Little Black Pearl was founded on a simple yet powerful vision: to empower and uplift our community through the arts.
We have transformed the vision into a vibrant reality. From our humble beginnings, we have grown into a thriving organization that impacts the lives of thousands each year.
The unwavering support from the community, families, friends, sponsors, and partners has played an integral role in our success, enabling us to provide essential resources, programs, and opportunities to our community. We are committed to making our 30th anniversary a year filled with impactful initiatives, heartfelt celebrations, and a renewed dedication to our mission.
We invite you to join us in commemorating our past achievements and envisioning the future.
we believe that art is an integral part of a healthy community and its presence creates opportunities for community and economic development
CARVER 47 JUICE COLLECTION
Youth wORKSHOPs
CERAMICS WORKSHOPS
Little Black Pearl Honored with
2025 CITYArts Program Grant
Chicago, IL — November 18, 2025
Little Black Pearl is proud to announce that we have been selected as a 2025 grantee of the CITYArts Program, administered by the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to expanding access to the arts and empowering young people, families, and communities on Chicago’s South Side.
The CITYArts Program supports organizations that create meaningful cultural experiences and broaden creative opportunities across the city. This year’s award will help strengthen Little Black Pearl’s core programs, including arts education, creative youth development, community wellness initiatives, and public programming that nurtures new talent and uplifts local voices.
“For more than twenty-five years, Little Black Pearl has served as a creative sanctuary where art, education, and community come together,” said Monica Haslip, Founder and Executive Director. “This grant allows us to deepen that work and continue providing a safe space for discovery, healing, and artistic expression. We are grateful to DCASE and the City of Chicago for believing in our mission and investing in our community.”
Little Black Pearl extends sincere gratitude to Mayor Brandon Johnson, Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth, and the entire team at DCASE for their ongoing support of arts and culture in Chicago. We also thank our students, families, teaching artists, partners, and neighborhood community — the people who give purpose to every program we create.
With this grant, Little Black Pearl will continue building pathways to creativity, wellness, and opportunity, ensuring that future generations have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.
