North Lawndale Arts Center Expands Youth Programs Following $50K Donation from Jussie Smollett

June 2, 2025 — North Lawndale, Chicago — A generous $50,000 donation from actor and activist Jussie Smollett is bringing new life to youth arts programming at the North Lawndale Arts Center, one of the West Side’s most cherished cultural spaces. The unexpected contribution has sparked excitement and gratitude among community leaders, parents, and young artists alike.

Smollett, known for his roles in film and television as well as his recent work in social justice advocacy, made the donation quietly last month. According to the center’s executive director, Dr. Melinda Carter, the funds will be used to expand the center’s summer arts academy, add new digital media workshops, and provide scholarships for underserved teens to participate in intensive arts training.

“This is about more than money — it’s about showing our young people that their voices and their creativity matter,” Carter said. “Jussie’s support allows us to reach more youth who are often overlooked and underserved.”

The North Lawndale Arts Center, established in 1998, has long served as a creative haven for local youth, offering programs in painting, music, dance, spoken word, and film. However, funding limitations have often forced the center to cap enrollment or scale back offerings. Smollett’s donation marks the largest single private contribution to the center in over a decade.

In a brief statement released through his foundation, Smollett said, “The arts saved my life. Every young person deserves a space to express themselves, to be heard, and to grow. North Lawndale is full of incredible talent — I just wanted to be part of helping it shine.”

The donation comes at a time when youth violence and economic inequality continue to challenge the North Lawndale community. City officials and local educators have praised the move, noting the link between arts engagement and improved academic and emotional outcomes for at-risk youth.

What’s Next: The center plans to launch its expanded programs in mid-June, including new classes in digital storytelling, audio engineering, and a mentorship series with Chicago-based artists and performers. The funding will also support the hiring of additional teaching artists and counselors.