Celebrating Black Excellence: Collaborations with Clients Making A Difference in Black Communities

At PCI, we believe that storytelling has the power to inspire change. As we wrap up Black History Month, we emphasize our commitment to collaborating with organizations championing inclusivity and equity. We highlight NON:op Open Opera Works, JMD Angels Foundation, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), each making history and fostering equity and community engagement.  

NON:op Open Opera Works – Say Their Names  

In May 2024, PCI worked closely with NON;op to develop a digital initiative to pay tribute to the Black Americans whose lives were lost in police-involved incidents. The result was the Say Their Names project, an interactive map and database that memorializes Black Americans killed due to law enforcement violence over the last 10 years. Made possible with grant funding from the Field Foundation and other partners, the Say Their Names project seeks to honor and gain empathy for individual lives and legacies that may otherwise be forgotten.   

Our work with NON:op reflects PCI’s continued commitment to supporting projects that advance equity. Check out the project and learn more about how NON:op is elevating the voices of Black Americans.  

JMD Angels Foundation – Bridging Equity Gaps  

In January 2025, PCI collaborated with the Board of Directors of JMD Angels Foundation to refine strategic priorities, ensuring continued impact in the Chicago community. Since its founding in 2020, JMD Angels has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships, providing crucial resources to those in need. The JMD Angels Foundation embodies the spirit of Black resilience and empowerment by addressing equity gaps in education and economic stability. PCI is honored to support its mission and contribute to sustainable, community-driven change.  

Learn more about how the JMD Angels Foundation creates meaningful change in Chicago at www.jmdangelsfoundation.com.   

DCASE: Together We Heal Creative Placemaking Program  

In 2024, PCI partnered with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to support the Together We Heal Creative Placemaking Program (TWHCP). Designed to address racial and economic disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative distributed $5.8 million in grants to creative projects across Chicago—these 48 unique installations foster community engagement, cultural representation, and healing through artistic expression. PCI supported DCASE with strategic communications planning, website development, social media strategy and content development, media relations, and training grantees on how to build their communications efforts.   

Explore the projects that continue to transform public spaces at www.chirecoveryplan.com/programs/together-we-heal-grants.