Black History, Bold Futures: Two City Colleges Students Tackle Food Insecurity to Help Transform the Austin Community

For many, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. For the young leaders of Austin Harvest, a fresh food market on the West Side, it is also a source of inspiration, fueling their drive to create lasting change in their community. 

Neveah Hester and Keith Tankson know three things: their community, how to problem solve, and how to run a successful business.

The young Austin natives and City Colleges students used their knowledge of their neighborhood to find a solution to a major problem. More than 95,000 residents make up Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, making it one of the most populated in the city. Despite being home to thousands, city data shows Austin only has two grocery stores—designating the area a food desert, an issue that’s long been overlooked.

In 2020, both Neveah and Keith were high school students searching for a way to support their community amid the pandemic and racial tension. The founder and CEO of their afterschool program, By the Hand, invited Chicago police officers, the mayor, and local professional athletes to a peace circle with the teens. During that peace circle, the initial plans for Austin Harvest were born.

What started as a six-week pop-up market under a tent became a thriving community resource, providing fresh, affordable food to residents. Today, Austin Harvest stands as a testament to the power of young Black leaders turning challenges into opportunities.  Austin Harvest, located at 423 N. Laramie, sells fresh produce to the community, and accepts debit, credit, and food stamps.

“We didn’t want anyone to have any excuse to not come in and live a healthier lifestyle,” Neveah said.

Neveah and Keith serve as the acting supervisors of Austin Harvest. In addition to being Harold Washington and Wilbur Wright College students, respectively, they both work at the store almost daily and train new employees. Their love of their community is evident through their dedication to their work, their employees, and their customers.

“Seeing that I can make an impact, especially at such a young age, it means a lot to me,” Keith said. “I see that I’m inspiring others and it’s a great feeling to help set the blueprint for others.”

Keith not only is dedicated to his Austin community, but his City Colleges community as well. Each City College has a food pantry open to all students. In the future, Keith hopes to bring his two worlds of Austin Harvest and Wright College together through a partnership.

Both Neveah and Keith believe Black History Month is the perfect time to reflect on their own journey and where they’d like to go next. For Neveah, the lessons she’s learned about Black pioneers—many of whom were overlooked or uncelebrated—drive her to make her own mark.

“Even though your story just may not be told, that does not mean you cannot keep going with what you’re doing,” she shared.

Neveah has big dreams, including launching her own fashion line, and she credits Austin Harvest’s entrepreneurship program for helping her understand the dedication it takes to build something meaningful.

“When we started, we were just kids,” she said. “No one really knew what it meant to be an entrepreneur. Now, we’ve learned everything—from mission statements to floor plans. You have to know what you want and remember your purpose.”

Keith sees Black history as an ongoing journey to honor his heritage and embrace responsibility.

“It inspires me—not just as history, but as the present,” he said. “It’s the struggle of the people that came before me and the position I’m put in today. It makes me so grateful to be able to do what I’m doing.”

Austin Harvest captures the very essence of Black History, bold futures. Neveah and Keith are uplifting their community, setting a powerful example for future generations, and gaining valuable skills that will absolutely help them build a lasting legacy.