The Sankofa Wellness Village

In 2022, Sankofa Wellness Village was awarded the Chicago Prize, a $56 million transformative health and economic development project in West Garfield Park. The initiative includes a comprehensive Wellness Center (opening in 2026), the MAAFA Center for Arts & Activism, an entrepreneurship hub called The K, and a community grocer initiative —all designed to close the 13-year life expectancy gap between this neighborhood and downtown Chicago while creating jobs and opportunity.

Expected Impact

  • Improve health and well-being for more than 17,000 residents through the provision of culturally informed, comprehensive, integrated wellness services within a walkable “wellness village.”  

  • Stimulate greater investments and economic development into the 
    Madison-Pulaski corridor and beyond. 

  • Enhance community engagement and wealth-building opportunities for legacy and new residents.  

  • Improve community wealth equity through land and building ownership.  

  • Reinvest profits from annual operating income into West Garfield Park enterprises. 

  • Increase self and collective efficacy throughout the entire community.