The Southland School Districts partner with UNCF for fundraising event


The Southland School Districts partner with UNCF for fundraising event

By Tia Carol Jones

The Superintendent’s Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity will host the “Investing in Our Future” Gala at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 1st, at the Tinley Park Convention Center, located at 18451 Convention Center Drive.

The event is a fundraiser, in partnership with the UNCF. Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227, is the President of the Superintendent’s Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity.  It was founded in 1991 and is comprised of about 40 African-American Superintendents across the State of Illinois.

“We’re trying to double the amount of scholarships we’re giving out to our students,” he said. “I hope to get as many of our community members there as possible. We’ll have our children there performing and it’ll be a night for celebrating Black excellence.”

Since it was founded in 1944, the UNCF has awarded $11 Million in scholarships to students in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Thomas said over the last decade, the organization has worked hard to provide scholarships to students. Each year, the organization provides about $30,000 to $40,000 to local students. This year, the organization has partnered with the UNCF in order to expand its fundraising capacity.

“We’re committed to making sure that our children not only get into college, but that they have the financial means to stay in college,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO of Southland College Prep, in a release.

Davis said the Superintendents in the Southland and surrounding areas are bound and determined to raise more than $100,000. Davis said she feels encouraged by the support from Thomas and the other Superintendents in the area for the event. Davis said the event also has support from members of the Divine Nine Black Greek Letter Organizations. She said everyone is excited and wants the event to be successful.

Art Norman of NBC Chicago will be the emcee of the event. About 100-150 students from Proviso East, Rich Township High School District 227, South College Prep Charter High School and Kankakee School District 111 will perform as a mass choir during the event. The choir will be directed by Fred Nelson, who was Aretha Franklin’s musical director. A VIP reception, for Gold sponsors and higher, will take place at 5:30 p.m.  The dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m.

“The Superintendents that represent the Commission have come together, not only to push the vendors that work for them, but their staff, too.  We’re really excited so far, having close to 700 people joining us for the seated dinner,” said Thomas.

He added the event will showcase the talent of the students who attend the schools within the Districts that will be represented, it is important to make sure the community and school system is investing back into those students.

“The community that we represent and the broader community understands the future of our children is one that we’re all responsible for,” Davis said.

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