Lupe Fiasco’s charitable organization M.U.R.A.L. (Magnifying Urban Realities and Affecting Lives) recently held its second annual IFTAR dinner and think-tank event in Chicago.
The event featured a discussion of the organization’s “Food Justice” program, which hopes to improve the healthy food choices in impoverished neighborhoods and teach community members about healthy eating and diet-related health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Notables in attendance included former Chicago Bear defensive end Israel Idonijie, Chicago Blackhawks charity advocate Elizabeth Queen, and a number of healthcare professionals.
“M.U.R.A.L. began with Lupe Fiasco providing a blank canvas with a few specks of paint,” says executive director and Fiasco’s sister Ayesha Jaco. “He handed me the paintbrush and I found board members and community partners who enhanced our vision and mission as we continue to magnify urban realities and positively affect lives via food justice, hip hop and international travel!”
In the past year alone, M.U.R.A.L. has raised over $25K to fund various initiatives under its “Food Justice” program such as “Refresh The Hood” (addressing food deserts), “Mobile Market” (providing free and fresh produce), and “Operation Brown Bag” (promoting healthy summer eating habits). The origination most recently partnered with Everthrive Illinois to provide a free six-week cooking class series and pop-up grocery stores for Chicago’s underserved Englewood neighborhood.
Follow M.U.R.A.L on social media: Instagram/Twitter: @WeAreMURAL
Check out photos from the event in the gallery below.
