Quilen Blackwell, CNN's Hero of the Year, runs a nonprofit 'farm-to-vase' flower shop that empowers at-risk youth

Quilen Blackwell, the founder of a nonprofit that converts vacant lots on Chicagos South Side into thriving flower farms employing at-risk youth, has been honored as the 2025 CNN Hero of the Year. Online voters chose him from the Top 5 CNN Heroes, a group of individuals recognized for making a tangible difference in their communities.

Upon hearing the news, Blackwell credited his wife, Hannah, his Christian faith, and the young people working at his social enterprise, Southside Blooms, describing them as stars.

Honestly, I dont know how to make a centerpiece or arrange a bouquet, he said. They are the ones guiding the way.

Blackwell, 40, never planned a career in farming or floristry. Raised in a comfortable middle-class family in Madison, Wisconsin, he joined the Peace Corps after college and served in rural Thailand. Moving to Chicago for ministry school, he began tutoring at a high school in Englewood, experiencing firsthand the challenges faced by students in one of the citys most dangerous neighborhoods.

I realized I could have been any one of these kids, he reflected. They are people seeking a chance at something better.

Motivated to create opportunities, he partnered with Hannah Bonham, who shared his vision. In 2015, the couple married, settled in Englewood, and launched a nonprofit aimed at developing sustainable jobs while addressing local poverty.

Reviving Vacant Lots and Creating Opportunities

Once a vibrant commercial area, Englewood has suffered economic decline, leaving many residents in poverty and the neighborhood dotted with abandoned properties. Blackwell saw the potential in these neglected spaces.

One early initiative involved transforming a vacant lot into a community garden. While exploring sustainable alternatives, he discovered that the U.S. imports over 70% of its cut flowers despite abundant land and young talent locally.

Why import flowers when we have both land and youth right here? he asked. Flowers could be the solution.

Today, Southside Blooms operates six flower farms across Chicago, providing employment for 25 young people, primarily aged 16 to 25, with plans to expand nationally and open a second location on the citys west side this spring.

Supporting youth is like cultivating flowers, Blackwell said. Provide the right conditions, and they will flourish.

Award and Recognition

As CNN Hero of the Year, Blackwell receives $100,000 to expand his initiative. Each Top 5 CNN Hero also received $10,000, with donation-matching opportunities up to $50,000 from the Elevate Prize Foundation, which additionally contributes organizational support.

Honoring Legacy and Young Changemakers

The 19th annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute featured notable guests celebrating extraordinary individuals. The CNN Heroes Legacy Award was presented posthumously to Robert Redford for his decades-long environmental advocacy through The Redford Center, accepted by former Vice President Al Gore.

Sixteen-year-old Cash Daniels was recognized as a CNN Heroes Young Wonder for his efforts cleaning the Tennessee River, having removed over 45,000 pounds of trash and recycled more than 8,000 miles of fishing line since childhood.

Supporting CNN Heroes

Donations to the Top 5 CNN Heroes are currently matched dollar-for-dollar through January 4th via the Elevate Prize Foundation. Contributions help expand the initiatives of these community leaders.

Nominations for the 2026 CNN Heroes are now open. Stories of extraordinary individuals can be submitted at CNN.com/Heroes.

Author: Harper Simmons