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Carol G. Johnson
Founder of "1865 Fest" & Co-Chair of 1865 Coalition
Carol G. Johnson (Ms.J) has been a resident of Chicago’s west side for 50+ years. She grew up in West Garfield Park, moved to the Austin community where she raised five amazing children.
During her 20 year run as an organizer, she educated the youth on the long effects of alcohol drinking, led multiple community parent groups and workedwith ex-offenders to decrease gang violence. Ms.J did a plethora of work within westside schools and served as the Local School Council Chairman for Westinghouse HighSchool, Spencer Technology Academy and Al Raby High School.
She was very instrumental in the planning and development of building new schools,Westinghouse College Prep and Duke Ellington School of Excellence. Setting the tone for the new generation, she was the lead organizer in keeping Richard T. Crane HighSchool open and actively involved in the infamous city-wide schools closing which included King Elementary.
In July 2020 Ms.J started her own non-for-profit 501 C3 organization the Westside Cultural Alliance, whose primary focus is to document and preserve the history of African Americans and their cultural contributions to the City of Chicago’s Westside community . In 2021 she founded the 1865 Festival, a 3-day Juneteenth Cultural Celebration hosted in Garfield Park. This led to the launch of the 1865 Coalition which is a collaboration of numerous organizations located in Garfield Parkand surrounding communities. She currently serves as an active member of the Garfield Park Advisory Council (Garfield PAC) and she’s also the Lead Volunteer Steward of the Nature Area.
Ms.J still resides in the Austin neighborhood with her husband of 30+years where she spends time with her 3 granddaughters, 1 grandson and family. She leads a legacy that has allowed her to become the pillar of her family, her community and the next generation.
She was very instrumental in the planning and development of building new schools,Westinghouse College Prep and Duke Ellington School of Excellence. Setting the tone for the new generation, she was the lead organizer in keeping Richard T. Crane HighSchool open and actively involved in the infamous city-wide schools closing which included King Elementary.
In July 2020 Ms.J started her own non-for-profit 501 C3 organization the Westside Cultural Alliance, whose primary focus is to document and preserve the history of African Americans and their cultural contributions to the City of Chicago’s Westside community . In 2021 she founded the 1865 Festival, a 3-day Juneteenth Cultural Celebration hosted in Garfield Park. This led to the launch of the 1865 Coalition which is a collaboration of numerous organizations located in Garfield Parkand surrounding communities. She currently serves as an active member of the Garfield Park Advisory Council (Garfield PAC) and she’s also the Lead Volunteer Steward of the Nature Area.
Ms.J still resides in the Austin neighborhood with her husband of 30+years where she spends time with her 3 granddaughters, 1 grandson and family. She leads a legacy that has allowed her to become the pillar of her family, her community and the next generation.
Alees Edwards
Founder & Ceo of Drawn Out Ministries
Alees Edwards is a community activist that has over 10 years of experience ministering to women during and after their incarceration. Her mission is to facilitate the process of creating a whole individual and helping them restore their lives and integrity. It is her passion to support women spiritually and help them discover their dreams.