Raven Smith receives Norman Bobins Leadership Award

Raven becomes the youngest recipient of The Private Bank Norman Leadership Award at the 23rd Annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards presents by the Local Support Corporation (LISC)

Raven Smith wanted to cast Chicago in a positive light. She wanted those living outside her beloved city to know that, while some people called it “Chiraq” because of its violence, she preferred her own motto—“Straight from the Go.”

Her message was meant to show that “all good things come from Chicago.”

Smith, a 2016 Morgan Park High School (MPHS) graduate, began selling T-shirts featuring that motto in late 2015, donating proceeds to anti-violence programs. The campaign soared—and Smith was recently honored for her hard work.

On Feb. 28, Smith received the PrivateBank Norman Bobins Leadership Award at the 23rd annual Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards (CNDA) presented by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago at McCormick Place.

According to officials, Smith is the youngest person—by far—to receive the award, which is named for the non-executive chairman of The PrivateBank and Trust Company.

The story first appeared in the Beverly Review click here to read full story