About – Soul Survivors of Chicago

A Community Built Through Healing, Advocacy, and Purpose.

Soul Survivors of Chicago was founded after the tragic loss of founder Rafiah Maxie-Cole’s son, Jamal, in 2020. What began as a deeply personal journey through grief became a mission to support others impacted by suicide, trauma, violence, and loss.

Our Mission

The mission of Soul Survivors of Chicago is to uplift underserved communities of color through education, advocacy, storytelling and compassionate support of suicide awareness and prevention. We champion mental health and wellness, walk alongside those impacted by loss or trauma, and lead with innovative strategies to prevent suicide—building resilient, thriving communities for generations to come.

Our Vision

What We Believe

We believe healing begins through connection, conversation, and community. Our work is rooted in creating safe spaces where individuals feel supported, heard, and empowered to move forward with hope and purpose.

Founder & Executive Director

Meet Rafiah Maxie-Cole

Rafiah Maxie-Cole is a licensed clinical social worker, advocate, speaker, filmmaker, and the founder of Soul Survivors of Chicago. After the devastating loss of her 19-year-old son Jamal to suicide in 2020, Rafiah transformed her grief into a mission centered on healing, awareness, and community support.

Through Soul Survivors of Chicago, she works to address suicide prevention, mental health awareness, trauma recovery, and culturally responsive support within underserved communities of color. Her work combines lived experience, clinical expertise, advocacy, and storytelling to create spaces where individuals and families feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Rafiah has produced award-winning documentaries, led community outreach efforts across Chicago, spoken nationally on suicide prevention and trauma-informed care, and continues to advocate for stronger mental health resources for youth, families, and marginalized communities.