Healing Illinois 2025
South and West Side Partner Locations
Forthcoming events with Isaiah Afrumu, Aya Haji, Sonja Henderson, and Bianca Marks.
Healing Illinois 2025 is a continuation of 6018North’s Justice Hotel conversational meals that address real life concerns of communities through creative and artistic actions. Healing Illinois supports Justice Hotel curator Wisdom Baty and our ongoing partnership with WILD YAMS: Black Mothers Artist Residency. Baty and WILD YAMS artists host convenings that bring together artists, activists, scholars, and a general audience as a think tank to experiment in how justice looks and functions. These intimate discussions create a dialogue between those who are directly affected by inequalities, deeply engaged in issues of social equity, and those who, with this increased exposure, may be willing to invest more deeply in societal justice.
Over a series of private and public events, Baty and 6018North create unique experiences, tailoring the discussion, atmosphere, and menu to deepen connections among participants. Baty works closely with each Wild Yams artist to help them envision, articulate, and develop the topic to be discussed at each convening and how it will be presented. These gatherings are intended to strengthen our bonds with one another and with the communal spaces that host them. By centering food as a medium for care and healing, we aim to honor its sacred role in ritual to create meaningful, collective moments of gathering, care, and nourishment.
Since 2018, 6018North and the Justice Hotel have hosted over 100 discussion meals, bringing a wealth of experience in creating transformative experiences. These gatherings extend an invitation not merely to join an existing table but to build a new one, reimagining power structures and creating space for underrepresented voices. Unlike traditional gatherings where power is retained by a select few, these aim to shift the power dynamics, empowering participants to shape the narrative and purpose of the table itself.
These gatherings are a commitment to justice, care, and healing. Sharing a meal together fosters a unique, embodied, and unhurried experience, enabling deeper connection and reflection. This communal act transcends surface-level dialogue and encourages meaningful conversations that inspire participants to imagine new possibilities and take concrete actions. By cultivating engagement and promoting change, these dinners stand as catalysts for both individual and collective transformation.
Healing Illinois is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois.
NOURISH: Marks on Canvas Dinner
June 21 from 6-8 PM by RSVP
Join WILD YAMS and Bianca Marks for an intimate, workshop-style gathering designed for and centering Black mother artists. Over the course of the evneing, we’ll come together to share a meal, reflect on what it means to nourish outselves, and explore what sustainable support can look like within our creative practices.
Hosted by Bianca Marks of Marks on Canvas, this special edition of Nourish will feature a candid conversation on the real-life journey of building an artist-centered business – covering everything from how Marks on Canvas began, to what it actually costs to hire support, and how Bianca vets readiness for a studio manager relationship.
Following the presentation, guests will participate in a small group exercise designed to help artists imagine what kind of growth and ease a studio manager could make possible. Each group will respond to a creative prompt and generate thoughtful questions to guide deeper discussion. We’ll close the evening by coming back together to share insights and ask questions in community.
The format is intentionally relaxed and open, with space to connect, doodle, and exchange ideas. Come as you are. Leave with new clarity, community, and next steps.
NO HATE DAY
June 28 from 5-7 PM at Stalwart Market, 3320 E 90th Street
Join master gardener Gregory Bratton and DJ Nina Nite at Stalwart Market Garden as we celebrate and imagine a season of wellness and art with intergenerational dialogue focused on reducing hate and increasing peace in Chicago. The event will feature a sound activation booth by Isaiah Afrumu. Join us for a restorative day in the garden with peaceful sounds, food, and art!
A RITUALIZED RETROSPECTIVE AND COMMUNITY FEAST
June 29 from 5-8 PM by RSVP
Join WILD YAMS at Haji Healing Salon for a very special evening with Aya-Nikole Cook for A Ritualized Retrospective.
We invite you to actively witness and receive the story of how Aya alchemized the poison of trauma and illness into a devoted self and community care practice, now known as Haji Healing Salon.
Attendees will be guided through four inspired community rituals, which at as portal gateways, opening another chapter of the Haji story.
The event will culminate in a very special feast lovingly sourced by local farmers and prepared by beloved community chefs.
Past Events
The first public events in this series Our Lived Experience were presented by artist Dorian Sylvain at the Logan Center Cafe; March 30 featured artists talks by Alexy Irving, Deliah D. Salgado, Shiree Davis, and Kiah Zellner Smith; April 6 featured Delia West, Haerim Lee, Marlen Aguirre, Carina Vargas-Nune, and Chazarhae Morales Williams.
The second public event Stages: Inclinations Through Life featured Mama Anana Nyamuwi at THE cre.æ.tive ROOM on May 17.