Throughout the year, the MCA hosts high-quality professional development programming, open to teachers of all subjects, grade levels, and disciplines. These events are skills-based, training on contemporary art integration. Programs are designed in connection with the cultural assets of the MCA and the needs of the Chicago area educators.

In keeping with addressing issues of relevance, the 2023–24 Learning Series is a four-part series exploring on “The Impact of Food Apartheid in Education”. The term “apartheid” is used as it acknowledges the existence of economic and racial segregation systems. And as history has shown us, apartheid systems can be dismantled through collective action.

Gardening, not Architecture

For session three, Eric “Manny” Von Haynes and Ramon “Radius” Norwood, core organizers of Love Fridge Chicago, conduct a workshop titled “Gardening, not Architecture,” which delves into the impactful work of Love Fridge. Love Fridge Chicago is a mutual aid network that aims to combat food apartheid and provide essential resources to the Chicago community.

This workshop introduces strategies and practices that mutual aid network uses to address systemic challenges, build initiatives, and create sustainable systems; ones that empower individuals and communities. This interactive session includes group discussions, hands-on activities, and a creative writing exercise to promote collaboration and understanding.

About the Speakers

Ramon Norwood, also known as “Radius,” is a musician, activist, holistic chef, and cofounder of The Love Fridge, a mutual aid initiative that creates and supports community fridges. He is also the founder of ETC Records and RA’s Natural Abundance.

Eric Von Haynes is a cofounder of the Love Fridge Chicago, a mutual aid initiative that creates and supports community fridges. He is an artist and a designer who publishes under the imprint Flatlands Press. Currently, Von Haynes is serving as the President of the Chicago Printers Guild.