Tina Jenkins Bell

Tina Jenkins Bell is a freelance journalist who has written for numerous local and national organization publications about economic and community development in addition to the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, Alaska Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Tech Republic, National Safety Council, and others.

Feed Black Futures

Reclaiming food sovereignty: How Feed Black Futures is challenging structural racism through food justice

Feed Black Futures breathes life into Hamer’s words by training participants to start and nurture backyard, apartment, and community gardens — and to advocate for food sovereignty policies and practices that enable marginalized communities to gain access to fresh food production and equitable food distribution.

September 19, 2024

US Steel plant in Gary

How Corey Hagelberg is using art, culture and collaboration to help heal his community

Numbers and notable accolades aside, Hagelberg says his biggest motivator in continuing his work is to change the status quo by shining a light on the uncomfortable, systemic truths that have shaped his community — and many like it.

June 15, 2022

South Side of Chicago

Market Box delivers food—and solidarity—to the people

Nyhart believes this network of trust strengthens Market Box’s work and their ties to the community. “Some recipients may ask for an extra bag for a neighbor who needs food, too. That makes it easier for us to reach folks who need the help,” she said.

May 9, 2022

free sign

Beverly Free Box helps neighbors build community and fight waste

Free Box participants believe it is better to put things no longer used in one household into the hands of others who need them, rather than allow them to go into landfills.

March 23, 2022

nextbike

Bike share equity has some challenges, some wins

There is now an intentional movement to diversify and reframe bike share programs as a public transit service for everyone.

September 3, 2021

Ujima project

Racism in finance has sparked a grassroots response. Meet the Boston Ujima Project.

Economic racism is a real issue that denies people the opportunity to support themselves and their families, start businesses, or build financial legacies — such as homeownership — that pass from one generation to the next.

January 7, 2021