Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman will be joined by the Rich Township Board of Trustees, Village of Matteson Trustees, and over 700 hundred of business leaders, elected officials, civic and clergy leaders in honoring ten African American giants as part of the 5th Annual Rich Township Black History Month Gala and Awards Celebration.
This year’s event will not be solely focused upon the honorees, but preparing the black community for a future that appears to be uncertain in many respects. Supervisor Jordan will speak to the capacity audience about the need for a strong voter registration push amid the vulnerability of public policy as it relates to the upcoming Presidential election.
The Rich Township Black History Awards Gala is the largest event of its kind in the State of Illinois.
This year’s honorees include:
- Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
- Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin
- Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyer-Martin
- Illinois Supreme Court Justice Joy Cunningham
- COO of the Chicago Public Health, Dr. Terry Mason
- Real Estate Executive Elzie Higginbottom
- Businessman Kham Beard
- Veteran Advocate Kham Beard
“As a community we know all too well of the sacrifices and challenges that these courageous individuals have had to endure. But their efforts were only geared toward enhancing the quality of life of African Americans throughout the state of Illinois.
Rich Township and the Village of Matteson take significant pride in ensuring that we honor these heroes during this very precious month for people of color. But our focus for this event must also be centered around the uncertainty of the future of our children amid the upcoming presidential election” says Rich Township Supervisor/Democratic Committeeman Calvin Jordan.
This year’s Lifetime Achievement award will be presented to Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.
Fellow honoree and Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin adds, “Lt. Governor Stratton has successfully blazed the trail for so many women who have entered public life. She changed the entire landscape within the Illinois General Assembly as it relates to progressive governing, advocating for women worldwide, and even the fashion code for women in government. Without her commitment to the advancement of the African American race, we would not have achieved the enormous progress that we have enjoyed over the past three decades. We all are in debt to Lt. Governor Stratton for her undying love, compassion, and commitment to the upward mobility of the African American community.”
The evening will feature multiple tributes, laughter, reflection, and an appreciation of history. The honorees will address the mass crowd by showing their appreciation, but also charging the hundreds in attendance that there is much work to do to fulfill the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Supervisor Jordan will also challenge those in attendance to focus their efforts on promoting diversity and inclusion in all of their professional and personal endeavors.
Jordan adds, “There is simply no way I could have the most prominent African American leaders in one facility and not encourage them to be the leaders of racial harmony, fairness, and justice. The Southland is now the mecca of opportunity for young aspiring African American businesspersons and government leaders. Diversity has brought us this far, but greater diversity will lead us to the mountain of acceptance and equality.”
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