Beam Signing Celebration — Project HOOD

This past Saturday, Project H.O.O.D. hosted a monumental Steel Beam Signing Ceremony, marking a major milestone in our mission to transform lives through opportunity and empowerment. Over 650+ community members gathered at 66th and King Drive to leave their mark on history, signing their names on the final steel beam before it was lifted into place by Metropolitan Steel.

Three individuals standing outdoors at a construction site, smiling at the camera. One person in the middle is a police officer, and two women on either side are dressed warmly with purple and green jackets, scarves, and hats. The woman on the right is wearing a construction helmet and a face mask. There are other people in the background, some wearing helmets and jackets. A building under construction is visible behind them.

Over 650+ community members gathered at 66th and King Drive to leave their mark on history, signing their names on the final steel beam before it was lifted into place by Metropolitan Steel.

A man in a suit and red tie speaking at a podium during a conference, with a large digital screen behind him displaying the words 'PROJECT H.O.O.D.' and a cityscape background. Audience members seated in front are watching.

We were honored to have the support of our board members, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, State Senator Mattie Hunter, 3rd District officers, Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, JPMorgan Chase, Wintrust Bank, and so many more incredible partners who believe in the power of community-driven change.

As the crane stood tall in the heart of Woodlawn, it symbolized hope, opportunity, and unity—a beacon of what’s possible when we work together to uplift our neighborhoods. From young to old, community members came from all around the Chicagoland area to take part of the chance to be apart of history and sign on the last steel beam. A True Community Project!