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During Winter 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that still dictated our realities, there was no certainty on what life would continue to look like. It was during this time when Chicago non-profits, The Simple Good and BUILD Chicago, came together to reflect on the challenges of the past year and how we can work together to create light amidst the chaos. It did not take long for the youth to become the highlight of the discussion, being inspired by the resilience they always show. It was important for us to celebrate their continued strengths, leadership, and acts of simple good that they take part in everyday in order to show the world that these are acts that truly impact others.

 This compilation of comics was inspired by The Simple Good’s ‘Sheroes of COVID-19’ book, which shared stories about female sheroes from across the globe who stepped up their leadership to spread the simple good during the pandemic. We wanted to challenge our girls to also think of themselves as change agents in their worlds as Sheroes of Chicago- elevating their truths that they have discovered throughout the pandemic.

This book is written by BUILD Chicago’s BUILDing Girls 2 Women youth who will share how they are Sheroes in their Chicago communities, depicting the ways they have used their meaning of the simple good to change their world. Read their stories and join their movement in order to create a better world… together.

Proceeds of this book go to TSG and BUILD Chicago.

"Sheroes of COVID: The women leading in the crisis" is a global, crowdsourced collection of stories that recognizes the disproportionate exposure and impact of women during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book focuses on the positive stories happening around the world, recognizing heroines, unsung or often sung, who has led during the crisis. The story is part of a series of books to help children and families navigate the complexities of the crisis. Praise for Sheroes of COVID-19: “So important. So relatable. So human. Sheroes of COVID-19 is an inspiration to our families in a time when we need just that. This is a great learning opportunity for people as young as 4 and old as 104. It is a leadership book, a geography book, a hopeful book, and an understanding book.”— Geraldine Laybourne, first President of Nickelodeon and advocate for children and women“This special book shows how women are leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter who you are or where you come from, you can make life better for your community. Just look around you, then take initiative to make things better. And keep reading and encourage others to do the same!” — Dr. Ronald F. Ferguson, Harvard University Professor, and Founder, The Basics“Everyone can be a leader because everyone can help in some way—even in a scary time like this. I am sure these amazing women leaders will inspire you because when women lead, positive changes happen.”— Melanne Verveer, Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and Former U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues“Sheroes of COVID-19 is a wonderful resource to foster conversations between children and adults. These essential conversations will help the readers of this book recognize the power of ordinary women to do extraordinary things to mitigate human suffering during the most serious pandemic in a century.”— Dr. Fernando M. Reimers, Ford Foundation Professor of the Practice of International Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Product details

Heavy weight, strap bound journal, with pen included, for daily reflection and writing on your meaning of the simple good. Cover embosses the definition of 'the simple good' for a daily reminder on how to find it!

Cover Copy:

i. The commonality and core characteristics of positivity that are within all humans

ii. An occurrence, object or person easily encountered that brings joy and promotes gratitude

ie: You are my simple good. 

Introducing our TSG x Chicago French Press Collaboration Affirmation Box! We are so excited to be partnering with Chicago French Press to create this collection box full of goodies, just in time for the holiday season! 

This box includes: 

- 1x 3 oz package of Chicago French Press Coffee

- 1x TSG Positivity Bead bracelet 

- 1x 'You Are The Simple Good'  coffee mug 

- 1x Affirmation card and our Simple Good Stickers

So grab yours today and spread some warmth and simple good this winter season.

(PRE-ORDER YOURS TODAY) 

We are now selling our TSG 'City of Big Dreams' Themed Long Sleeves! Our super soft long sleeve tee will bring back the nostalgia of our iconic annual arts celebration that brings together the City to inspire us to dream! Grab this limited edition long sleeve today!

"Stay Dreaming" written down length of sleeve

Grab a TSG Bracelet and help spread positive vibes by passing one onto someone who has shown you an act of 'the simple good' in your life.

Each bracelet is made of lava stone beads (provides energies of strength & courage) and sandal wood beads (protects from negative energies) and has a beautifully engraved silver pendant. Each bracelet sold helps support TSG Youth Art Programming focused on mindfulness and social emotional learning.

Rep The Simple Good from across the world through this beautiful tote representing global unity under goodness. The bag has translations of 'the simple good' in Spanish, French, Croatian, Gujarati, Hindi, Swahili, Arabic, Acholi, Portuguese, Kinyarawandan, Japanese and English which are all different parts of the world that have been touched by TSG! Bring this bag everywhere you go and see how you'll quickly connect to the world :)

Spread the simple good with our TSG Greeting Cards! The card bundle includes five 5' x 7' Blank cards with envelopes. Each card features artwork by our students and shares their artist statement on their meaning of 'the simple good' in the inside cover. Help spread messages of hope and positivity to your loved ones through these beautiful cards inspired by our students!

Pack of 5 cards with envelopes included.

TSG x ProArt Hardbound Sketchbook Pack

Includes:

- 11" x 8-1/2" ProArt Hardbound Sketchbook 

- Kneaded Rubber 

-Clear, netted travel case

- TSG Branded Stickers 

Ever since his studies of Sociology and human behavior, White has been inspired by the ways in which one can capture truth visually. He loves the challenge of taking the consumer beyond just seeing the art - he believes they should feel it. His voice is profound and thoughts are intellectual, providing a path to follow for young people of the next generation. His confidence and commitment to his craft is inspiring as he embraces his function in society to document the history of connected experiences through art. 

As a young boy, the thought of mastering various artistic practices fascinated him but he never truly immersed himself in visual art. White grew up in an athletic home - with both of his parents being collegiate athletes, it made sense he would aim to excel in that arena as well. His talent and commitment to athletics took him to the Chicagoland area where he took the football field for Northwestern University as a defensive back. In his Junior season, that came to a sudden end due to a medical retirement. The door to achieve in athletics closing is what allowed White embark on his creative journey in fine arts. The former Texas football recruit was brought to Chicago to be “Reborn” an artist. 

The impressive creations to which he gives life on the canvas are symbolic of true empowerment, often centered around his heritage as a young African American male. In White’s world of painting, there are elements and experiences that relate to everyone such as one of his favorite concepts, there being “beauty in the struggle.” However, as he’s evolved as an artist, White has found unique ways to not only empower those who are subjects of his work, but also spark immediate thought and emotion through visual storytelling. White’s paintings live in both small and large scales depending on which audiences he aims to reach. With both gallery wrapped executions and murals, he engages his consumers at different touch points so he can connect with both the contemporary and street art community. The versatility is what many of White’s followers find the most fascinating. 

To leave a lasting impression on his viewers, he uses bold primary hues that typically contrast the human subject. The palette strokes of either oils or acrylics provides a unique balance to his creations, allowing the artist to take a traditional fine painting approach and enhance it by introducing textures and abstract elements of typography to the canvas. White finds his inspiration on the energy of human experiences through the lens in which he sees the world. His love for consumer insights and understanding the depths of his subjects allows the work to embody a truth to create a cultural experience. The art exists for White’s mental wellness and happiness on his evolving journey. He aims to spread love and knowledge rooted in empathy and empowerment of the people. 

“My simple good is change, because change can be good and you can learn from it in a positive way. My simple good was inspired by the changes that I have been through that have made me a better person and friend. I depicted my simple good in my work by taking a photo of a little girl, who will eventually change into a grown woman. I plan on using the meaning of my simple good to inspire my community to make changes even if they are scared, and showing them that change can be good. This is important to me because change is necessary for growth, and for life.” 

— Andrea P., 9th Bronzeville

Phero is a Cultural Architect based in Chicago specializing in exclusive experiences, unique product, and original content. His goal is to impact a brand’s messaging, target audience, perception, and consumer loyalty. Dedicated to fusing artistry and culture with an emphasis on diversity.

“My simple good is nature, peace, and joy because feeling peaceful makes me calm, relaxed, and happy. My simple good was inspired by nature and laughter of my friends. I depicted this in my work by taking a photograph of flowers in a garden. I plan on using my meaning of the simple good to improve my community and change the world by spreading joy and peace. This is important to me because it makes me calm and gives me joy.” 

 —  Alex L., 6th Grade Little Village

• 400gsm Heavyweight Organic Cotton with brushed interior
• 100% organic cotton body and recycled poly ribbing comprising 20% of the garment
• Reverse flatlock stitching to reduce bulk and increase durability
• 4" wide, double folded, flat-knit side ribbing for added flexibility
• Adjustable drawstring hood with front kanga pocket
• Tear away neck labels for customization
• Standard Fit
• Pre-shrunk and treated to ensure minimal shrinkage

Priya Shah is an artist, world traveler, model, speaker and the Founder & Executive Director of The Simple Good. Her Artwork is inspired by poetry, acts of humanity and her family's heritage in East Africa & India to bridge understanding and dialogue on the inherent universal connection we all share as humans.

The Simple Good means just that – noticing the simple, good things that surround each of us, every day and motivate us to be the best versions of ourselves. Show your support for The Simple Good and quietly encourage everyone you see to find the simple good in their lives by wearing this tee. Positivity is contagious – make it go viral!  

Limited Edition TSG x Sentrock x The Chicago Bulls collab t-shirt was created to for our 7th Annual 'The Hunt20for Good' Fundraiser to support TSG Youth Art Programs. 

Artwork by Chicago-based Artist, Sentrock. Sentrock describes his masks as analogous to humanity: a person who is able to find or escape to their freedom by placing them in a different reality. His work presents undertones of hope, freedom and expression. All proceeds go towards TSG Social Emotional Learning based Youth Art Residency Programs to empower and embolden the possibility of our youth to become positive activists to change our world. 

Cream Color Unisex Lightweight T-Shirt 

Olusola "Shala." Akintunde is an Nigerian American contemporary artist, producer and pioneer in the medium of Solar Art; a discipline that seamlessly merges art and solar technology. He is primarily lauded for the creation of the poignant portrait series, Shala’s Seven Spoon and his groundbreaking solar murals and sculptures; particularly Shala’s Bronzeville Solar Pyramid.

www.byshala.com 

“My simple good is embracing my melanin because it’s really hard be a dark skinned woman in society nowadays. My simple good was inspired by seeing women on social media trying to change themselves. I depicted my simple good in my artwork by drawing beautiful black queens who know that their melanin is popping no matter what shape or size they are. I plan on using my meaning of the simple good to improve my community and change the world by bringing women together. So many women bring each other down on social media. We need to start empowering and appreciating each other.” 

 — Nia L., 12th Grade, East Side 

• • 4.2-ounce, 50/25/25 poly/combed ring spun cotton/rayon
  • 5/8" seamed collar
    
  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
  • Side seamed
  • Double-needle sleeves and hem
  • Tubular

"My ‘simple good’ is BLM.  I choose this simple good because this is happening a lot to repeating BLM and is not right because we need to respect people who are different colors. My ‘simple good’ was inspired to respect people with dark skin. I depicted my ‘simple good’ in my artwork by going like some people saying BLM.  I plan on using my meaning of the ‘simple good’ to improve my community and change the world by showing people the BLM.  This is important to me because I feel bad that people are not respecting Black people. THANK YOU! A simple good question I would ask others is: Why do they have to be rude to Black people?" 

- JUAN V., LITTLE VILLAGE

Unisex Lightweight Crewneck | Independent Co. 

We're so excited to announce our limited edition @thesimplegood x @vietfive T-shirt Drop! Designed by Tuan Huynh - Founder of @ChicagoPeace and Owner of @VietFive - this T-shirt is inspired by Logan M., a Hyde Park student from The Simple Good’s Youth Art Program.