SGLAI: July 2026 Newsletter: A Summer of Creativity, Community, and Celebration
- Elgin Smith
- 52 minutes ago
- 5 min read
July has been one of the most exciting and transformative months in Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative's history. From celebrating the artistic achievements of incarcerated youth to returning to one of our favorite community stages, this month reminded us that art has the power to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create lasting opportunities for young people throughout Chicago.
Spotlight Event
Annual Arts Showcase at the Cook County JTDC featuring Jamila Woods
On July 15, Stomping Grounds hosted our Annual Arts Showcase inside the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, celebrating an entire year of creativity, resilience, and artistic achievement.
This year's featured artist, Jamila Woods, joined us alongside her incredible band for an unforgettable afternoon of music, storytelling, and conversation centered around love, healing, and resistance. The chapel was transformed into a gallery filled with student poetry, visual artwork, and original music created throughout the year, providing youth, families, facility staff, and community partners with an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable work happening inside the facility.
One of the afternoon's most meaningful moments was recognizing Autumn D., who became the first young woman in fifteen years of SGLAI programming to complete a full-length album, Pretty Pain. Although she had recently transitioned from the facility and couldn't attend, guests listened to one of her songs while celebrating this incredible milestone.
The event also premiered Stomping Grounds' first official promotional video, giving visitors an inside look at the impact our programs have on young people across Chicago.
We're deeply grateful to Jamila Woods, her band, our volunteers, teaching artists, JTDC staff, and every student who trusted us with their stories. Their creativity continues to remind us why this work matters every single day.
Classroom Highlights
IYC Chicago
July marked the completion of our newest Audio Engineering cohort at the Illinois Youth Center Chicago, and we couldn't be prouder of what these young artists accomplished.
A huge congratulations goes to Curtus B., who successfully completed his very first original album. Throughout the six-week program, Curtus developed tremendous confidence in the recording process, strengthened his editing skills, and learned to create radio-edited versions of his music. His growth over the course of the program was inspiring, and we're excited to share his completed project with the community soon.
We also want to recognize Davion L., whose leadership and encouragement helped create a positive classroom environment throughout the session. While Davion chose to prioritize graduating from high school before completing his own album, he still recorded two original songs and collaborated on Curtus' project. His willingness to support others reminded us that success isn't only measured by individual accomplishments, but by how we help those around us grow.
Executive Director Elgin Bokari T. Smith was also honored to attend IYC Chicago's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, celebrating the many organizations and individuals who continue investing in the lives of young people. During the luncheon, the facility premiered Stomping Grounds' new promotional video, a meaningful recognition of the partnership we've built together over the past several years.
IYC Warrenville
Our summer programming at Illinois Youth Center Warrenville continues to flourish.
This month we'd like to celebrate Dahlia B., who is well on her way to completing her very first collection of poetry. She has already written 28 pages of original work, designed both the front and back covers, and continues refining what will become her first published poetry collection.
Watching young writers develop the confidence to tell their own stories is one of the greatest joys of this work, and we cannot wait to share Dahlia's completed book with our community.
Community Partnerships
Open Stage Returns to Marquette Park
On July 23, Stomping Grounds proudly returned to The Anchor at Marquette Park for the third consecutive year of our Summer Open Stage Series.
The evening was filled with music, poetry, storytelling, laughter, heartfelt moments, and meaningful community connection. Every Open Stage reminds us that when artists are given space to be authentic and vulnerable, community naturally follows.
Featured artists Binkey and Neko Suave delivered one of the most creative performances we've ever hosted, blending live vocals, talkbox, looping, beat making, and audience participation into an unforgettable experience. We were also treated to a surprise collaboration from Taste of Chicago Karaoke Champion Crystal Giles, while members of the Marquette Park music department—including Matt Reagan and one of his students—beautifully demonstrated the power of intergenerational collaboration through live performance.
As Binkey shared afterward:
"I loved performing at the park by the water with Stomping Grounds. It was a peaceful gathering of art, love and joy. It was the epitome of summertime Chicago."
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who made the evening possible, especially the Marquette Park staff, our host CeeBaby, DJ 1Solo, photographer Jefferson Mok, every Open Stage performer, and every audience member who continues to support this growing community.
Organizational Highlight
Our First Official Promotional Video
After more than five years of programming, storytelling, and community building, we're proud to officially share the very first Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative promotional video.
This project represents months of collaboration and features interviews with Executive Director Elgin Bokari T. Smith, Illinois Youth Center Chicago leadership, teaching artists, alumni, Open Stage performers, and community partners who help bring our mission to life every day.
Special thanks to Hector "Purple Tokyo" Pacheco for leading the editing process, along with everyone who contributed their voices, stories, footage, and creativity throughout the project. This video truly represents the collective effort of our entire community.
🎥 Watch the full promotional video here:
Looking Ahead
Although we won't be hosting a community Open Stage in August due to scheduling, we have two exciting opportunities to celebrate art, community, and youth creativity.
On Thursday, August 27, we'll join our partners for JVN Night, a special evening celebrating the life and legacy of John "Vietnam" Nguyen during the final Argyle Night Market of the season. From 5:00–8:00 PM, the evening will feature performances by Elephant Rebellion, Kuumba Lynx, Lily Sato, youth performers, and many artists whose lives and work were shaped by John's legacy. We hope you'll join us in honoring a remarkable artist, mentor, and community leader whose impact continues to inspire Chicago's creative community.
The following evening, on Friday, August 28, Stomping Grounds will proudly present our Second Annual Arts Exhibition, Locked Achievements Gallery: Moments of Expression. This year's exhibition highlights original visual art created by the young women of Wings 3D at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. The exhibition opening will take place from 7:00–9:00 PM at Beautiful Cat Gallery, followed by a community reception across the street at Pete's Pizza and Bakehouse.
We hope you'll join us as we continue creating spaces where art, healing, and community come together.
Support Our Work
Every Open Stage performance, classroom workshop, original song, poem, painting, and exhibition is possible because of people who believe in our mission.
If you'd like to help us continue providing free literary, visual, and audio arts programming for incarcerated and criminalized youth throughout Chicago, please consider becoming a monthly supporter.
Your contribution helps provide recording equipment, art supplies, teaching artists, exhibitions, performances, and life-changing creative opportunities for young people who deserve to have their voices heard.
Donate today:https://donate.mazloweb.com/donate/support-the-work
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