The “Fuel Movement” is a new organization that just started up in North Lawndale. The founder, Darrell Glover Sr., and his nephew are building bonds within the community. The purpose of the organization is to help young men on dark paths see the light. The organization itself is based out of a church, located at 4339 West Cermak. The Fuel Movement is an organization that has only existed for two months. Yet, they already have so many testimonials. This organization is truly one that Chicago should keep their eyes on.
What They Do and How They Do It
The Fuel Movement is a jack of all trades. However, the primary goal of the organization is to fuel the advancement of the community. The methods by which they pursue this goal are numerous. They have cleaned the community, provided mentorship to at-risk youth, and even provided college prep courses. Additionally, the point of all of these programs and the opportunities they provide is the enrichment of the community.
It is this same community that the city, state, and federal governments have neglected. Furthermore, it is a part of the long tradition of not-for-profit organizations filling in the gaps where governments don’t. Moreover, in only two months, the Fuel Movement has already managed to make real impacts on the community. An example of this is the consistent community cleanup programs that they do.
The Fuel Movement Is Cleaning Up the Community
Unfortunately, the community of North Lawndale is absolutely riddled with trash on the ground. Fortunately, many organizations are attempting to fix this problem. Additionally, the Fuel Movement is also contributing to this solution.
Darrell Glover Sr. and his team have been organizing and continue to organize cleanup days for the community of North Lawndale. The Fuel Movement sees the problems in the community and has no problem taking action to make sure those problems are mitigated or solved.
Fuel Movement tries its hardest to help the community, no matter what issues and no matter how long it takes. Furthermore, the trash issue in North Lawndale has been a problem for years, and yet the Fuel Movement has no problem helping to fight this large systemic problem.
Community-Grown, Community Owned
The best part of this organization is the fact that it all started here in North Lawndale. One of the biggest problems in North Lawndale is outside organizations seeking to “help” people in the community without even knowing anything about the community. Moreover, the Fuel Movement is nothing like these organizations.
It was homegrown and intended to stay to help the community it was made to help. There aren’t many organizations that can say the same about themselves. It is owned by North Lawndale residents and North Lawndale church members. This cements this organization as a grassroots organization based in North Lawndale.
The Fuel Movement has already proven itself to be a formidable force in the fight for a change in North Lawndale. From its community programs to its cleanup days, the Fuel Movement shows great promise as a budding organization. The founder Darrell Glover Sr. clearly has a vision of North Lawndale that he works day in and day out to see through.
“You got to have fuel to have where you are going,” said Darrell Glover Sr. The organization is the fuel that North Lawndale needs to finally recover from the ills of its past and present. North Lawndale needs more organizations like this for the sake of the community. May the Fuel Movement boost the community of North Lawndale toward a brighter future.
Written by Kenneth Mazerat
Sources:
FuelMovement: Our team
FuelMovement: Programs
Interview: with Darrell Glover Sr. on May 15, 2023
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Peter Clark’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Eric Allix Rogers’ Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
