Quilen Blackwell named CNN Hero of the Year for Chicago youth employment initiative

cnn.com

Quilen Blackwell, founder of Southside Blooms, has been named the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year for his work transforming vacant lots into flower farms that employ at-risk youth. Blackwell's nonprofit provides job opportunities for young people in Chicago's South Side by teaching them to grow, arrange, and sell flowers. This initiative aims to create jobs and alleviate poverty in a struggling neighborhood. The award includes a $100,000 prize to expand his work. The annual CNN Heroes broadcast also honored other individuals and recognized the late Robert Redford with a Legacy Award.


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Quilen Blackwell named CNN Hero of the Year for Chicago youth employment initiative | News Minimalist