From Roots to Renewal

Idlewild Community Alliance (ICA) is a resident-led, community-rooted nonprofit initiative committed to restoring, preserving, and uplifting the sacred legacy of Idlewild—historically known as Black Eden. Born under the umbrella of Youth Community Agency and now we are independently approved and recognized with IRS tax-exempt status.

ICA exists to honor Idlewild’s past while building a strong, resilient, and opportunity-filled future for generations of African Americans.

Grounded in our mission to protect the land, celebrate its heritage, strengthen community, and create meaningful Afro-Tourism experiences, ICA works to ensure that Idlewild remains a thriving home, cultural refuge, and place of pride and healing for all who belong to its story. Our vision is to see Idlewild flourish once again as a vibrant Black destination—filled with restored spaces, economic pathways, intergenerational connections, cultural experiences, and community-led development that honors those who built Black Eden while empowering those shaping its future.

Today, ICA leads practical, hands-on projects that build the foundation for a revitalized Idlewild, including community placemaking, land stewardship, heritage preservation, food access initiatives, and small-business support. Through programs, partnerships, and community-led action, we strive to create a sustainable model of Black community preservation and economic renewal. Each step we take is rooted in unity, healing, and the unwavering belief that Idlewild’s legacy must not only be remembered—but reborn.

🌳 Founder & Roots

Idlewild Community Alliance was founded by Rodnesha Ross, whose family roots connect Detroit to Idlewild. Inspired by over 15 years of her family’s involvement in the community, Rodnesha returned to Idlewild to protect the land, preserve its heritage, and foster economic and cultural growth for future generations.

Guided by ICA’s mission to preserve the land, celebrate heritage, strengthen community, and create meaningful Afro-Tourism experiences, Rodnesha envisioned an organization that champions resident leadership and community-driven renewal. Her work is grounded in practical action—reviving local spaces, supporting Black-owned businesses, fostering intergenerational connection, and ensuring Idlewild remains a place of pride, healing, and opportunity for all who belong to its story.

What began as a family connection has grown into a powerful movement to protect Idlewild’s legacy and build a flourishing future for generations to come.

🎯 OUR MISSION

Our mission is to preserve the sacred heritage and living legacy of Idlewild—Black Eden—while strengthening the community that has carried it forward for generations. We work to protect the land, restore its beauty, and celebrate its history through programs that uplift residents, connect families, support small businesses, and invite African Americans and all people who honor Black heritage to rediscover Idlewild through meaningful Afro-Tourism experiences. Our aim is to ensure that Idlewild remains a thriving home, a cultural refuge, and a place of pride, healing, and opportunity for all who belong to its story.

✨ OUR VISION

Our vision is to see Idlewild restored as a vibrant, flourishing Black destination—where heritage is honored, community is strengthened, and future generations can feel the spirit of those who built Black Eden. We envision a revitalized Idlewild filled with restored spaces, a thriving environment for small business growth and community economic development, intergenerational connections, youth and adult camps, cultural events, and immersive.

ICA through community-driven governance, ensuring that the voices, experiences, and needs of the families and communities they serve help guide programs, services, and decision-making. By working collaboratively with community members and partners, ICA creates initiatives that reflect real needs and promote sustainable, long-term impact.

Community & Partnerships

ICA works hand-in-hand with Idlewild residents, township officials, regional nonprofits, technical partners, local businesses, and philanthropic supporters. Our projects prioritize cross-sector collaboration and multi-jurisdictional coordination so planning and implementation reflect diverse expertise and local priorities. As a program of Youth Community Agency, ICA benefits from fiscal sponsorship and established administrative systems that support compliance and strong financial stewardship.

Governance & Transparency

We are committed to accountable, resident-led governance. ICA is guided by an advisory board composed primarily of Idlewild residents, property owners, local business partners, and community representatives. Board members serve two-year terms and play an active role in planning, oversight, and community engagement. For funders and partners, ICA provides annual reports, audited financials, and governance documents on request to ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.

Partners & Funders

We partner with local government, foundations, businesses, and technical experts who support Idlewild’s revitalization.

• Youth Community Agency — Community Partner.
  

• Looking at The Whole Picture Foundation — Programmatic and technical support for food-access and placemaking initiatives.
  

• Lake County — Municipality Collaborations