[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E367-E368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENWOOD OAKLAND COMMUNITY 
                              ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JONATHAN L. JACKSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2025

  Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
remarkable 60th Anniversary of the Kenwood Oakland Community 
Organization (KOCO), a cornerstone of community empowerment and a 
beacon of hope in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois and the 
City of Chicago.
  The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, otherwise known as KOCO, 
was founded in 1965 by visionary community and religious leaders. It 
stands as one of the oldest Black-led, membership-based grassroots 
community organizations in Chicago. KOCO has served as a vital force 
for justice, dignity and transformation, steadfastly uplifting low-
income and working African American families in the Kenwood-Oakland and 
broader Bronzeville communities.
  KOCO's enduring mission is to cultivate multi-generational leadership 
and effect meaningful change in public policy. It has made significant 
strides through impactful campaigns that have expanded access to 
affordable housing, ensured equitable education opportunities, advanced 
youth leadership development, championed the rights and well-being of 
senior citizens and vigorously fought for healthcare access and 
environmental justice.
  KOCO's dedication to their mission has achieved historic victories, 
leaving behind an indelible mark on the community. This includes the 
construction of King High School, the establishment of over 400 units 
for those that needed affordable housing, founding a vital community 
medical clinic, as well as establishing a national precedent through 
the successful reopening of Dyett High School, which followed a 
courageous 34-day hunger strike.
  KOCO's advocacy has aided in the reopening of the University of 
Chicago's adult trauma center and secured the landmark Community 
Benefits Agreement that proactively prevents the displacement of long-
term residents surrounding the Obama Presidential Center. Additionally, 
KOCO launched transformative initiatives such as GirlsLead, the 
Bronzeville Restorative Justice Hub, and the Silver Fox Cafe, each 
centering on healing the community and fostering economic development 
in the Black community.
  Under the dedicated and visionary leadership of Executive Director 
Shannon Bennett, KOCO continues to expand its reach and deepen its 
impact while remaining grounded in its core mission: to empower new 
generations of Black leaders who will continue the vital

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work of advancing opportunity, liberty, and justice for all.
  KOCO's historic legacy, its transformative impact on the lives of 
countless individuals and families, and its enduring role as a beacon 
of hope and liberation for the City of Chicago and the Nation will 
continue to inspire our community to great acts of service.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 60th 
anniversary of KOCO.

                          ____________________