R.A.G.E.

We are proud to announce that #MemberMondays is back with

Coretta “CJ” Pruitt being our first feature of 2018!

CJ Pruitt with her Father, Deacon Leonard M. Richardson

Coretta J. Pruitt, who is affectionately called “CJ,” by many, has lived in Englewood for more than 40 years. Her deep roots in Englewood were planted in 1964 when her parents purchased a home in West Englewood. As one of the first African-American families to settle in West Englewood, Coretta’s parents experienced overt racism and became heavily involved in the Civil Rights movement. They even named her after their fellow activist and friend, Coretta Scott King, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife.  

Being raised by civil rights activists who taught her the value of community, made a significant impression on Coretta and is reflected in her current work as a Parenting Fundamentals Educator with Metropolitan Family Services in Englewood. There, she helps parents of adolescent-aged children take steps towards achieving their professional/personal goals while also teaching them parent enrichment skills like positive discipline techniques and communication strategies. As a mother of six children, Coretta definitely knows about being a devoted parent. In 2000, at the height of her corporate career as a Program Analyst Consultant for companies such as Hewitt Associates, LLC and Ernest & Young, LLP., she resigned to be a full-time, stay-at-home mother. “I wanted to emulate my mother and be as great of a mother to my children as she was to me,” she said.    

CJ Pruitt’s mother, Mrs. Beverly Ann Goodman-Richardson

Coretta also emulated her mother’s dedication to helping others. During her collegiate years at Purdue University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, she joined the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Their principles of scholarship, service and sisterhood resonated with her and led her to be a volunteer for the supportive and employment services they offered to single mothers in need. She brought that same dedication to service and helping others to R.A.G.E. when she became a member in 2015. 

Coretta decided to attend a R.A.G.E. open house at Kelly Library in Englewood after being a resource provider at So Fresh Saturday for Metropolitan Family Services. “Life is stressful, especially in neighborhoods like Englewood, and So Fresh Saturday allows people to come together, enjoy and celebrate each other,” she says.

In addition to being an engaged R.A.G.E. member, Coretta also serves as the administrative champion of the Englewood Public Safety Task Force. Last year, she contributed to the Public Safety Task Force successfully hosting Jobs on the Block, a job fair on the vacant lot at 66th & Union St., and Rock the Beat, events aimed to curb violence on blocks experiencing high crime.

When she isn’t busy volunteering her time or helping parents become better, she enjoys relaxing with her children and husband of 23 years, James Pruitt.

Thank you Coretta J. Pruitt for your passionate devotion to the Greater Englewood community!