Our Mission
"Eradicate racism while advocating for violence prevention, reforming education, mentorship and enriching the Black community."
OUR TEAM
Executive director/founder
Romel Murphy is a Chicago-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social advocate dedicated to uplifting underserved communities through impactful initiatives.
He is the founder of Equality Should Be Normal (ESBN), a grassroots organization committed to eradicating racism and promoting social justice. ESBN focuses on violence prevention, educational reform, mentorship, and community enrichment, particularly in marginalized neighborhoods across Chicago.
In November 2020, Murphy opened the Barbara Murphy Community Resource Center in Washington Park, named in honor of his mother. The center provides free meals, groceries, essential goods, mental health services, STEM education, and other vital resources to residents on the South Side.
Murphy has also been a leader in community safety initiatives. In response to a rise in carjackings, ESBN launched efforts to provide women with safe access to gas stations and basic services, demonstrating a commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable individuals.
Through collaborations with community leaders and public figures—including Chef Stephanie Izard, who serves as board chair for ESBN—Murphy has organized citywide events and virtual galas to support ongoing programs and expand outreach.
His work continues to inspire positive change and foster unity by addressing systemic inequities and championing equality as a lived, everyday experience—not just a goal.
Board of directors
Board of Directors – Equality Should Be Normal (ESBN)
The Board of Directors at Equality Should Be Normal (ESBN) is a dynamic group of community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates who share a unified vision: to build a society where equity, justice, and compassion are the norm—not the exception.
Together, they bring decades of experience across fields such as social justice, nonprofit leadership, public policy, mental health, education, and business innovation. Their guidance helps shape ESBN’s mission to promote racial equity through mentorship, violence prevention, educational reform, and community development.