INTRODUCING BLACK, PURPLE, BLOOM:

BLACK PURPLE BLOOM is a traveling memorial tower created to hold space for our collective healing, mourning, and grief. As we work to heal from the the trauma our society experienced, we honor the lives that were lost over the last five years—especially the Black and Brown Womxn who have lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic, police brutality and other acts of state-sanctioned violence. Through the collaborative efforts of our in-house team and workshop participants, handmade commemorative fabric blooms are used to raise awareness of these stories, recognize underserved cases, and to foster community around the act of healing. The blooms created are dedicated to these individual stories and will embellish the tower upon its completion. In tandem, the Tower will sprout in different locations across the city of Chicago--with programming to follow at each site.

Click Here to view our campaign overview and check back as we update this page with our Tower’s Progress.

About our Campaign

  • Campaign Title: THIS is the Urgency! A Memorial Tower Fundraiser

    Goal: Raise $30,000 by May 31st, 2025 for the completion of our Memorial Tower

  • "THIS is the Urgency!" is more than a fundraiser—it's a call to action. Together, we can create a monument of healing, remembrance, and resistance. Let’s work together to build a space where we can mourn, celebrate, and reclaim the power of Black and Brown lives in all their fullness.

    Click here to Donate today and help us create the world we deserve.

    1. Grow Our Garden (Title Sponsor) - $10,000+

    Overview: The Title Sponsor is the highest tier, providing significant brand visibility and association with the core values of the project and exhibition. They are the exclusive sponsor and have top-tier recognition.

    Benefits:

    • Exclusive Naming Rights: "THIS is the Urgency!" Presented by [Sponsor Name] (brand name included in the event title).

    • Logo on All Promotional Materials: Featured prominently on event posters, flyers, website, social media, press releases, and e-newsletters.

    • On-Site Branding: Your logo displayed prominently at the entrance, throughout the exhibition space, and on banners/monitors during the event.

    • Recognition in Event Program: Full-page ad and dedicated page in the event program booklet, plus acknowledgment from the stage during opening remarks.

    • Press Release & Media Mentions: Guaranteed inclusion in press releases, media interviews, and event coverage.

    • Digital Recognition: Sponsor logo with a link on the event website, in emails, and across all social media posts and updates.

    • Post-Event Reporting: Summary report detailing the event’s success, fundraising total, and audience demographics.

    2. In Full Bloom (Gold Sponsor) - $5,000

    Overview: A Gold Sponsor is a major supporter, receiving substantial exposure and recognition across all aspects of the event, without the exclusivity of the Title Sponsor.

    Benefits:

    • Logo on Promotional Materials: Prominent placement on event flyers, posters, and social media.

    • On-Site Branding: Logo displayed on event signage and digital screens.

    • Recognition in Event Program: Half-page ad in the event program booklet.

    • Press Release & Media Mentions: Mention in press releases and media outreach.

    • Social Media Shout-Outs: Dedicated social media posts tagging the sponsor, including a link to their website.

    • Post-Event Recognition: A post-event thank-you email featuring sponsor logo and brief recap of the event.

    3. Shine A Light (Silver Sponsor) - $2,500

    Overview: A Silver Sponsor plays a key role in supporting the event and receives recognition on various promotional channels and during the event.

    Benefits:

    • Logo on Event Materials: Placement on flyers, event website, and social media posts.

    • On-Site Branding: Logo included in the sponsor section of event signage.

    • Recognition in Event Program: Quarter-page ad in the event program.

    • Social Media Mentions: Acknowledgment in event social media campaigns.

    • Post-Event Thank You: A post-event email acknowledging all sponsors with a list of contributors and event highlights.

    4. Help Us Sprout (Bronze Sponsor) - $1,000

    Overview: A Bronze Sponsor is a key supporter with visibility at the event and a contribution to making the exhibition a success.

    Benefits:

    • Logo on Event Materials: Placement on the event website, promotional flyers, and social media.

    • Recognition in Event Program: Acknowledgment in the sponsor section of the program.

    • Social Media Recognition: Mention in one or more social media posts.

    • Post-Event Acknowledgment: Thank-you email acknowledging the sponsor.

    5. Water Our Roots (Community Partner) - $500

    Overview: A Community Partner is typically a smaller business or organization that contributes to the event by offering financial support, in-kind donations, or volunteer assistance.

    Benefits:

    • Logo on Event Website: Placement in the "Community Partners" section.

    • Social Media Mention: Acknowledgment in a general post as a community partner.

    • Recognition in Event Program: Name listed in the event program as a community partner.

    6. Sew A Seed (In-Kind Donations & Customized Sponsorships)

    Overview: For businesses and Individuals that may not be able to provide financial sponsorship but wish to support the event through in-kind contributions (e.g., providing food, drinks, art supplies, auction items, etc.).

    Benefits:

    • Custom Recognition: Logo displayed on materials relevant to the in-kind donation (e.g., food sponsor, art supply sponsor).

    • Social Media & Website Recognition: Acknowledgment in posts and on the event website specific to the in-kind donation.

    • Recognition in Event Program: Mention of the in-kind donation and supporter name.

    • Event Sponsor for Specific Programming:

    • Workshops / Artist Talks / Panel Discussions: Sponsor a specific event segment such as artist talks, performances, or panel discussions. Sponsors can have their branding on the event's promotional materials related to the talk or workshop, and recognition during the segment.

    • Event Perks: Logo featured on all materials specific to that program segment (e.g., "THIS panel is sponsored by [Sponsor Name]").

  • The Black, Purple, BLOOM Memorial Tower/Monument will be a 15-foot tall symbol of communal healing. Your donation will directly fund:

    • The Construction of the Memorial Tower: Though massive in size, the tower will be built as a traveling installation, with a design that incorporates both symbolic elements and community-created blooms.

    • Ongoing Programming, Community Engagement and Events: Each location where the tower is displayed will host workshops, performances, and interactive events to foster community connection and continued healing.

    • Traveling Exhibitions: The tower will move across the city of Chicago, bringing the memorial to different communities while continuing the conversation of healing and collective memory.

    1. Donate: Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our goal of raising $30,000. Your generosity will directly fund the creation and installation of the memorial and all related programming. You can donate directly through our website or the link below: https://buy.stripe.com/28o03G5ATauecKc000 

    2. Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media, with your friends, family, and networks. Help us amplify the urgency of this movement.

    3. Attend Our Events: Participate in our community engagement sessions, where you can help create the blooms, learn more about the project, and connect with others who share in this mission.

    • Fundraising Period: February 25, 2025 – May 31, 2025

    • Community Engagement Sessions: Ongoing throughout the campaign, with workshops beginning in May.

    • “THIS! is the Urgency” Exhibition and Opening Reception: April 26th, 2025 (on view through May 31st, 2025) at Starling

    • Memorial Tower Construction: Estimated June - October 2025

    • Updates & Events: Subscribe to our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, Patreon,  and TikTok for ongoing updates and events related to the fundraiser.