Press Release: Grand Welcoming 2026 Speakers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Elizabeth Startz, Fund Development Manager
estartz@trcwabash.org | 773-924-9270 ext. 104
TRC ANNOUNCES SPEAKING PROGRAM FOR SEPTEMBER 12 GRAND WELCOMING
Elected Officials and Community Partners to Open the Building, as TRC and YMCA of Metro Chicago Explore What's Next
CHICAGO, IL (September 2026) — TRC’s Grand Welcoming event on Saturday, Sept 12, will open at 10:40 AM with a short program of remarks ahead of the 11:00 AM opening of the exhibits and Community Marketplace. The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) today announced the confirmed speakers for that program, to be held at the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, 3763 S. Wabash Avenue.
Oji Eggleston, TRC's Executive Director, will welcome guests, followed by poet, author, and activist Leslé Honoré (CEO of Urban Gateways and Co-Chair of Elevated Chicago). The program will continue with remarks from Illinois State Representative Kim DuBuclet, 3rd Ward Alderwoman Pat Dowell, Adam Alonso, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago, Haley Gingles of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Lauren Elrod of Apostolic Faith Church, speaking on the new history education curriculum and exhibits. Eggleston will close the program before inviting attendees into the Community Marketplace and opening the building for the history exhibits and activity exploration.
The Grand Welcoming also marks a step in the renewed relationship between TRC and the YMCA of Metro Chicago: the two organizations' first shared public appearance under new leadership at both organizations. It reflects a shared interest in restoring the building's original mission of service through wellness and community programming. TRC and the YMCA of Metro Chicago are exploring what a deeper relationship between the two organizations could look like in the coming months, with more details to be announced.
"We're thrilled to see The Renaissance Collaborative bring its vision for the Wabash Y to life," said Adam M. Alonso, President and CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. "Our focus will be on working with the Collaborative to create and deliver Y programs that benefit residents and strengthen the Bronzeville community for the long-term."
"This building has always been at its best when it's full of people and partners working toward the same goal, from the thinkers, community leaders, neighbors, and organizers who filled these halls a century ago to the community that will fill them again on September 12," said Oji Eggleston, Executive Director of The Renaissance Collaborative. "We're honored to welcome the speakers and funders supporting the work that got us here, and we're excited about what's ahead with the YMCA of Metro Chicago as we continue this building's legacy of recreation, wellness, and belonging."
The Grand Welcoming, announced to the press in August, is a soft opening for the building's renovation progress, including the restored ballroom, community rooms, pool, and gymnasium. The event celebrates the debut of new history education exhibits developed with the Bronzeville–Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission and the kickoff of a quarterly Community Marketplace featuring community-owned vendors.
Event Details
TRC Grand Welcoming & Community Marketplace
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Speaking Program begins at 10:40 AM
Historic Former Wabash YMCA | 3763 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653
Free and open to the community
www.trcwabash.org/marketplace | @trcwabash
About The Renaissance Collaborative
The Renaissance Collaborative (TRC) is a BIPOC-led nonprofit based in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. Founded in 1992 by four Black-led churches to preserve the Historic Former Wabash YMCA, TRC has operated the landmark since 2000 as both a supportive housing community, home to 101 residents in the Renaissance Apartments, and a steward of African American cultural heritage. TRC's mission is to promote self-sufficiency through an innovative and comprehensive network of supportive housing, employment, and educational services.
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