2020 was a year like no other. Despite (and/or because of) the pandemic, economic downturn, and uprisings, we tapped into our communities like never before -- both virtually and in the streets through supportive networking and organizing with the grassroots. We were even still able to produce quality short films, authentic media coverage, and engage in important and timely conversations throughout the year.

In the spring and summer we created two multimedia projects with Chicago Reader and CIMA. Our 2020 Census project urged everyone, especially undocumented and immigrant communities, to get counted while our work with the Obama Community Benefits Agreement coalition chronicled their struggle to ensure affordable housing around the future site of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South side. We moved forward with two projects with No Cop Academy, as well as documented and built power during the uprisings against police brutality and white supremacy with the newly formed Black Abolitionist Network, #DefundCPD campaign, and countless other groups and individuals fighting for a better future. We released the most Bourbon 'n BrownTown podcast episodes in one year and published timely and informative articles with the help of our friends at the City Bureau.

Our work was again recognized by the Crossroads Fund and, for the first time, the Resist grant funding organizations.

We make this work possible when community supports community. Consider making a monthly or one-time, tax-deductible year-end gift to SoapBox and support our sustainability and growth.

Towards justice,
Caullen Hudson
Executive Producer