Ida Nelson is an entrepreneur, mother, and now co-contributor of the first-ever law to BAN all hair discrimination in Illinois. This is significant as school policies policing Back hair texture, and Black hair design have inhibited the expression of individuals for generations. As our society has increased its prison industrial complex in the last few years, the policing of our school districts has right alongside of it. This has traumatized both teachers and students alike, as explained here in this article by Block Club Chicago and on the infamous Instagram page Latin Survivors. While public schools previously held a law banning hair discrimination based on texture, it did not include design and did not reach private institutions that caused the most damage to the Black self-image.

One mother said she had enough when 4-year old Gus Nelson was told he could not come to class unless his twists were undone. Now, the Jett Hawkins Act outlaws hair discrimination against texture and style. Something the new charter school leader can most certainly be proud of.

Gertrude is an herbalist, community organizer, and self-healing enthusiast. After being diagnosed with an auto-immune disease and getting tired of taking prescription after prescription, she decided enough was enough. In healing her own body she went from bed-ridden to traveling across Chicago to build self-sustaining community gardens for those lacking access to herbalism and proper nutrition. In these wellness sanctuaries, she now facilitates workshops that teach children gardening and how to proeerly maintain their health without Western medicine. As health care, food, and even water pry continue to increase, Gertrude's journey to complete self-sustainability serves as a testament for us all.  Everyone has the power to heal themselves.