Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood has a new resource center to assist south side individuals and families in need. The Equality Should Be Normal Barbara Murphy Community Resource Center located at 239 E. 51st.
Equality Should Be Normal
Equality Should Be Normal is a Chicago-based 5013c whose mission is to eradicate racism while advocating for violence prevention, education reform, mentorship, and enriching the Black community.
Romel Murphy, a champion for social justice and equality in the Black community, founded the non-profit. He named the center in honor of his mother, Barbara Murphy, who passed away at 46 from colon cancer. The space houses various valuable services that will benefit the Washington Park Community and surrounding areas.
Equality Should Be Normal Community Services
Neighborhood residents can walk in to pick up free hygiene items, baby formula, diapers, clothing, and other essentials from the community center. Also, volunteers on-hand will pass out 150 hot meals from Chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl and the Goat restaurant every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Chef Izard is Board Chair for the Equality Should Be Normal center.
Other services include mentorship, on-site therapists, tutors, financial literacy education, and free haircuts.
Equality Should Be Normal Service Schedule
- Makeover Monday-Barbershop services
- Technology Tuesday-STEM classes
- Wellness Wednesday-Mental health therapy
- Financial Friday-Financial literacy education
- Wednesday-Grocery distribution in partnership with Mariano’s
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday-Prepared meal distribution in partnership with World Central Kitchen
Additionally, Equality Should Be Normal has created a safe place for neighborhood youth. There’s a computer lounge for studying, on-site tutors, and recreational activities, including a pool and ping pong table, PlayStation 5, TV, and gym..
Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher to utilize recreation facilities. If they don’t have at least a 2.5 GPA, they must commit to an hour of tutoring before engaging in entertainment. Director Romel Murphy hopes to partner with other youth mentoring organizations to funnel young ones into the center.
How to Get Involved
- Donate
- Volunteer
- Buy Merchandise
Equality Should Be Normal welcomes monetary donations, clothing, and essential items. They also need volunteers for food distribution to walk-ins, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Volunteers can sign-up on their website.
Donation drop-off and pickup hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Please spread the word so that this wonderful organization can get the support they need!
