Mark Heath
Public Allies Chicago 2021-2022
I am Poet & Comedian who partners with non profits to produce programming, workshops, fundraisers and outreach events. I have worked with the Broadway Youth Center, Catharsis Productions, Youth Empowerment Performance Project, Kuumba Lynx, MPAACT, Second City, and Improv Olympic to name a few.
Tell us about your leadership?
Through my time in PA I was the Ally Team Lead at my site. I worked closely with PA Chicago staff and the Everyone Leads mentorship program. Leadership is an act of service. I believe that leaders must exemplify the culture of the organization with their actions and attitude and then provide all means of support for those in the care to be able to follow their example.
Which Public Allies core value resonates with you the most and why?
Being Asset Based is the core value that resonates with me the most. In my experience as a Black person in this country, I know that what we already have is of great value. It is typically in the best interest of our oppressor for us to feel that the answers to the issues in our community are outside the community itself.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Public Allies is people power in action. It is a beautiful organization but also a very powerful network. I plan to be of support to that network with everything I have.