Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) has a long history of creative community development in North Lawndale. But over the years we have learned that we must do more than develop in bits and pieces. We have a deep and sincere commitment to building a black power base in North Lawndale and to dismantling systemic poverty and structural racism. We propose pragmatic solutions that turn comprehensive problems into actionable issues. LCDC will draw on the power of our community to fight the brutality of poverty and structural racism, promoting social, economic, and racial justice through community organizing that engages the people who are most impacted.

‍

We have embarked upon community organizing campaigns that envision an economically sound North Lawndale; a North Lawndale revitalized to create a healthy living environment for its current residents while inviting newcomers without displacement. This vision can only be realized through building power from within, the power of existing institutions and residents, while recruiting external resources in support of our vision.

‍

As key dues paying members of United Power for Action & Justice, the Cook County based affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (the nation’s largest and longest-standing network of local faith and community-based organizations), we have learned the tools of effective community organizing for power. Our campaigns reflect how this has played out over the past several years.