered alarming levels of lead in the soil of several neighborhoods on Atlanta’s Westside. Lead, a potent neurotoxin, poses severe health risks, particularly to children, and can cause irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system. The contamination likely stems from slag – a toxic byproduct of metal foundries that once dotted the Westside – which was historically used to fill low-lying areas.

Hernandez was among the first residents to have her soil tested, revealing hazardous levels of lead. This discovery was not just a wake-up call for her, but also the beginning of her deep involvement in the cleanup process. Hernandez became a vital link between the EPA and the community, working tirelessly to build trust and encourage residents to allow testing on their properties. 

Through perseverance and a commitment to her neighbors, Hernandez helped the EPA test around 1,400 properties and fully remediate 300 of them.

In 2022, the importance of the cleanup efforts was underscored when the Westside Lead site was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List. This designation is reserved for locations that pose serious health threats and require long-term remediation efforts. The project received another boost last year when the EPA announced that the Westside Lead site would benefit from a portion of the $1 billion allocated to Superfund remediation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Despite the progress, the cleanup is far from complete. The EPA estimates that it will take until the end of the decade or longer to remove and replace all the contaminated soil across the site. The recognition of Rosario Hernandez’s leadership serves as a powerful reminder that community involvement is crucial in the fight for environmental justice. Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope – a beacon guiding the Westside toward a healthier future.

As Westside Future Fund continues its mission to revitalize and restore the historic Westside, we are inspired by leaders like Rosario Hernandez, who embody the spirit of community and collaboration. The journey may be long, but together, we are making strides toward a safer, healthier, and more vibrant Westside – a community that Dr. King would be proud to call home.

Westside residents, community members, and business leaders attended the July 19 Transform Westside Summit to hear from Courtney English, Chief Policy Officer and Senior Advisor to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, where he highlighted the City of Atlanta’s work on the Westside, his deep-rooted connection to the area and his ongoing commitment to addressing long-standing issues through his role in the Mayor’s office.

John Ahmann, Westside Future Fund President and CEO, and Ebony Ford, Director of Community Building & Engagement, Quest Community Development Corporation, welcomed new and returning attendees and Shawn Watwood, Senior Manager for Partnership and Sales, Home Depot Backyard, led the devotion. 

Background and Personal Connection
English shared his personal story, growing up in Atlanta, attending and teaching in Atlanta Public Schools (APS), and his deep ties to the Westside. He recounted the challenges his family faced, having to use the “address hustle,” utilizing an address outside of where you live to be eligible to attend schools beyond your district, to access better educational opportunities, which shaped his commitment to creating equitable conditions for all Atlantans. His experiences as a student and teacher in APS, particularly the story of a student named Deshun, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive support systems in education, housing and economic mobility.

City of Atlanta’s Strategic Focus
English outlined his responsibilities as the Chief Policy Officer, highlighting the office’s role in addressing systemic issues, including income inequality, affordable housing, and youth development. The Mayor’s initiative to transform neighborhoods through targeted efforts was detailed, with a focus on seven key neighborhoods, including English Avenue and Vine City. English emphasized the intentional and collaborative approach required to rectify the historic inequities designed into Atlanta’s infrastructure and policies.

Neighborhood Initiatives and Housing Focus
The Summit highlighted the critical role of neighborhoods as units of change. English detailed the Mayor’s neighborhood initiative, which aims to create healthy, whole communities by integrating affordable housing, high-quality education, transit options and grocery stores. The initiative draws inspiration from the Westside Future Fund’s model, aiming to provide long-overdue amenities and opportunities to underserved neighborhoods.

Affordable Housing and Collaborative Efforts
English discussed the City’s ambitious affordable housing goals, including the creation or preservation of 20,000 units over eight years. With 5,000 units already delivered and another 5,000 in the pipeline, the City is actively working to accelerate housing development. English highlighted the formation of the Affordable Housing Strike Force, a collaborative effort involving various public and private partners to streamline housing projects. The City’s use of publicly owned land, including a significant project to convert the 42-story Two Peachtree Street office building into residential units, was also showcased.

Philosophy of Collaboration
English reiterated the Mayor’s belief that “Atlanta is a group project,” stressing the importance of partnerships with public agencies, private developers, nonprofits and philanthropists. The City’s Housing Help Center, which provides comprehensive support for housing-related issues, exemplifies this collaborative approach. English invited all stakeholders to engage with the city to help achieve the shared goal of making Atlanta a better place for everyone.

Miss the event? Watch the full Transform Westside Summit on YouTube.

Westside Future Fund (WFF) is excited to celebrate a significant achievement with the groundbreaking of its latest affordable multifamily housing development at 646 Echo Street. This event marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s ongoing mission to revitalize and restore the historic Westside.

The 646 Echo Street development represents a significant milestone in WFF’s next chapter, addressing the urgent need for high-quality, affordable housing in the area. This project will feature two three-story buildings, totaling 24 residential units. Among these units, two will be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all community members. The development’s strategic location, just 1.5 blocks from the Westside Beltline Connector Trail, enhances its appeal by providing easy access to both recreational and commercial amenities.

As a place-based nonprofit, WFF is committed to restoring and preserving the cultural and historical essence of the Westside, ensuring it remains a place where all residents can thrive. This development is a continuation of WFF’s broader strategy, which includes the Westside Land Use Framework Plan—unanimously adopted by the Atlanta City Council in 2017.

The project is a testament to WFF’s commitment to not only enhancing housing options but also fostering community development. It aligns with the organization’s mission to provide quality affordable housing while supporting legacy residents who have long-standing ties to the area. This approach is central to WFF’s Home on the Westside program, which prioritizes residents with essential connections (live, work and learn) to the neighborhood. 

646 Echo Street is designed to cater to various income levels: 20% of the units will be available at 30% Area Median Income (AMI), 30% at 60% AMI, and 50% at 80% AMI. This distribution ensures that a broad spectrum of residents will benefit from the new housing options. The projected completion date for the development is September 2025.

This project is generously funded by key philanthropic partners, including Invest Atlanta and the WFF Impact Fund. Additionally, development partners Kronberg Urbanists + Architects and oaksATL are contributing their expertise to bring this transformative project to fruition. 

The groundbreaking at 646 Echo Street is not just about constructing buildings; it represents a broader vision for community revitalization. WFF’s efforts are part of a larger campaign, “Our Next Chapter,” which aims to raise $55 million to support various neighborhood revitalization initiatives. The organization is halfway to this ambitious goal, thanks to the support of numerous contributors.

Consider partnering with WFF for Our Next Chapter. 

The historic Westside of Atlanta recently witnessed an inspiring collaboration between the Westside Future Fund (WFF) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), as over 400 volunteers gathered to celebrate and give back to Booker T. Washington High School. This volunteer event was not only a testament to community spirit but also a tribute to the school’s 100th anniversary.

A Day of Impact

Booker T. Washington High School, an institution that has been central to the community and an alma mater to notable leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., received a comprehensive makeover thanks to the dedication and hard work of BCG volunteers as part of the WFF Volunteer Corps. The volunteers undertook a variety of tasks aimed at beautifying the school and its surroundings, reflecting a deep sense of commitment to the school’s legacy and the community’s future.

“It’s important to be here today to serve the historic Westside and Booker T. Washington High School,” said Bella, a BCG volunteer. “We’re here today to help get the school ready for students for the 2024 school year, helping to refresh the learning atmosphere and give back to this important community.” 

The event saw volunteers engaging in numerous activities, including:

• Landscaping: The team worked tirelessly, spreading mulch and pinestraw to enhance the green spaces around the school.
• Garden Cleanup: Volunteers rejuvenated the school garden, ensuring it remains a vibrant and educational space for students.
• Artistic Contributions: Creative volunteers painted murals, adding colorful and inspiring artwork to the campus.
• Maintenance: Several groups focused on painting walls and doors in the hallways, bringing a fresh look to the school’s interiors.
• Community Engagement: Expanding community engagement for school sports events by adding seating to athletic fields.

“I can’t say enough how important it is for us to come out and serve the community here on the Westside,” said Anthony, a BCG volunteer. “I know that when these kids come back to school, they’ll be coming back smiling to freshly painted halls, beautiful murals, and more. It touches my heart.” 

Honoring a Legacy

The significance of this event extended beyond the physical improvements made to the school. It was a celebration of Booker T. Washington High School’s centennial, highlighting its historical importance and enduring influence. As a school that has shaped the lives of countless students, including civil rights leaders, this event served as a reminder of the school’s rich heritage and the continuous support it receives from the community.

Community Collaboration

The success of this event underscores the power of collaboration. The partnership between WFF and BCG exemplifies how corporate entities can contribute positively to local communities. By dedicating time and resources, the WFF Volunteer Corps activation not only improved the physical environment of the school but also demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

“These service projects are critical to our work at Westside Future Fund, because they are at the core of our service to the community,” said John Ahmann, President & CEO of Westside Future Fund. “ They also give us the opportunity to bring more people to the historic Westside to learn about its history, and hopefully inspire others to become invested, with your time or treasure, in its future.  We’re grateful to the Boston Consulting Group for partnering with us on this day of service. Having over 400 employees for the event speaks volumes about their commitment to making a difference.”

Looking Ahead

As Booker T. Washington High School embarks on its next century, the efforts of the WFF Volunteer Corps have left a lasting impact. The beautification of the school is a gift to the current and future students, providing them with an enhanced learning environment. This event stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when communities and organizations unite for a common cause.

Westside Future Fund continues to champion initiatives that support the historic Westside, striving to revitalize and transform the community into one that Dr. King would be proud to call home. As we enter Our Next Chapter as a community, we invite you to join our mission. Find out how you can get involved today.