Introduction to Chicago Emerging Stars
A young South Sider has grown his youth outreach efforts from an annual backpack giveaway into a nonprofit with plans to bring programs into local schools. Now, he’s kicking off what could be his project’s biggest year yet with a back-to-school party this weekend.
About the Back-to-School Bash
Chicago Emerging Stars — a new nonprofit founded by Jaqueza Thomas, a political science junior at the University of Illinois Chicago — will host a back-to-school bash from 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Nat King Cole Park, 361 E. 85th St. in Chatham. More than 1,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies will be available at the event, as will free haircuts, hygiene kits, food and activities like bounce houses, ziplining and rock climbing.
Event Details
Backpacks, food and services provided at the event are first-come, first-served while supplies last. A child must be present to receive a backpack. A work and wellness fair will also debut at this year’s bash, which aims to help youth and young adults ages 16-24 get hired. Representatives from Walgreens, Advocate Health, the Black Fire Brigade and other firms will offer onsite job interviews and career prep services like resume coaching.
The Founder’s Vision
“We’re super excited about this. We’re creating a space where youth and families can come together and feel safe, celebrated and seen,” Thomas said. This is the third annual back-to-school celebration organized by Thomas, who started the event by handing out more than 100 backpacks using his personal savings, he said.
Jaqueza Thomas, founder of Chicago Emerging Stars, poses for a portrait at Martha M. Ruggles Elementary School in Chatham on July 1, 2025.
Sponsors like the Witherite Law Group and 1-800-Truck Wreck have since helped grow the event into a full-scale party, with plans to feed at least 2,000 people this year. Mayor Brandon Johnson has been invited and is expected to attend, said Thomas, who serves as community safety working group co-chair on the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
The Founder’s Background
Thomas grew up in the Parkway Gardens apartment complex in Woodlawn and attended Ruggles Elementary School in Greater Grand Crossing. He credits former Ruggles principal Stephen Parker, now principal of Bennett Elementary School in Roseland, who “mentored me and shaped me” into wanting to serve Chicago’s youth. Thomas was raised by his mom and his grandmother, but with few other positive role models as a little kid, Thomas felt himself “going down the wrong path,” he said. Parker’s support helped Thomas realize the value of one-on-one mentorship in a kid’s life, he said.
The Nonprofit’s Mission
“A lot of times people say, ‘I can’t save everyone,’” Thomas said. “That may be true to a certain extent, but [when I hear that]I always think back to Mr. Parker. What if he would’ve gave up on me?” Before Chicago Emerging Stars became a nonprofit, Thomas personally mentored kids who were barely younger than him. Beyond mentorship, he specialized in giveaways like the backpack drives and a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway last year at the Whitney Young branch library, just blocks from Ruggles.
Jaqueza Thomas, then 19, spearheaded a turkey giveaway in Chatham for Thanksgiving in 2024, inspired by one he recalled from his childhood.
Future Plans
Chicago Emerging Stars officially organized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit as of June 9, Thomas said. Nonprofit status will allow Thomas more fundraising opportunities and a wider reach as he works to create a chain of young people who are able to look out for and support each other, he said. An immediate priority for Thomas is launching a youth advisory board to the nonprofit, where will have a direct say in its goals and operations. The youth board will also create a pathway for kids to join the group’s board of directors once they become adults, he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicago Emerging Stars is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide support and resources to young people in Chicago. The organization’s founder, Jaqueza Thomas, has a personal connection to the community and is dedicated to making a positive impact. With the help of sponsors and volunteers, Chicago Emerging Stars is hosting a back-to-school bash this weekend, which will provide free backpacks, haircuts, and other resources to those in need. The organization’s future plans include launching a youth advisory board and creating a community center where young people can come together and feel safe, celebrated, and seen.
FAQs
Q: What is Chicago Emerging Stars?
A: Chicago Emerging Stars is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to young people in Chicago.
Q: Who is the founder of Chicago Emerging Stars
