State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Presents Awards to Dr. Katonja Webb Walker and other Chicago Leaders in Honor of Black History Month

MacArthur “Genius Grant” Recipient Tonika Lewis Johnson, Kennedy-King College President Katonja Webb Walker, Illinois Economic Development CEO Christy George, Chicago Hope Football Coach Christopher Mallette Among Those Honored

CHICAGO–Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community.

The event was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight Chicago-area honorees included a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient and artist who cofounded a neighborhood association, the CEO and president of a statewide economic development group, a longtime pastor, a college president, a state senator, a labor leader, a high school football coach, and the executive director of a leadership development organization.

“We celebrate and acknowledge the great achievements and contributions of African Americans every day, not just in February,” Frerichs said. “Today, we make a special point of honoring eight leaders who are dedicated to making our communities better places to live, work, and raise a family. These individuals make a difference by strengthening our state and our neighborhoods, educating and mentoring students, and developing future leaders who someday will follow in their footsteps.”

“Receiving this honor and award during Black History Month is deeply meaningful. It reminds me that our work stands on the shoulders of generations who fought to open doors to education and opportunity. I share this recognition with my students, faculty and staff.  They too believe in the power of education to transform lives. Together, we celebrate progress and further commit ourselves to building a better future for our city and state,” said Dr. Katonja Webb Walker, president of Kennedy-King College.

Former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White was on hand to help Treasurer Frerichs present the Jesse White Leadership Award. Frerichs renamed the award as a tribute to Secretary White’s decades of distinguished public service.

Black History Month is a national effort started 100 years ago — in 1926 — by University of Chicago graduate, author and educator Carter G. Woodson. In 1976, the annual celebration was expanded to a month.

Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to the community:

Outstanding Service in Business

Christy George, President & CEO | Illinois Economic Development Corporation

Outstanding Commitment to Community Service

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ

Outstanding Commitment to Education

Dr. Katonja Webb-Walker (pictured in red), President, Kennedy-King College, City Colleges of Chicago

Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official

Hon. Adriane Johnson, Illinois State Senator

Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor

Debra Simmons-Peterson, President, Teamsters Local 743

Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship

Christopher Mallette, Director of Community Relations & Outreach and Head Football Coach of Chicago Hope Academy

Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities

Tonika Lewis Johnson, Artist and Photographer, Cofounder, Resident Association of Greater Englewood

Jesse White Leadership Award

Mark Payne, Executive Director of Public Allies

Later in February, Treasurer Frerichs will hold a celebration in Springfield honoring Downstate Black leaders.