About Us
The 1911 Initiative® is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders by reducing financial barriers to higher education and connecting college students with real-world professional experiences.
We provide scholarships, stipends, mentorship, and support with essential needs so students can focus on achieving their academic and leadership goals. Through partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations, we offer paid internships and hands-on learning opportunities that help students grow professionally and personally.
Our social fundraising events engage the broader community in investing in these young leaders, ensuring that future generations are prepared to make a lasting, positive impact.
Empowering the next generation of leaders through education and real‑world experience
A native of the south East Side of Chicago, Cortland fell in love with helping those in need when he was only a teenager. Inspired by many childhood friends who were a part of organizations which were actively engaged in community work, Cortland quickly developed a deep passion for charitable work. This resolve stuck with him through college, leading him to join Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity where he continued his desire of community involvement. The eldest of 3 children, Cortland received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in education as well as a master’s in criminal justice.
Cortland went on to continue his love of community and inspiring the youth by teaching in the Chicago Public Schools for almost a decade. That atmosphere of molding and shaping young minds is what inspires him most and drives him to mentor regularly.
Realizing the best way to organize wonderful people from all over the Chicago area was through the collective love of music and fellowship. Cortland began organizing and sponsoring local events to raise money to donate to other organizations centered around education. This eventually grew into “A Stone Cold Groove” an annual party with a purpose garnering several hundred individuals from throughout the Chicago area coming together to raise money for college bound students headed to HBCU. The success of ASCG led to the nonprofit arm of 1911 Initiative.
Today, along with the other awesome board members, he assists in shaping the foundation’s strategies, reviews results, and helps to set the overall direction of the organization. Together, they meet with grantees and partners to further the foundation’s goal of improving equity in the lives of college bound students, especially in Chicago.
Through his work at the foundation over the last few years, Cortland has seen first-hand that empowering students from the inner city can bring transformational improvements in the health and prosperity of families, communities, and societies.
Executive Director
Cortland Campbell
“Live Long & Prosper!”
-Spock
We Invest in People Not Companies
The 1911 Initiative is committed to more than simply awarding scholarships; we are investing in emerging leaders. We seek students and partner organizations who are driven to create meaningful change in their communities and who demonstrate that commitment through their actions. Each candidate is thoughtfully reviewed to ensure their passion aligns with a strong work ethic and a record of follow-through.
We understand that financial support is often hardest to access for those without established pathways to opportunity. Our goal is to direct resources to individuals who are not only striving for excellence in the classroom, but who are also actively contributing to their communities through service, leadership, and consistent engagement.
We Develop Change Makers
We recognize that traditional ideas of “success” often reflect a narrow viewpoint. The 1911 Initiative exists to broaden that vision by empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose. Through our scholarships and programs, we nurture the drive, resilience, and leadership potential in each of our recipients so they can redefine what success looks like for themselves and their communities.
Drive & Desire
We launched our initiative so aspiring students anywhere in Illinois can think differently, learn collaboratively and join a community of learners and doers who possess a burning desire to change the world through activism and participation and who pledge to pay that blessing forward.
Our aim is to help future leaders with the skills, determination and moral imagination to challende the status quo by offering them the space to critically think about their circumstances and combine that with a much-needed support system and knowledge base so they can begin to unlock their full potential and drive social change through education.
Board Members
Sherri grew up on the south side of Chicago and was raised in the church as her father was a Pastor. Her mother, being a First Lady, oversaw community service events for the church so Sherri learned the value of helping others, being a blessing, and having a heart for those in need. She grew up watching and learning the art of event décor as her mother entertained and was well known for her extravagant tablescapes in the home and at annual church celebrations.
As Sherri pursued her degree at Northern Illinois University, she also followed her mother’s footsteps by becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. There she learned more about community service, and the art of creativity. After graduation Sherri landed a career in banking and springboarded into business development for a specialized division of the bank. Although this career was very rewarding, this was just not a passion….it was a job.
It wasn’t until later in adulthood Sherri decided to tap into a gift which had been buried but not forgotten by her late mother. She enjoyed creating sweet tables. Her attention to detail and fondness for perfection was what her clients loved about her. Venturing out to total event décor, she began to bring the art of creativity and personalization to every single event making her the best at what she does.
Now in the present, the words, CREATE, ACCOMPLISH, and EVOLVE embody Sherri’s professional and personal values. She has a passion for creating epic events and thrives on the energy of event day……. watching all the intricate pieces fall into place.
Sherri brings the creative arm to the 1911 Initiative. She is solution – focused and executes a vision with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. She is always praised for her relationship building and her “whatever it takes” approach. She has worked with A Stone Cold Groove for the past 3 years providing an epic decor
experience for guest which is always remembered. She looks forward to future successful 1911 Initiative/Stone Cold Groove Events.
Sherri James
Board Member
Christopher Avent
Board Member
Christopher C. Avent, Sr., known as CCA, has been a DJ and promoter for over 40 years. He has played at classic clubs all over Chicagoland such as Mars Bar, AKA’s, Edge of the Looking Glass, Coconuts and
C.O.D.S opening for Frankie Knuckles. Expanding into live music promotions, CCA has promoted hundreds of parties and live music events.
Daryl has lives in Chicagoland area and received an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from the Northeastern Illinois University and a Masters in Information Technology from Northwestern University. He has made a career in technology and serves as the lead infrastructure architect and strategic planner for a financial company in Chicago. He has been involved in mentoring programs for young men in technology along with Kappa League. Daryl joined 1911 Initiative in 2023 and is using his vast experience in business and technology to help enhance the organization.
Daryl Smith
Board Member