FEBRUARY 2026
Black History Month is a time to learn, lead, and uplift. This February, YEMBA celebrates Black excellence, leadership, and community. See what’s happening and join us at our upcoming events!
UPCOMING EVENT
YEMBA is the beneficiary for February’s Soup & Bread at Bobby’s Eastside!
6PM – 9PM | All Ages, Under 21 w/ Parent or Guardian
$10 Donation / Pay What You Can / Larger Amounts Welcomed!
We’re having a supply drive! Please bring items like shelf stable snacks, travel size hygiene and feminine products.
All donations provide you entry, soup and bread.
Invite a new friend to Soup & Bread and help us spread the word! Learn more at robertswestside.com/events.
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
NAMI Connects With YEMBA Students on Mental Health Coping Strategies
In January, our MEP students spent the month focusing on strategies to manage anxiety and stress! NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) came to visit our students at Brooks and had a great lesson with tons of activities to talk about “Thinking Traps.” In different stations, students were able to work together to problem-solve, strengthen communication skills, and strategize healthy coping mechanisms.
Thank you to NAMI for taking the time to support our students with interactive, impactful learning experiences. We appreciate their continued collaboration and commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students! In February, we will be welcoming NAMI again to discuss self-management, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making!
YEMBA X DARK MATTER COFFEE VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
This month, we’re excited to spotlight Spilt Milk, one of our newest coffee vendors! Under new small business ownership, Spilt Milk has already shown up in a big way—joining us to support our holiday event and our community.
You can stop by their shop at 811 South Blvd in Oak Park to grab Limited Edition YEMBA x Dark Matter Coffee bags, available now at Spilt Milk. Be sure to show them some love and welcome them to the community!
LIMITED EDITION BUNDLE OF BUZZ
Buy a 3-Coffee Bag Bundle, get a NEW YEMBA Tote Bag
Coffee & tote bag artwork by YEMBA alum, Hasani Cannon
(Coffee bags available in whole beans or ground)
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
YEMBA is still looking for passionate volunteers!
Join us in empowering young people through mentorship, leadership development, and community support. Whether you can give a few hours a month or a few hours a week, your time can make a real difference in shaping the lives of youth. If you believe in building stronger futures and stronger communities, we’d love to have you on our team. Email kpalles@yemba-inc.org to learn more and get involved at YEMBA today!
Currently a student at OPRF? Sign up for our MET or Alumni Plus programs!
