The Urban Juncture Foundation contributes to the sustainable development of urban communities by combining community assets with other public, foundation, and private sector resources to help neighborhoods address issues related to entrepreneurship & jobs, food access & wellness, and the environment.

March 3, 2011
Celebrating the Cuisine of the African Diaspora
For more details click on the invite below




51st & Calumet Community Garden

Urban Juncture Foundation is sponsoring creation of a Community Garden at 51st and Calumet.  This garden will occupy a space of approximately 6400 square feet located at the south east corner of 51st Street and Calumet Avenue.  The space was the site of a building that was demolished in 2009, after years of vacancy and the collapse of its roof. 

The garden is intended to be a teaching tool, with produce grown there utilized for cooking demonstrations and discussions of health and nutrition.  In addition, we hope to encourage positive, informal neighborhood interaction by hosting kids activities, game events, and other family-friendly activities.  In order to meet these objectives, the garden is expected to include several flower and produce beds, informal seating, a cooking demonstration area, and a wellness area.  Community plots may also be created if there is sufficient interest.

Currently, the 51st Street garden team is working to remove trash and obstructions from the site; to obtain community input and finalize the design; and, to secure access to the materials, soil, water, and other resources required for a successful garden.  We expect to complete preparatory activities and start construction and planting around May 1st.

The garden will be managed by Chef Tsadakeeyah Ben Emmanuel, proprietor of Majani310™ vegetarian restaurant, one of four restaurants and a produce store that are coming to the former home of “300 Cut-Rate Liquors” at 300 East 51st Street.   It is also a part of a broader “urban ag” initiative led by the Bronzeville Alliance (www.bronzevillealliance.org), which aims to utilize vacant Bronzeville land to produce healthy food, create local job opportunities, and beautify the community.

To provide input, join the garden team, or for more information please contact Chef Tsadakeeyah at 773 507 8280 or Tsadakeeyah@me.com.