The Black Underground Recycling Program was created in 2016 by Justin Blake, who is a South Side native, community activist, business owner, and great-grandson of a Garveyite.

On June 6, Black Underground Recycling, in partnership with the Black Panther Cubs, the UNIA & ACL, the NEC, Sista Afrika Porter of Afrika Enterprises Consulting and Public Relations Company, Jerk Taco Man, Shawn Michelle’s  Homemade Ice Cream, The Almighty Nation of Moorish and Moabitess People’s of America, plus many other African American organizations and businesses, sponsored a “Food Challenge.”

Jackson also received a monetary donation from Blake and other male attendees at the event.

Blake concluded the event with these remarks to the community: “What we witnessed was the spark in the woods that ignites hundreds of thousands of acres, but instead of fire, there was African descendant love.”

Blake also stated that the goals for the future are to expand the recycling program; open a 24-hour computer lab; educate and provide employment and develop people’s interests in an effort to improve their communities.