The Heroes in the Hood ceremony was held May 21 at the DuSable Museum of African American History. The celebration began with a reception before NBC Channel 5 Journalist Art Norman took the podium as Master of Ceremonies during the awards presentation. The annual event is free and open to the public.
The 25th anniversary celebration honored adult and youth heroes of 2018. Phillip Jackson, who is founder and executive director of the Black Star Project, and Melissa Washington, Vice President of External Affairs for ComEd, were honored as this year’s Role Models.
Founded in 1993 by GO Airport Express, the Chicago Crusader and the DuSable Museum, Heroes in the ‘Hood has recognized and rewarded outstanding teens from economically disadvantaged Chicago neighborhoods. Since the program’s inception, more than 400 Chicago teens have been honored for donating their time and talent to their communities.
In 2008, the program added a new award called “Stop the Violence,” which acknowledges a principal, teacher, counselor or community leader who has made an extraordinary effort to promote non-violence through school or an organization-based program.
The programs culminate in an exciting awards ceremony attended by youth applicants, school representatives, city officials, aldermen, media, community leaders and other VIPs. In the past, the event has received pre-event, on-site, and post-event media coverage on television and radio stations, and in daily and community papers.