Building The Village: Robbie Johnson

Rooted in community, Robbie “Coco” Johnson has grown to become a compassionate and determined leader, mother of four and business owner. 

She is the fourth generation born in North Lawndale after her family migrated from Alabama to Chicago in the 1940s, and she is leaving `1a mark in her community. 

Robbie has been a block club leader for over 15 years, organizing events for her neighbors, sharing information and resources, and creating safe space for the people who live in her block. 

She was 25 when her neighbor, Mrs. Turner, the block club leader, asked her to step in. 

“I was a little afraid the first year because I couldn’t believe she chose me to be a block leader, but I knew that if she gave me this responsibility, that I could not fail,” she said.

Soon after, Robbie organized her first block party, bringing spelling bees and dance contests, bouncy houses, games and food to neighbors. With the support of neighbors, the kids on the block received back-to-school supplies. More parties followed, as did toy drives, meetings and activities to share resources and check on neighbors, creating a support community. 

While growing up on the Westside, Robbie knew that neighbors became family and witnessed the glory of the successful business corridor on Pulaski Avenue.

 “Everybody knew everybody, and I gained more sisters, more aunties and more cousins and more brothers,” she said. 

Decades later, she continues being a block leader while supporting other neighbors to build community.

“We have to have people in place to keep things going. When we quit doing things that help people, they don't receive the help… We need to make block leaders on every block,” she said.

While Robbie grew as a block club leader, she also grew as a mother. At age 16, she welcomed her first child. Two years later, she gave birth to her second kid. Her third kid was born when she was 21. Her fourth arrived at age 38.

Becoming a mother at a young age came with its own challenges, but as she grew up with her kids, Robbie realized she had to lead by example. 

“I had to learn how to really be a leader in that space, to show my children the right way,” she said. 

Professionally, Robbie has pursued multiple endeavors. She became a certified facilitator and a notary. She also founded Thee Network Queen, a small business that showcases and compiles businesses in the community and connects them to their audience.

An entrepreneur, she and her husband started the catering company Love and BBQ.  

Throughout the way, her faith inspired her and motivated her to keep going. 

In 2022, Robbie’s youth pastor – a community leader– reached out. At the time, Robbie was juggling several work opportunities, “but not really going anywhere with it,” she said. As she turned to her faith to find meaning, Pastor Phil Jackson saw her leadership. 

“He called me and offered me a job that I didn’t apply for,” she said. “I was in disbelief.” 

Robbie became the community outreach coordinator for the Firehouse Community Art Center, responsible for building community and reaching more young neighbors. The center has been a safe haven for young people through programs to prevent and interrupt violence. 

In this role, Robbie has helped reach young people and mothers affected by violence, providing support and wrapping her arms around people in need. Sharing resources among community members goes beyond exchanging information. 

It means connecting with neighbors and offering pathways that can prevent young people from losing their lives to violence or drug use, she said. It means being united to raise awareness about the challenges young people face – and working together to create solutions. 

While the job comes with challenges, her commitment to bringing positive change to the darkest areas of her community keeps her going. 

“The biggest thing that I've always fought for is bringing the village back,” she said.

As she keeps growing as a community leader, Robbie will continue to raise awareness about the power of being united and supporting each other. 

“I just want to see the village take place in Chicago. I want to see us as residents, business owners and organizations hold hands around Chicago and work together to make it a better place.”