As a city with stark racial and social disparities, Chicago has seen numerous issues that range from gun violence to gentrification and has served as a hub for social movements across various communities. To understand the rich history of Chicago and its relations with its communities of color, we want to expose students to some of the grassroots organizations and local stakeholders of these issues. In fact, oftentimes, these social issues can lead to an increase of health issues. As Chicago is rooted from decades of systemic policies, its identity concentrates poverty, environmental hazards, and other issues which directly create harsh disparities in disease, mortality, and life expectancy.
Through our program, students will learn and engage with underserved and disadvantaged populations to understand how political injustices shape the social and racial determinants of health. Students will be challenged to think critically and innovatively as we delve into topics ranging from homelessness, gun violence, poverty-concentrated areas, incarceration, to lack of access to fresh and clean food.