Illinois State Treasurer Recognizes Chicagoans During Black History Month

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and award recipients. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER’S OFFICE.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and award recipients. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER’S OFFICE.

Illinois State Treasurer Recognizes Chicagoans During Black History Month

By Tia Carol Jones

Local elected officials and community stakeholders, as well as business leaders, were recently celebrated for their achievements and contributions by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

Among those recognized during the Black History Month celebration were Stephanie Hart, Founder and Owner of Brown Sugar Bakery; Jesse White, Former Illinois Secretary of State and Founder of the Jesse White Tumblers; Dr. Katrina Bell-Jordan, President of Northeastern Illinois University; LaVonte Stewart, Founder and Executive Director of Lost Boyz, Inc.; Illinois State Senator Elgie Sims; Chynna Hampton, Equity Director at Climate Jobs Illinois; Curtis Granderson, Retired Baseball Player and Founder of Grand Kids Foundation; and Actor Harry Lennix, Founder of the Lillian Marcie Center Project.

Frerichs said highlighting the recipients of the awards was necessary to show young people what success looks like in different fields. He added that representation matters because when young people see someone who looks like them in a field they can strive towards those fields. Frerichs acknowledged Jesse White and the work he did as Secretary of State and said he saw what White did throughout his career.

In her speech Chynna Hampton, who was recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor, talked about her journey and people who served as way makers for her and provided support for her when she needed it. She also thanked her mother.

“These are things we could only imagine. I am so grateful that you saw me and saw the work that I’m doing, and I’m literally standing on the shoulders of giants, so thank you,” she said.

Curtis Granderson, who was recognized as Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship, talked about how his parents demonstrated how to treat others and give back to the community. Through the Chicago Baseball and Educational Academy, Granderson is able to give young people in Chicago a space to practice, play and train. 

Frerichs said the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has increased the participation of Black Broker/ Dealers and Asset Managers. He said it speaks to the Treasurer’s Office commitment to diversity.

“Today we’re going to focus on those people who have done an awful lot of right for an awful long time,” he said.

Frerichs said that the Treasurer’s Office has prioritized Minority, Women and Veteran-owned businesses in the State of Illinois, with the hope to attract and retain quality businesses in the state. He said doing so has helped the Treasurer’s Office bring a significant economic impact to Illinois.

“Diverse firms are often better positioned for greater innovation, stronger returns and able to identify opportunities that many people overlook,” he said.

For more information about the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, visit illinoistreasurer.gov.


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