Left to right: Pastor Andrew Singleton, Calvin Jordan and Sean Howard
4th Cook County MLK celebration honors 8 distinguished Black leaders
Pastor Andrew Singleton, Senior Pastor of Victory Apostolic Church, along with the Victory Community Coalition, will be joined by over 700 elected officials, clergy leaders, business leaders, and residents in honoring ten African American leaders as part of the 4th Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Luncheon and Awards Celebration.
The MLK Awards Luncheon is the largest event of its kind in the state of Illinois.
Among this year’s honorees are:
• Sean Howard, CEO of STH-Media LTD
• Dr. Blondean Davis, Superintendent of Illinois School District 162
• Bonita Estelle, External Affairs Manager at ComEd
• Calvin Jordan, Rich Township Supervisor
• Dr. Robbie Craig, Trustee, Village of Matteson
• Percy Scott, Executive Director of Chamber 57
• Judge Bernadette Barrett, Cook County Circuit Court
• Judge Michael Barrett, Cook County Circuit Court
“As a community, we know all too well the sacrifices and challenges that these courageous individuals have had to endure. But their efforts were geared toward enhancing the quality of life for African Americans throughout the state of Illinois. The Victory Community Coalition takes significant pride in ensuring that we honor these heroes during this very precious week for Dr. King and for people of color,” says Victory Community Coalition Executive Director, Minister Bryant Warren.
This year’s luncheon and awards gala will be hosted by Chicago Super Comedian Damon Williams.
Pastor Singleton adds, “These honorees have successfully paved the way for many people who have entered public life. They collectively have changed the entire landscape as it relates to progressive governing and advancing the upward mobility of the African American experience. We are all in debt to each of them for their undying love, compassion, and commitment to the enormous progress of our community.”
The afternoon will feature multiple tributes, laughter, reflection, and an appreciation of the many accomplishments of Dr. King. The honorees will address the mass crowd, 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.
Pastor Singleton and Minister Warren will also challenge those in attendance to focus their efforts on promoting diversity and inclusion in all their professional and personal endeavors.
Supervisor Calvin Jordan adds, “It is simply amazing to have the most prominent African American leaders in one facility and hear their unified message 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 am grateful to be one of the honorees.”
Sean Howard, popular government spokesman and publicist, adds, “To be listed with such a distinguished group of honorees is so humbling. I am grateful, honored, and blessed to have been raised in Memphis and to have personally witnessed the many advances and key points of progress in the Civil Rights movement since Dr. King’s passing. Of all the awards and accolades in which I have been blessed to receive, this particular honor is most special given it bears Dr. King’s great name.”
