Rapper G Herbo moves ahead with plans to convert Overton Elementary into South Side youth center
Earlier this year, Chicago rapper G Herbo announced the launch of his “Swervin’ Through Stress” initiative, a program to connect young Black people with crucial mental health resources.
This fall, G Herbo is continuing work on another of his outreach efforts. The rapper — real name Herbert Randall Wright III — bought the vacant Overton Elementary school in Bronzeville and plans to convert the space into a youth center for the community.
“I don’t want to be that guy to have all the resources to change my neighborhood, change my city and the youth and do nothing with it,” he told the Tribune earlier this year when talking about the importance of his efforts to offer mental health support and improve access to resources.
The school was a casualty of then-mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2013 push to shutter 50 public schools, the largest closure in Chicago’s history.
G Herbo, who attended Overton, put the property to use on Sept. 19, co-hosting a community give-back effort. SocialWorks and SaveMoneySaveLife — local organizations founded by fellow Chicago musicians Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa, respectively — had been fundraising for school supplies, PPE, groceries, feminine care products and hot meals since early August, and they distributed the products at Overton.
The day began with a peace march that concluded at the former elementary school. Free COVID-19 testing also was available, as were voter registration booths, according to a news release.
Going forward, a music incubator and media lab are among the plans for the Overton facility, said Janelle Gibbs, G Herbo’s news rep. She said COVID-19 issues have caused some delays with renovations, but things are moving forward.
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