Chicago’s ‘Rooftop Pastor,’ Pastor Corey Brooks, is preparing to embark on a landmark 3,000-mile journey from New York to Los Angeles in September, a mission that aims to raise $25 million for underserved youth through Project H.O.O.D. This initiative, which follows Brooks’ prior success in Chicago, builds on his 94-day rooftop protest that helped spark community transformation. The mission, dubbed ‘Walk Across America,’ is not only a physical challenge but also a symbolic quest to instill hope, faith, and perseverance across the nation. Brooks believes that faith and hard work are essential to restoring America’s soul and overcoming challenges.
Brooks, recognized for his unconventional activism, has long advocated for community development in Chicago. His previous efforts led to the founding of Project H.O.O.D., a non-profit organization that has already demonstrated success in transforming one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. Now, with the ‘Walk Across America,’ Brooks aims to scale his vision to help more children escape poverty and violence, while also promoting the values of merit and perseverance within American society. The fundraising goals for this journey are ambitious, as Brooks seeks to build a 90,000-square-foot Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center in Chicago, free of debt, to serve as a hub for mentorship, training, and community support.
The ‘Walk Across America’ is expected to garner support from both private citizens and business leaders, as Brooks has expressed gratitude for the backing he has received. This mission underscores his belief that the American dream is still attainable through faith, hard work, and visionary thinking. Brooks has also highlighted the importance of restoring the spiritual essence of the nation, a central theme in his journey. Despite the ambitious nature of his goals, Brooks remains optimistic about the future, believing that through collective effort and determination, significant change can be achieved for America’s youth. His journey represents not just a physical movement across the country, but also a broader movement aimed at inspiring hope and action for the next generation.