Black Contractors United Returns with Landmark Gala Honoring Congressman Danny K. Davis and Celebrating the Legacy of Larry Huggins

 

Black Contractors United Returns with Landmark Gala

TOGETHER WE STAND

Honoring Congressman Danny K. Davis and Celebrating the Legacy of Larry Huggins


Chicago, IL — March 28, 2026 — After a seven-year hiatus, President of Black Contractors United (BCU) Kareen Broughton, proudly announces the return of its highly anticipated Together We Stand Gala on Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The evening will bring together industry leaders, elected officials, and community changemakers for a powerful celebration of progress, partnership, and purpose.


Headlining the evening, Danny K. Davis will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Rep. LaShawn Ford, in recognition of his decades of leadership, public service, and unwavering commitment to the community. Yet, the heart of the evening belongs to one of Chicago’s most impactful builders—Larry Huggins.


A LEGACY THAT BUILT MORE THAN BUILDINGS

The Legacy Builder Award will be presented to Larry Huggins, President & CEO of Riteway-Huggins Construction, honoring a career defined not only by construction excellence but by transformative community impact.


A founding member of Black Contractors United, Huggins has spent decades advancing minority participation in the construction industry while building pathways for economic empowerment. Since founding Riteway-Huggins Construction in 1975, he has helped pioneer inclusive partnerships—most notably at O’Hare International Airport—setting new standards for minority business engagement in large-scale projects.


But Huggins’ legacy extends far beyond construction sites. He is the founder of Christmas in the Wards and co-founder of the Chicago Football Classic—two initiatives that have collectively impacted tens of thousands of lives across Chicago. Through these platforms, Huggins has helped deliver critical resources, educational opportunities, and hope to underserved communities throughout the city.  From distributing more than 10,000 toys and technology items annually to creating pathways for over 600 students to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, his work represents a blueprint for what true community leadership looks like.

“Larry Huggins represents the very best of what our industry and our city can be,” said a President Kareem Broughton. “He has not only built structures—he has built futures.”


The Together We Stand Gala marks a renewed commitment to BCU’s mission after its last gathering in 2018. It will be a night of celebration, opportunity and impact.  For more than 60 years, BCU has worked to level the playing field for minority contractors—unlocking opportunities, fostering partnerships, and driving measurable impact.


By 2026, BCU aims to:

Unlock $10 million in bid opportunities

Train and certify 1,000+ minority contractors

The gala will reflect that momentum through:

Ten awards honoring nine individuals and one company, Walsh Construction

Six scholarships supporting the next generation in carpentry, welding, plumbing & fire protection, overhead electrical line work, and construction management

A dynamic gathering of contractors, corporate partners, and civic leaders committed to building a more inclusive industry


This evening is not just a celebration—it is a declaration. Because of leaders like Larry Huggins and organizations like BCU, doors are opening wider. Businesses are growing stronger. Communities are becoming more resilient.  As Chicago continues to navigate economic challenges and opportunities, the message is clear:

When leadership, partnership, and purpose align, entire communities rise.

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