Community Youth Day, children dancing

This image was donated by Helen Preston who founded the Consolidated Community Improvement Association in the Chicago Heights area of South Chicago. The group sponsored a Community Youth Day with activities for neighborhood young people for several years. The CCIA was involved in community projects involving transportation, local businesses, housing, health, and social issues. The group also sought to establish a youth center. More broadly, Southeast Chicago had a rich array of community organizations and events, including neighborhood parades, festivals, and other activities. These helped create an active social life and a sense of identity, pride, and loyalty based on residency or other forms of affiliation. Most provided a good time for residents.