MORE THAN 700 ATTEND BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

MORE THAN 700 ATTEND BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Richton Park, Ill. -- Calvin Jordan- Rich Township Supervisor and Democratic Committeeman was joined by the Rich Township Board of Trustees, and more than 700 of business leaders, elected officials, civic and clergy leaders in honoring ten African American giants as part of the 6TH Annual Rich Township Black History Month Gala and Awards Celebration.

Jordan, along with all 700 confirmed guests, stood and sent a clear message to President Trump that they would fight tooth and nail to sustain racial diversity, equality and justice.

This year’s event was not solely focused upon the honorees, but preparing the black community for a future that appears to be uncertain in many respects. Supervisor Jordan spoke to the capacity audience about the need for a strong voter registration push amid the vulnerability of public policy as it relates to the recent Presidential election.

This year's honorees include:

Honorable Justice Freddrenna M. Lyle, Illinois Appellate Court of Cook County

The Honorable Carl McCormick (Ret)

The Honorable Mariyana Spyropoulos, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

Carolyn Palmer, Trustee, Village of Matteson

Jackie D. Lynch, Nationally Recognized Pioneer in Organ Transplantation

Shirley Bomar-Cole, RN, BSN, MHS

Bonita Estelle, External Affairs, COMED

Dr. Nykoa Farmer, L.H.D.

Dreina A. Lewis, Community advocate

Dr. Gene Chandler, "The Duke of Earl"

“As a community we know all too well of the sacrifices and challenges that our modern day heroes 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 takes 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 recent presidential election” says Rich Township Supervisor/Democratic Committeeman Calvin Jordan.

Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin adds, “Justice Freddrenna Lyle and so many other past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award have 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 these leaders for their undying love, compassion, and commitment to the upward mobility of the African American community.”

The evening featured multiple tributes, laughter, reflection, and an appreciation of history. The honorees addressed 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 also challenged 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.”

I was honored to be in attendance at such a magnificent gala. However, the common denominator from this event is the belief that Dr. King had a lofty, but much longed-for, dream. Through this beautiful event, we all have learned that character will someday matter more than skin color. That people of all races should come together in unity, rather than in discord." says Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon.

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