Mapping Equity: Exploring Chicago's South Side With Sherman 'Dilla' Thomas
Help me give my students funding for an educational journey exploring Chicago's South Side. With Sherman "Dilla" Thomas as our guide, students will learn about equity, redlining, zoning, and leadership.
$1,588 goal
This project expired on April 30, 2025.
This project expired on April 30, 2025.
My Project
Our students are preparing to take part in a powerful visual learning experience—a live Zoom tour led by renowned Chicago historian Sherman "Dilla" Thomas. This project will offer an engaging, in-depth exploration of the South Side of Chicago, connecting directly to our Earth Science curriculum and expanding students’ understanding of geography, equity, and urban development.
Throughout the virtual tour, students will learn how systemic issues such as redlining, zoning, and access to resources have historically shaped—and continue to impact—neighborhoods on the South Side.
With Sherman "Dilla" Thomas as our guide, students will see real-life examples of how policy decisions and urban planning affect the environment and community infrastructure.
This is more than a history lesson—it's an opportunity for students to visualize their place in the broader context of their city’s legacy, and to understand how past decisions influence present-day realities. It also builds on our previous work with the Folded Map project by Tonika Johnson, where students explored mirrored neighborhoods and the lasting impact of segregation.
To commemorate this experience, each student will receive a custom-designed t-shirt that represents their participation and reflects their connection to the history and future of their community.
We are seeking support to make this experience possible for four different classrooms on separate days and times. Your donation will help bring history to life through a powerful visual experience—and inspire the next generation of informed, thoughtful leaders.
Thank you for believing in our students and their journey of discovery.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
HBCU Alum45 students impacted
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