Collective Ownership
We are building community governance at the QCC. Apply to become a steward.
The Quilombo Community Center (QCC) is more than a building.
We are developing it as community infrastructure—a place where Black people can gather, build, create, rest, organize, access resources, and exercise collective power.
Chicago Quilombo also believes that community infrastructure should be governed with the community, not simply for the community.
That's why we are building the QCC Stewards, a formal community governance body that will help shape the future of the QCC.
What Are QCC Stewards?
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QCC Stewards are a set of community members that are connected to the work that Chicago Quilombo does, and provide meaningful input into decisions affecting the QCC.
Stewards will help:
Establish community priorities for the QCC
Identify emerging community needs and opportunities
Confirm Quilombo Fellowship participants and Marketplace businesses
Identify and confirm future QCC co-owners
Shape the principles for future shared ownership
Hold the QCC accountable to its purpose, values, and community
Stewards meet three times a year, with in-person and remote options, and participate in at least two community engagement or volunteer activities annually. Opportunities include street teaming, tabling, volunteering at the QCC, hosting activities or programs, and supporting community events.
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QCC Stewards are a membership body, not an elected board. There are no competitive seats. Anyone** who meets our eligibility requirements can become a Steward.
NOW
Anyone whose primary residence is within 1 mile of the QCC,
Anyone who lives in one of our priority zipcodes (60649, 60619, 60637, 60615, 60653 and 60620), and is both Black and between the ages of 18-35,
Anyone who works at the QCC,
Small business owners that have previously or currently operate in the QCC/Marketplace,
Anyone who attended one of our initial community meetings in 2025.
AND IN THE FUTURE:
Anyone who has previously or currently lives in the QCC,
Paying members of the co-work space, or any individual who pays a set annual donation to Chicago Quilombo’s Building Maintenance Fund,
Individuals who have received supportive services from Chicago Quilombo in the prior 12-month period,
**Exclusions include anyone who is an elected official, employees of the Chicago Police Department, or employees of any organization that actively provides Chicago Quilombo grant funding.