Chicago Community Transforms Vacant Lots into Flower Farms

Hope and opportunity are blossoming on the South Side of Chicago, where Quilen Blackwell and his wife Hannah Bonham have transformed vacant lots into flower farms. Through their nonprofits, Southside Blooms and Chicago Eco House, they are helping at-risk youth find job opportunities while reducing the billions spent annually on imported cut flowers.

Blackwell was awarded the CNN Hero of the Year Award for his impactful work, which came with a $100,000 prize to support their initiatives. The flower farms are eco-friendly and provide employment for 25 young people, primarily between the ages of 16 and 25.

By 2021, they had turned six vacant lots into solar-powered farms, with plans for a second location opening on the city's west side this spring. Blackwell emphasized the resilience of the flowers they grow, likening it to the strength of the local community.

His wife Hannah leads the floral arrangements, with their entire family involved in the project. Blackwell stated, 'As long as they're getting all of the ingredients they need to be successful, there's nothing that they can't do.' Their work is not just about flowers; it's about creating meaningful opportunities in a neighborhood facing significant challenges.