First March on Madison and Third Annual Community Day Embraced by Community

On a hot Chicago summer morning, more than 100 people gathered at the corners of Hamlin and Madison street to join the first Malcolm X College March on Madison to the West Side Learning Center (WSLC) campus.

The march was held to increase awareness in the vibrant West Side community about Malcolm X College and its satellite campus, the West Side Learning Center. Both locations offer affordable programs to enrich the lives of the community it serves. March participants included community members, City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado and partner organizations: Westside Health Authority, Black Fire Brigade, members of the Chicago Police Department, and Malcolm X College and WSLC faculty and staff. Together, marchers chanted throughout the march: “Malcolm X College is Chicago and Chicago is Malcolm X College.”

“Everything we do at Malcolm X College, from programming to offering free educational pathways, is for the benefit of our students and all of Chicago—with this march, I want everyone to know we have an incredible college that is here to support them and show them how to reach their education goals,” said President David Sanders, Malcolm X College. “We show up every day because we know our city is counting on us, and we on them.”

“The March on Madison and Community Day was our Institution telling our Chicago neighborhoods we hear you and we are here for you. It brought staff, schools, organizations and community members together to build relationships, acknowledge our communities and provide resources to support members in their educational journeys. I look forward to this event next year and for many years to come,” said Pierre Moore, director of the Academic Support Center and co-chair of Malcolm X College’s African American Male Mentoring program.

“I am very proud of the turnout of our faculty and staff for the March on Madison and Community Day. Their unwavering presence exemplified the profound empathy they hold for our students’ success.  Their active participation not only showcases our collective commitment to the West Side Community but also highlights the transformative power of education in fostering a stronger, more connected society. Together, we stand united, identifying the voices of our students and demonstrating their dreams and aspirations are at the heart of everything we do,” said Vice President Roy Walker, Malcolm X College.

The march was held in tandem with the third annual West Side Learning Center Community Day, an event that showcases education pathways offered at WSLC including career pathways, earning your Illinois High School diploma and ESL classes.

During Community Day, prospective students are able to speak with Admission and Student Service representatives. This year, several youth-based organizations participated,  including Project Exploration, UCAN and Envision.

“We had nearly 200 people stop by Community Day. It was a great day of food, learning, fun and building community,” said Dean Barbara Meschino, West Side Learning Center. “The pathways we offer here at WSLC can change your career trajectory and that’s why I’m proud of the work we do here and hope this event and march drives our mission ‘home’ to all.”