Bronzeville Trail Secures $900K Mellon Grant, Names New Executive Director to Lead Transformative Project
Grant Funding and Executive Director Appointment
The Bronzeville Trail Task Force (BTTF) has announced that it is the recipient of a $900,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation for its Bronzeville Trail Landscape Initiative. The grant, which comes from the foundation’s “Humanities in Place” grant making area, will support the evolution of institutional and urban landscape research and design methodologies.
Upon news of the grant, John E. Adams, CPA and founder of the BTTF in 2020, was named Executive Director. The grant is for a three-year period, and Adams will administer the funds and lead the Initiative. It is the first full-time paid position in the organization’s short existence; all members until now have been passionate, dedicated volunteers. Adams was named Executive Director in 2023 and has served since then for one dollar per year.
About the Project
The Bronzeville Trail Landscape Initiative is a transformative project that aims to build a vibrant, sustainable community space that supports wildlife, reduces urban pollution, and celebrates local culture and history. The project will engage a multidisciplinary team of planners, historians, ecologists, creatives, and technical experts to research the past and current cultural, ecological, and built environment.
The project goals are aligned with the BTTF organization’s goal to cultivate and enhance the ecological, artistic, and historical richness of the future Bronzeville Trail. Fostering a vibrant, sustainable community space that supports wildlife, reduces urban pollution, and celebrates local culture and history is paramount to the project’s success.
Rendering of the Landscape Initiative
About the Executive Director
John E. Adams, the new Executive Director of the BTTF, is a Certified Public Accountant with over 16 years of experience in non-profit finance and management. Prior to joining the BTTF, Adams served as Chief Financial Officer of the Rainbow Push Coalition for over 16 years. He has also supported and guided other non-profits, including the Abraham Lincoln Centre, Hales Franciscan High School, and the Westside Association for Community Action.
Adams is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2018 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award; Crain’s Chicago Business 2022, Notable Black Leaders and Executives Award; and the 2024 Archbishop James P. Lyke, O.F.M. African American Male Image Award. Earlier this year, Adams was elected to the National Leadership Council 2026 Class (Board of Directors) of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization founded by Carter G. Woodson in Chicago at the Wabash YMCA in 1915.
Project Timeline and Funding
The grant funding period is from Fall 2024 to Fall 2027 and includes two phases and six research activities, divided into three activities in each phase. In phase one, a “Comprehensive Landscape Research, Documentation, and Dissemination” framework will be developed. In phase two, the BTTF and Botanical City will enhance landscape interpretation, vision, and design.
The project team champions a non-hierarchical, organic, collective, and collaborative structure, emphasizing governance principles. It will encourage open communication and allow diverse perspectives to shape the research and design process.
Conclusion
The Bronzeville Trail Landscape Initiative is a transformative project that will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of local residents, as well as on the cultural and economic opportunities in the area. With the support of the Mellon Foundation and the appointment of a new Executive Director, the BTTF is poised to make significant progress in the development of the Bronzeville Trail.
FAQs
* What is the Bronzeville Trail Landscape Initiative?
+ The Bronzeville Trail Landscape Initiative is a transformative project that aims to build a vibrant, sustainable community space that supports wildlife, reduces urban pollution, and celebrates local culture and history.
* What is the purpose of the grant from the Mellon Foundation?
+ The grant will support the evolution of institutional and urban landscape research and design methodologies.
* Who is the new Executive Director of the BTTF?
+ John E. Adams, CPA, is the new Executive Director of the BTTF.
* What is the timeline for the project?
+ The grant funding period is from Fall 2024 to Fall 2027 and includes two phases and six research activities, divided into three activities in each phase.
* How can I get involved or learn more about the project?
+ You can visit the BTTF website at www.bronzevilletrail.org or email [email protected].
