For more than 50 years, J.W. James African Methodist Episcopal Church has been a pillar of faith, service, and community in Maywood. Founded in 1971 by Rev. Dr. Lucille L. Jackson and Rev. Dr. Esther J. Mitchell, the church has built a legacy of empowering residents and addressing community needs. Under the leadership of Pastor Garry S. Mitchell Sr., that legacy continues to grow in innovative ways. Recognizing the importance of digital access in today's world, the church partnered with Quilt Corporation NFP and Cook County Digital Equity to establish the Rosa Parks Computer Learning Lab, which officially opened on February 28, 2026.
The lab became a reality through a partnership between J.W. James AME Church, Quilt Corporation NFP, and Cook County Digital Equity, with partial support from the IMPACT Small Grants Program. The partnership brought together three organizations united by a common belief: access to technology is essential for education, employment, civic participation, and quality of life.
On February 28, 2026, community members, church leaders, and digital equity advocates gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was attended by numerous presiding ministers from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, whose presence underscored the important role faith institutions continue to play as trusted anchors within their communities. What was being celebrated was not simply a room filled with computers. It was a new pathway to opportunity.
The project grew from a shared vision between the church and Quilt Corporation NFP, an organization dedicated to empowering communities through education, workforce development, and digital equity initiatives. Through its N'SPiRE initiative, Quilt works to close the digital divide by creating opportunities for residents to access technology, build digital skills, and prepare for success in an increasingly connected world.
That vision aligned closely with Cook County's Digital Equity Action Plan and the goals of the IMPACT Small Grants Program. Created through a partnership between Cook County and City Bureau, the IMPACT program invests in community-driven projects that expand digital access, strengthen digital literacy, and elevate local storytelling. The program recognizes that digital equity requires more than broadband and devices. It also requires trusted community spaces and relationships that help residents confidently navigate the digital world.
Notably, Quilt Corporation NFP and J.W. James AME Church were selected as one of the inaugural Empowerment Grant recipients in the first round of IMPACT funding, reflecting the strength of their vision and commitment to community impact.
The celebration represented a full day of digital opportunity for the Maywood community. Earlier that day, in partnership with Compudopt, more than 100 laptop computers were distributed to local residents, helping individuals and families gain access to the technology needed for work, education, healthcare, and everyday life. The device distribution complemented the opening of the Rosa Parks Computer Learning Lab by addressing two critical components of digital equity: access to devices and access to a trusted community space where residents can build the skills and confidence needed to use them effectively.
The naming of the lab in honor of Rosa Parks is especially fitting. Parks' legacy reminds us that access and opportunity are never accidental; they are created through courage, collaboration, and persistence. Today, the Rosa Parks Computer Learning Lab stands as a modern expression of that principle. Within the walls of a historic church, residents now have a place to learn new skills, search for jobs, connect with loved ones, complete coursework, and participate more fully in the digital society.
The opening of the Rosa Parks Computer Learning Lab demonstrates what is possible when faith communities, nonprofit organizations, and local government work together. By transforming a trusted community space into a hub for digital opportunity, J.W. James AME Church, Quilt Corporation NFP, and Cook County Digital Equity have created more than a computer lab. They have created a lasting investment in the future of Maywood.