CHICAGO GATHERS TO CELEBRATE PASTOR IRA ACREE’S 60TH BIRTHDAY

CHICAGO GATHERS TO CELEBRATE PASTOR IRA ACREE’S 60TH BIRTHDAY

Hundreds of community leaders, elected officials, congregants, and supporters will gather in the western suburbs this Friday to celebrate a milestone birthday for one of Chicago’s most dedicated civil rights champions, Pastor Ira Acree. The beloved pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church, where he has served for 35 years, will be honored for his tireless advocacy, leadership, and commitment to social justice.

Acree, a fixture on Chicago’s West Side, has spent decades fighting for racial and economic equality. His journey in civil rights began under the mentorship of the legendary Rev. Jesse Jackson, serving as Rainbow PUSH West President in the early 2000s. His impact has only grown since, as he continues to lead efforts in social justice, violence prevention, and economic empowerment.

Acree’s lifetime of service includes leading many prayer vigils, press conferences, marches and other protests on the front lines for civil rights and social justice. In the long relay race of life, Acree has grabbed the baton and he is committed to leading our long journey to freedom across the finish line.

“In my lifetime, we lost Malcolm X and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. each at age 39 during the 1960s”, says David Cherry, President of the Leaders Network. “We were denied the opportunities to celebrate milestones with them while they were alive. Pastor Acree is cut from the same rare fabric as those two heroes. I am overjoyed that in 2025 we will celebrate some significant milestones for Pastor Acree – turning 60 years of age, celebrating 35 years as a Pastor and 20 years as Co-Founder of the Leaders Network”, concluded Cherry.

Friday’s celebration will highlight Acree’s newest endeavor—his role in launching Leaders Network Financial, a groundbreaking partnership with Great Lakes Credit Union aimed at combating redlining and promoting financial health in underserved communities. Members of the credit union, along with community stakeholders, will gather to honor his vision and commitment.

Adding to the evening’s significance, Acree will be joined by some of the countless students who have benefited from his church’s generosity. Over the past 20 years, Greater St. John Bible Church has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships, ensuring that young people in his community have access to higher education and brighter futures.

This grand celebration will take place on Friday, February 7, at 7:00 PM at Elmcrest Banquets, 7370 W Grand Ave, Elmwood Park, IL.

For more information, please contact: David Cherry | (312) 399-3166

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