The Story Behind The Name
As President of Sweeping Our Own Porch, I, Stacie L. Cole, am proud to lead an organization born from personal experience and a deep connection to my roots. Growing up as a Black woman on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois, I was raised in a family that never shied away from picking up a broom. Cleaning and attention to detail were not merely chores but a way of life, instilled from the top down. My mother’s militant cleaning style taught me that the flow and peace of a home often rest on a foundation of order and specifics.
Meanwhile, my father’s mother and my aunts dedicated themselves to a different kind of caretaking — sweeping the porch and curb of my grandmother’s home. As a young girl, I watched them meticulously sweep, thinking to myself how small and, at times, meaningless the task seemed. New leaves would always blow in, new dirt would settle, and litter would inevitably return, but my aunts remained undeterred, consistently sweeping with purpose. It wasn’t until years later, as time ran its course and that porch became less attended, that I realized how these small actions, once seeming insignificant, could suddenly stand out.
Sweeping Our Own Porch now represents a mission far beyond literal cleaning. It’s about paying attention to the details in life and taking responsibility for creating peace and purpose within ourselves. Just as sweeping a porch can offer a sense of calm and renewal, our organization aims to foster a space where individuals can build self-discipline and embrace the process of self-care with generosity and grace.
Thank you for supporting Sweeping Our Own Porch.
The Journey to Establishment
November 28, 2023
Since being a teenage, a profound desire to create an organization that addresses the deep-seated issues we all face but often struggle to confront: self-love, self-worth, acceptance, and the generational traumas that shape our lives. It all began during my time at Curie Metropolitan High School (in Chicago,IL), Club Virtue, founded by our English teacher, Miss Lane (now Mrs. Jones). When Miss Lane left, my classmates and I re-established Club Virtue for our senior year. Hearing the stories of the diverse girls in our club—each grappling with their own challenges—fueled passion to start something more.
Phenomenal Woman an initial endeavor, evolving over time into what is now Sweeping Our Own Porch. This organization isn’t just a goal; it’s what we all should be doing. It’s a place where I’ve found purpose in fostering mental wellness and healing within our community. Every day, I’m reminded that I belong here, guiding S.O.O.P. as a nurturing force for all of us, offering support, understanding, and pathways to growth.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are creating a space where healing is possible, where each person can find solace, strength, and the courage to embrace their truest selves.
With gratitude,
President
Sweeping Our Own Porch
The Logo
We wanted a strong representation
The creation of our logo is a deeply personal and intentional process that reflects the heart and soul of Sweeping Our Own Porch (S.O.O.P.). When we set out to design this symbol, we knew it had to represent the power of unity, strength, and resilience within our community. The logo embodies the essence of who we are, standing firm in our mission to promote mental wellness, healing, and empowerment.
Each detail was carefully thought out to ensure inclusivity and relevance to our journey. From the hair design, which symbolizes the diverse, powerful, and proud identities within our community, to the protesters in the middle, the logo reflects the courage it takes to stand up for oneself, fight for one’s rights, and exercise the memory to process and heal from past experiences. These details were chosen purposefully to remind us that our voices matter, and our stories are worthy of being heard.
The central phrase, “Power,” running up the middle of the logo, is a statement that represents the strength that exists within us all. It is a call to stand tall, embody strength, and confidently face the challenges ahead, knowing that through it all, we are empowered to rise above.
Our journey to this final version of the logo was not without its challenges. We went through several different versions before finding the one that truly captured our vision and values. The evolution of this logo is a reflection of our own growth, resilience, and commitment to staying true to our mission.
On December 2, 2023, we proudly launched this logo across all our platforms, symbolizing a new chapter for Sweeping Our Own Porch. It is not just a logo; it is a representation of all the women and individuals who have contributed to our journey and the many more we will continue to serve.
With each detail, we’ve created a visual testament to the work we’re doing and the power of community, and we’re excited to carry it forward as a beacon of hope, strength, and transformation.
Thank you for being a part of our mission.
With love and gratitude,
President
Sweeping Our Own Porch