Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted a celebration Feb. 25 to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community.
The event, held at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in the Marine Bank Building in downtown Springfield, recognized eight downstate honorees, including a Springfield dentist, the CEO and president of the Springfield Urban League and the head girls’ basketball coach at Lanphier High School in Springfield.
“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 young people, and inspiring future leaders who someday will follow in their footsteps.”
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.
Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to the community:
Outstanding Service in Business
Dr. Sean Crawford
Owner | Crawford Dental Clinic, Springfield
Outstanding Commitment to Community Service
Dr. Marcus Johnson
President and CEO | Springfield Urban League
Outstanding Commitment to Education
Dr. Rochelle Clark
Superintendent | Decatur Public Schools
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official Honorable
Carolin Harvey
Mayor | City of Carbondale
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor
James Franklin
Trustee | Teamsters Local 916
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
Doug Collins
Head Girls Basketball Coach | Lanphier High School, Springfield
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Katie Otey
Publisher, Author, Poet, and Literary Advocate
Jesse White Leadership Award
Pastor Marvin Hightower
President | NAACP Peoria
Earlier this month, Frerichs hosted a celebration in Chicago honoring Chicago-area Black leaders.
