MARCH 2017First Edition

Volume 21 Issue 3

Free

The Heart & Soulof Chicago TM

20th

Anniversary

Edition

Constance R. Collins, Ph. D. Constance R. Collins, Ph. D. 2017 Most Influential African American of Lake County

Pictured with 2017 Most Influential Community Champion Award Winner Tammy Moore

E.ReedRegional • State • FederalBusiness • Social • Legislative

Activity That Affects You

TheReport

Chicago Peoples Voice The Heart & Soul of Chicago tm

Lake County, Illinois EditionE-mail: elroyreed@aol.com

ChicagoPeoplesVoice.com

Chicago Peoples Voice PO Box 1038 • Waukegan, Illinois 60079

847-473-5501

Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain.

Page 2 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

Editor’s Note: is is the message delivered by Elroy Reed at the 2017 Most Influ-ential African Americans of Lake County Awards 20th Anniversary Celebration.

It was Martin Luther King Jr. wrote and delivered the speech, “en my livingwill have not been in vain.”

I must have been in either the 11th or 12th grade, when I first heard the speech,and later I memorized it and in college I recall citing it at least once before an audi-ence. In many ways, the sentiment from that speech gave me purpose and visionfor my life.

If I can help somebody as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, If I can show somebody he is travelling wrong

en my living will not be in vain.

In 1996, I was walking in Hinckston Park with two of my best friends, RayevelynCurry and Sherise Tisby. I told them about an Idea that I had to right some of thewrongs that we were experiencing within the African American Community. Yousee at that time, we did not have the cell phone, facebook, twitter world that we livein today. Twenty years ago…the most popular means wherein we as a communityreceived local news was through the local newspaper, at that time it was theWaukegan NewsSun.

If you were around at that time, African Americans were not depicted in a positivelight. e only time that you heard news about African Americans were stories aboutcrime and mayhem. ey made good sensational news. If you were in the tri-citiesof North Chicago, Waukegan or Zion, and if you judged a community of people bywhat was depicted in the primary media of that day…you’d think that we were alldope fends, murders, drug lords, and petty crooks. Within any community, you dohave this element. However, there were hundreds even thousands of teachers,preachers, doctors, lawyers, business professionals, blue collar, white collar, hardworking African Americans who had wonderful stories and good news about thesuccesses that they were experiencing in that lives that wasn’t being told. ere werepeople who were doing great things and their stories were never told.

We set out to tell some of those stories. We believed that If we told stories aboutthe good things that were happening in the community, it would encourage the peo-ple who were doing good things, and that it would proliferate more good works.And our children would be able to see positive role models in the community.

at was our vision and our goal. It was a localized, directed, focused , and a tan-gible way of realizing Dr. Martin Luther King’s mantra… right here in LakeCounty… of “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be invain.”

It was difficult at first…and it never became easy. Even though we were puttingout good news and doing everything that we could to help people, we had naysayers,

player haters, road blockers, and dividers and destroyers. We had gossipers, slanders,and people who articulated that we were just trying to get rich, and would withholdany advertising that they had control over to ensure that we did not experience suc-cess. We had people who tried to do everything that they could to put us out ofbusiness. at is the bad news.

Let me tell you the good news. Twenty-years later, despite our short comings, westand here today, having survived up and downs and falls and all. As Whoopi Gold-berg said in “e Color Purple” as she stood up to Danny Glover, “I AM STILLHERE”. By God, and I do mean, BY GOD. WE ARE STILL HERE.

Along the way we met some very very good people who…said with their ac-tions… that they were like minded, and that they wanted their lives…their living…to not be in vain. ese are people who not only talked the talk. ese are peoplewho walked the walk. ese are people who when they had the opportunity downthrough the years to support this endeavor to make Lake County a better place, theydid so unselfishly. Often times….despite what the naysayers say.

I believe that it was John C. Maxwell who said, a true leader is someone who notonly knows the way, but goes the way and shows the way. ese are people, by God’sGrace who Knows the Way, Goes the Way, and Shows the Way.

As a part of our anniversary celebration, celebrating 20 years of “e People’sVoice Newspaper” we would like to recognize some great community leaders, andpresent YOU with the Community Champion Award for all that you have done forthe community. ese are individuals who have advertised with us for over 10 yearsand who was willing to accept this award.

John (Hal) Coxon, Anne O’Connell, Anise Wiley-Little and Brian Lit-tle, Delores Sanan, Tammy Moore, Rev. Eugene Roberson, Minister Terryand Sandra Atwater, Mary Lockhart-White, William McNeely, EleanorMurkey, Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., Roycealee J. Wood, Sean Rathjen(of Consumers), Euphema Nelson, and Rev. Jimmie J. Williams.

ese are the people who have been instrumental in making “e People’s Voice”a viable organization down through the years. ere are three things that I want tosay to you.

1) Your Living Has Not Been In Vain2) We Never Would Have Made It Without You.3) I love each and every one of you. And there is absolutely

nothing that you can do about it.ank you and thanks to many others who advertise on a regular basis. We hope

that our relationship is and continues to be mutally beneficial to your organizationand to the community.

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 3

Anise Wiley-Little and Brian Little are recipients of theCommunity Champion Award as a couple.

Anise Wiley-Little Anise has more than 25 years of experience in developing and executing

human resources and diversity & inclusion strategies. She has providedstrategic counsel to Fortune 100 organizations and non-profits and has writ-ten and spoken extensively on the topics of HR, diversity and worklife. Re-cent leadership positions include serving as corporate vice president ofHuman Resources and the first chief diversity officer for Allstate InsuranceCompany.

Anise has authored the book Profitable Diversity: How Economic Inclu-sion Can Lead to Success, served as Chair of “Stars Who Mean BusinessAwards” for Diversity Woman Magazine for the past 6 years, and named bythe Society for Human Resource Management as one of the top 100 globaldiversity and inclusion thought leaders. She is also on the Editorial Boardof Insight into Diversity Magazine. Anise holds an MPA from the Universityof Illinois and a BA from Illinois State University.

Anise is a member of Kellogg’s senior leadership team as Chief HumanCapital and Diversity Officer with leadership People Operations which in-cludes Human Capital, Diversity and Inclusion, and Community functions.Wiley-Little also serves as a Lecturer on Leadership in the Kellogg Architec-tures of Collaboration Initiative. is type of leadership is a first for a busi-ness school as Kellogg seeks to develop brave leaders who inspire growth inpeople, organizations and markets.

Brian LittleMr. Brian Little is

currently the Head ofHuman Resources forZurich InsuranceNorth America. Brianhas over 25 years ofHR leadership experi-ence in top nationaland global companies.

Previously Brianworked at HSBCBank, one of the largest international banks in the world, as the Senior VicePresident of Corporate Human Resources. Brian has also worked forAmeritech, and the Amoco Production Company.

Brian has a passion for working with a number of non-profit organizationsincluding the Marklund, American Heart Association, Covers for Comfort,Junior Achievement, Hustle Up the Hancock, and the Chicago CorporateChallenge. Brian was recognized for leadership with prestigious Men of Ex-cellence Award for 2011 and the National Eagle Leadership Institute Awardin 2012.

Brian has a Master of Science from Illinois State University in Organiza-tion Communication and Development and completed the Advanced Ex-ecutive Program at the Kellogg School of Management at NorthwesternUniversity.

Brian Little & Anise Wiley-LittleCommunity Champion Award

Leatrice Williams is the recipient of 2017 MostInfluential African Americans of Lake County Lead-ership Award. She is the President of the Zion Ed-ucation Association, the teacher union for the ZionElementary School District.

Williams developed a curriculum called Foun-dations for 7th and 8th grade students. She also fa-cilitates an annual 8th grade field trip toWashington, D.C., which includes stops in NewYork City, and Philadelphia.

Williams is a graduate of Northern Illinois Uni-versity. She obtained her Masters of Arts in Teach-ing from National Louis University and a Type 75Certificate from the American College of Educa-

tion.In addition, to being the ZEA President, Williams

is the ZEA Representative on the Region 38 CouncilUnion Board which consists of Beach Park,Hawthorne, Round Lake, Zion and Grayslake school

districts. Very active in the community, Williams isan advisor for the Zion Youth Leadership Team. Sheis a mentor for the Zion Benton Leadership Acad-emy and a member of the National Education Asso-ciation.

Williams has been the recipient of several awardsincluding: Office Maxx Teacher of the Year Award –2009; Zion 2014 District Star Award – 2014; ESD62014 Service to Children Award – 2014. Williamshas three adult children and a granddaughter. She en-joys interior design, home renovating, socializing,and travelling. Leatrice provided the curriculum de-sign and development of the Foundations programfor the school district.

One of her future goals is to publish the program,so that youth around the country can have the expe-rience of real world opportunities as part of their Jun-ior High experience.

Leatrice WilliamsEducational

Leadership Award

Page 4 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

Corlis Murray is the recipient of the2017 Most Influential African Ameri-cans of Lake County Vision Award.

Corlis Murray is Senior Vice Presi-dent, Quality Assurance, Regulatoryand Engineering Services. She was ap-pointed to her current position in Feb-ruary 2012. Previously, she served asVice President, Global EngineeringServices.

Ms. Murray joined Abbott in 1989.Since then, she has held a number ofmanagement positions in quality, op-

erations and engineering in Abbott’s Diagnostics and Nutrition businesses.In Abbott Nutrition, she served as Divisional Vice President, Quality As-surance; Divisional Vice President, Manufacturing; and Divisional VicePresident, Operations Services.

Prior to joining Abbott, Ms. Murray worked at Recognition Equip-ment and Xerox Corporation. She is a board member of e Clara AbbottFoundation.

Corlis D. MurrayVision Award

Gloria Carr is the recipientof the 2017 Most InfluentialAfrican Americans of LakeCounty Civic LeadershipAward.

Ms. Carr is noted for herleadership in the ocmmunityand was presented by eMayor of the City of NorthChicago, e Honorable LeonRockingham, Jr. with the PeaceKeeper Award in 2012.

Gloria Carr served in var-ious capacities at the VA Hos-pital, and ComEd during herprofessional career. She is cele-brated for being a positive role modeland for mentoring young women.

Carr is a member of the FirstCorinthian Baptist Church of North

Chicago, and the Links –HarborLights Chapter. Carr is the mother ofthree sons, and one grandson.

Gloria CarrCivic Leadership

Pictured withMarvin Sapp

Robin Mitchell-

Henry

Becoming aNatural

Professional

We all knowthat the world ofwork has rulesand boundariesand guidelines tofollow. at fact is no surprise andthe natural hair movement has defi-nitely caused some controversy inthe business world. Recently, ayoung woman was interviewed andhired for a new position with herhair styled in locs. On her first dayat the job, her manager fired her be-cause the company does not allowemployees to wear locs. After re-consideration, the young womanwas offered her job and the issuewas over.

ere is no way to determinehow unfair it feels to be told that ahairstyle, not a lack of qualifica-tions, but a hairstyle is the reasonfor termination of employment.at was ridiculous and obviouslya terrible decision that was quicklychanged. ere are probably manystories like this one, and the bestway to handle such a problem is toprepare to be professional with anyhairstyle.

Curls, afros, DevaCuts, braids,locs, twists, blowouts, and buns area few examples of the differentstyles for natural hair. Some people

wear weaves or wigs to protect theirnatural hair from the elements ofnature or the harsh tools requiredto achieve a desired style. Regard-less of the preferred style, all hair-styles should be professional in theworkplace.

Professional hair is clean, con-trolled and cut into a style. It is notfair to assume that a natural stylerequires little or no care. In fact,natural does not equate to easier tostyle. Natural hairstyles are oftenhealthy choices that require a differ-ent regimen than relaxed orstraightened hairstyles. If onechooses a natural style, one mustconsider the image created withthat style and determine the bestpresentation in order to become orremain professional.

Robin is a natural hair enthusiastwho combines her career experi-ence as a writer, educator andmedia strategist to promoteachievement of personal goals. E:chicagoescurly@gmail.com FB: CHICaGOesCURLY IG: CHICaGOesCURLY

Image, Communications & Professional Style

CHICaGOesCU

RLY…

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 5

Page 6 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

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Fax (847) 473-5588

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(847) 722-6076E-mail: Yourbrokerjoyce@aol.com

www.joyceparnellrealestate.com

~Certified HUD Bidder~

Regional Office of EducationRoycealee J. WoodRegional Superintendent of Schools

800 Lancer Lane Suite E-128Grayslake, Illinois 60030-2656Phone 847-543-7833 Direct Line 847-543-7491Fax 847-543-7832E-mail rwood@lake.k12.il.us

847-665-0595

Business Cards

“Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the strivingand tolerant with the weak and wrong. Sometime in your life, you will have been all of these.”

-Walter Sco

New Promise Programe CLC Promise Program, a new initiative

to help eligible high school seniors afford col-lege and graduate from CLC as close to debt-free as possible, will launch in Fall Semester2017 and is seeking applicants from LakeCounty high school seniors.

e Promise Program covers the gap be-tween federal and state financial aid and tu-ition and fees. It requires students to developa two-year academic plan, create a career ortransfer plan and participate in leadership andprofessional development activities. e pre-ferred deadline to apply is Feb. 28 for Fall Se-mester 2017.

“e Promise Program is an exceptionallearning experience for new CLC studentscoming directly from high school. We arehelping students with financial need achievetheir college dreams,” said Eric Tammes, direc-tor of academic success.

To qualify, students must complete theFAFSA (Free Application for Financial Aid),have an Expected Family Contribution of$3,000 or less and have a high school GPA of2.3 or higher, meet certain math and read-ing/writing requirements, reside in the Collegeof Lake County district and graduate from adistrict high school (including home-schooledstudents). For details, call (847) 543-2090 orvisit www.clcillinois.edu/promise.

“e CLC Promise Program is enthusiasti-cally supported by district superintendentsfrom the Lake County High School Alliance,”said CLC President Jerry Weber. About 200students will be eligible per year, and after theinitial funding is depleted, private donationsraised through the CLC Foundation will sup-port the program.

Lenear Royalty Harris is the re-cipient of the 2017 Most InfluentialAfrican Americans of Lake CountyArts and Entertainment Award. In-spired by “Gospel eatre RadioBroadcast, he trained & became amember of Liberty Temple FullGospel Church Telecommunica-tions where his audio career began.

Lenear ventured into video edit-ing at Christian Faith FellowshipChurch, producing its “Church His-tory”, “Ministry Of Information”spots and various skits/trailers. In-spired from this experience as anvideo editor, he produced his officialmusic video entitled “It’s ChristTime” & “Joy To e World”. Hehas produced a number of later pro-duced four “mini gospel 60’s skits,captured on his iPhone 4S, whichwas recognized by iPhone Film Festi-

val in 2013. Lenear will be appearingwith the “Awakening Cast” on Sun-day March 19th, 2017 for the 25thCast Reunion of the Emmy Awardedwinning ground breaking series.

Lenear is married and the father ofthree children. He is an active mem-ber of Christian Faith FellowshipChurch in Zion, IL.

Lenear Royalty Harris Arts and Entertainment Award

Anne O’Connell, APR is an accred-ited, strategy-driven public relationsprofessional with a strong results-ori-ented focus. She has experience man-aging complex projects requiringleadership, creativity, problem solving,

influence, innovation, business plan-ning, communication skills and rela-tionship building. O’Connell has beendirector of marketing at the College ofLake County since July 2016. She pre-viously has been marketing director atLake Forest Hospital and was the firstcommunications manager for LakeCounty government.

A Waukegan native, O’Connellearned a master’s degree from Roo-sevelt University and a bachelor’s fromNorthern Illinois University. Otherprofessional experience includes posi-tions in education and local govern-ment. O’Connell is active in the PRCouncil of Lake County and does vol-unteer work for the Career ResourceCenter, a nonprofit serving the LakeCounty market.

Anne O’ConnellCommunity Champion Award

When you sign up before April 1, 2017One Week’s Tuition

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 7

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 8

Nora Wilson is the recipient of the2017 Most Influential African Ameri-cans of Lake County Civic LeadershipAward.

She is a single parent to 4 adultsons; Dwane, Jathan, Arlon and Avrey.Wilson was a background singer fore Lonnie Givens Review. She sang

professionally for 15 years, touringthroughout the Midwest and openingshows for B.B. King, War and PatriceRushen.

Wilson began a career at Allstate In-surance Company, as a Customer Serv-ice Representative. In 1995, shejoined the Lake County Sheriff’s Officeas a Correction Technician. In this ca-pacity, Wilson supervises up to 60 in-mates daily, male and female, andprovide safety and security for themand the citizens of Lake County.

She is a mentor for Big Brothers andBig Sisters of Lake County, a publishedAuthor, and is thefirst African Ameri-can Female Sergeant of the CorrectionsDivision for the Lake County SheriffOffice.

Nora WilsonCivic Leadership Award

Reverend Ezell Robins is the recipient of theCommunity Development Award. He is theDirector of Comunity Development for theCity of Waukegan. Robins is also the Pastor ofPleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

In 2013 Robins received the Drum MajorsAward.

He currently sits on the board of directors ofthe Lake County Baptist Association and the

Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County. He also sits on the advi-sory board for Youthbuild of Lake County. He is a member of the NorthShore Baptist Ministers Alliance. In addition, he attended the McKinleyeological Seminary of Zion, Illinois and the College of Lake County inGrayslake, Illinois.

Robins has had many honors bestowed upon him in recognition of hisaccomplishments. However, this proud father of three beautiful youngwomen credits being graced by God with their birth and the privilege ofwatching them mature as the most joyful and rewarding of all.

Psalm 84:5-7 “A walk with God is not a walk without difficulty, anx-iety, or pain. But blessed is he whose strength is in the Lord while heis passing through the valley of Baca.”

Reverend Ezell RobinsCommunity Development Award

Betty J. Harris is the recipient ofthe 2017 Most Influential AfricanAmerican of Lake County Commu-nity Service Award.

Harris says that her mission in lifeis to fight for those less fortunate orunderserved.

Betty has provided literacycoaching to many youth and sheworks as a community activist in thearea of Education.

Harris started ARRO, AmericanReading Revolution Organization,to help enhance reading skills andcreate excitement in Literacy andLife Long Learning. e youth jobsinitiate, Y.E.A. L - _Youth _Earn__Learn was started in 2011 was de-veloped to make this world a betterplace.

U-Food-For-U is a food com-

pany that Harris started in 2003,which was established to providetasty, yet healthy family food pre-pared to please the tongue, pocket-book, and enhance & promote anenergetic physical body and life style.

Harris says that she wants to beknown as a Christian Servant whoserved God first, family, church,community, county, State andCountry.

Betty J. HarrisCommunity Service Award

Keon JacksonBusiness Leadership Award

Keon Jackson is the recipient of theBusiness Leadership Award

Jackson is the Director of Capital Im-provements at ehe Lake County HousingAuthority. His contributions to theagency have led to its maintaining its sta-tus as a “High Performer” and earned himthe “Rising Star Award” as an emergingleader in Affordable Housing & Commu-nity Development.

As Special Projects Coordinator at theHousing Authority, Keon had the respon-sibility of planning, directing, and coor-dinating the Housing Authority’sAffordable Housing Acquisition Program,Family Unification Program, and RentalPrograms. ose projects earned multipleNAHRO awards under Keon’s guidance.rough his leadership, the Family Unifi-cation Program went from 60% to 100%occupancy.

Keon oversees the $48 million MarionJones Redevelopment Project, which will

provide affordable and quality housing toover 200 families in North Chicago, Illi-nois.

Born and raised in East Chicago, Indi-ana, Keon developed a strong sense of selfand compassion for those around him.Early influences encouraged him to be-come strong advocate for African Ameri-can youth and all others who strugglewith the effects of poverty. rough hous-ing, Keon is able to use his experience andskills to make a lasting effect on the livesof many.

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 9

Delores Sanan is the recipient ofthe 2017 Most Influential AfricanAmerican of Lake County Commu-nity Champion Award.

Sanan is noted for your commu-nity engagement is activities that ben-efit others. She is frequently requestedto facilitate workshops. Some of theworkshop have included, “Living a Successful Single Life”, “Be Encour-aged”, “Lord Teach Me to Pray”, and “Spiritual Warfare, Praying withPurpose.”

A writer and author, she has received numerous awards, professionallyand for contributions to the community, including the Most InfluentialAfrican American Achievement Vision Award, First Corinthian Motherof the Year, and Top Ladies of Community Crown Jewels Award.

Professionally, she is a Business HR Director, supporting the Diagnos-tics and Abbott Informatics Divisions and recently celebrated 36 years ofservice with Abbott.

She is the wife Henri Sanan, mother of 5 children, and grand-mother of four.

J Delores SananCommunity

Champion Award

Tammy Moore is the recipientof the 2017 Most InfluentialAfrican American of LakeCounty Community ChampionAward. Moore is a woman ofgreat faith which truly drives hercommitment to her business andthe community.

She is the Senior DivisionPresident of Diamond Residential Mortgage managing offices herein Illinois and Georgia.

As one of the nation’s top FHA and VA Mortgage Originators,She is dedicated to making sure her customers are educated home-buyers. Her motto is “it’s not if you will buy a home but when!”She truly believe that you can do anything you put your mind andheart to. She will be there to make sure you’re educated and in-formed along the way!

She is a dedicated wife to Derrick and mother to Devin andtwo bonus children, DeAndre and Keshia. She am also a GlamMom to Derrick II and Joshua.

Tammy MooreCommunity

Champion Award

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 10

John( H a l )Coxon isthe recipi-ent of theCommu-n i t yC h a m -

pion Award presented by e ChicagoPeople’sVoice. He is the President ofNorthern Illinois Consulting (NIC), apublic relations and marketing firm withits primary office in Buffalo Grove, Illi-nois. Hal also has a distinguished list ofservice to the community that extends formore than thirty-five years.

Hal has been recognized for his workto advance opportunities for minorities.In 2006, he was inducted into the LakeCounty Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Halearned the Freedom Award, for his workin promoting social justice and employ-ment opportunities. Hal also received theMidwest Urban Empowerment award forleadership in community outreach in2009. He is also a lifetime member of theNAACP.

Hal has served on many volunteerBoards during his career. Examples in-clude the Citizens Advisory Board for theUniversity Center of Lake County(Waukegan Campus) and the Board ofDirectors for Mano-a-Mano Family Re-source Center in the Round Lake area.He was also active for many years in theCoalicion Latinos Unidos de LakeCounty. His service extends to businessorganizations, too: he was a Director forVisit Lake County (formerly the LakeCounty, IL, Convention & Visitors Bu-reau) and as Vice-Chair of the Board ofDirectors for both the Lake CountyChamber of Commerce and the GLMVChamber of Commerce, where he con-tinues to moderate special events for bothorganizations.

In addition to his community out-reach, Hal has moderated a number ofhigh-profile political contests, most no-tably a round-table meeting in the 2004Democratic Primary race for UnitedStates Senator, where one of the partici-pants was our 44th President, BarackObama.

Hal CoxonCommunity

Champion Award

EleanorMurkey is therecipient ofthe 2017Most Influen-tial African

Americans of Lake County CommunityChampion Award.

Eleanor Murkey has spent the last 33years in higher education. She recentlyretired as Dean of the College of LakeCounty's Lakeshore campus inWaukegan, IL. She is well known forher leadership and organizational skills.Due to her leadership and communitysupport, the three room outreach centerwas expanded into a state of the art fullservice campus. She is concerned witheducation meeting the needs of thewhole person. She believes that eachperson is born perfect and divinely pro-vided with limitless potential. Eleanoris emerging as a dynamic teacher and

life coach. She uses her personal story of a

young girl whose mother died when shewas 12 years old, who grew up separatedfrom her siblings, and was classified asEducable Mentally Handicapped(EMH) during her elementary and sec-ondary education, yet rose to be Dean,responsible for an entire $80 millioncampus with an annual enrollment of4,000 students, to champion the poten-tial of the human spirit. She encouragesyoung people and participants in herworkshops to stretch beyond ordinaryexpectations.

She is a popular speaker for commu-nity, social, business and spiritual organ-izations. She serves on numerousboards, foundations, and committees.She is a proud member of Trinity Uni-versal Center, Inc. and Delta Sigmaeta Sorority, Inc.

Eleanor MurkeyCommunity

Champion Award

Have you ever heard the saying to forgive isto set a prisoner free and only discover

that the prisoner was you?I want to share a true story of a friend of mine (whose name we

will call Loretta). A painful divorce had zapped all of the joy, en-ergy, and spontaneity in life out of her. e vibrant friend I onceknew slowly morphed into a depressed invalid who hadn’t physi-cally walked in two years. Loretta could not forgive the womanwho had gone after her husband and following a divorce, marriedhim. e resentment, guilt, and anger drained the life out of every-thing she did. After the divorce she went through a desperate stateof finding help. Counseling, self-help seminars, books, endlesstears, talking to whoever would listen, long walks, screaming in herpillow at night, and nothing seemed to help.e saddest part of myfriend’s story is that her very own health began to deteriorate. Shewas diagnosed with high blood pressure, migraines, weight gain,irregular heart- beat, and chronic depression which affected herphysical mobility. If only these physical challenges had been di-rected to the woman who was now married to Loretta’s husbandsome satisfaction would be gained, but these stresses belonged toLoretta and her alone.

One day, Loretta went with the help of a friend, to a daylongseminar held by a church in her neighborhood, on the healingpower of forgiveness. e leader invited the class to close their eyesand locate someone in their life they had not forgiven. Next heasked if they would be willing to forgive this person. A dark cloudloomed in front of her and all she could see was the one womanwho had robbed her world of happiness. Loretta then describedphysical pains gripping her stomach, her hands became wet withperspiration and her head throbbed. en a voice gently asked “Areyou ready to let go of this? To release her? To forgive yourself,too?” Loretta knew it was the voice of God and she decided thenand there to yield and let years of emotional pain go. For the firsttime in years Loretta released her grip on this woman, her ex-hus-band, and on herself. She let go of the rage and resentment thatwas trapped inside of her. e moment she let go energy rushedthrough every cell of her body, and her mind became alert, and herheart lightened.

I have learned a lot from my friend. We become slaves to thosewe fail to forgive. No one should hold us captive. We should notallow anyone to put our personal well- being in check.

We must Learn to forgive, keep short accounts. P.S. Today,Loretta is walking both physically and spiritually.

Michelle Obleton

The HealingPower of

Forgiveness

A Word From

Michelle

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 11

onstance Rupert Collins is a native of Gary, Indiana. She re-ceived a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Speech and Hearingerapy and a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in

Speech Pathology from Indiana University.Her early work experience as a Speech Pathologist in a reha-

bilitation center was followed by public school employment op-portunities in Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvaniaand Michigan. While in Pennsylvania, Dr. Collins enrolled ate Pennsylvania State University and obtained a Doctor of Phi-losophy degree (Ph.D.) in Communication Disorders with an em-phasis in Stuttering erapy. During that time, she published anarticle which appeared in the Journal of Speech and Hearing Disor-ders.

Constance later obtained principal and superintendent certifi-cates while enrolled at Grand Valley State University (Michi-gan). While in the Grand Rapids area, Dr. Collins beganher administrative career as a Special Education Super-visor, Special Education Director, Elementary Prin-cipal, and Area Superintendent.

In 2002, Dr. Collins sought and accepted theopportunity to become Superintendent, Zion Ele-mentary School District 6 (Zion, Illinois). She alsoserved five years as Superintendent of Oak Park El-ementary School District 97 from 2005-2010. In2010, Dr. Collins became Superintendent ofRound Lake Area Schools, Community UnitSchool District #116 serving 7,300 students fromfive communities.

Dr. Collins serves as a board member on anumber of organizations including: YWCA ofLake County, SJCB Performing Arts Center,Lake County High Schools Technology Cam-pus, Northern Lake County Conference, ECRA Advisory Board, FoxLake/Round Lake Rotary Club, Round Lake Area Chamber of Com-merce, and the Round Lake Area Exchange Club.

Dr. Collins is recipient of the following awards and recognitions:Phi Delta Kappa Award- Recognition of Extraordinary Dedicationand Commitment to Education (2003); National Council on Edu-cating Black Children- Educator of the Year (2006); Cognitive Con-cepts, Inc. -Excellence in Education Award- (2006); Oak Park Villager

of the Year -Honorable Mention (2008); distinguished “Women ofPower”- Alpha Kappa Alpha (2009), National Alliance of BlackSchool Educators -“Phenomenal Woman” award (2009), NABSE Co-Superintendent of the Year Award (2011), AASA Dr. Effie H. JonesHumanitarian Award (2012), Greenbelt Cultural Center Profiles inExcellence (2013), and the Most Influential African Americans ofLake County Vision Award (2014). She also annually awards the“Jennifer Noelle Collins Performing Arts Scholarship” to a talentedmusician.

ConstanceRupert-Collins, Ph.D.

C

...about e Most Influential African American of Lake County

Page 12 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

PastorRobert E.Williams isthe recipientof the 2017Most Influ-e n t i a lA f r i c a nAmericansof Lake

County Religious Leadership Award. Hailing from Atmore Alabama, Williams is

the pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary BaptistChurch in Zion.

Pastor Williams served in the United StatesArmy as an Nuclear Biological Chemical Special-ist and has worked in the corporate world as aCEO of Solo Property Services, Director of Salesand New Ventures at Pro Tech Medical, Regional

Sales Manager at Stericycle and Supervisor ofChemical Dispensing at Abbott Laboratories .

He currently serves as the President of theCongress for Lake Shore Baptist District Associ-ation. He is a member of the Citizens AdvisoryBoard for the Illinois States Attorney’s office.

Pastor Williams and the Mt. Zion familyhave worked closely in partnership with the fol-lowing community organizations: Love Inc ofLake County , Many Hands, Central Jr. HighSchool, the Zion Exchange Club of Zion andPads of Lake County.

His anointed preaching addresses the issuesand problems of today and provides Biblical an-swers in a positive, uplifting manner.

Pastor Williams is married to his high schoolsweetheart Casherral. ey have three childrenJae’La, Virginia and Robert E. Williams Jr.

Pastor Robert E. WilliamsReligious Leadership Award

William McNeely isthe recipient of theCommunity ChampionAward. McNeely is aminster, entrepreneur,author, psalmist, actor,husband, brother, andspiritual father to many,William Timothy Mc-Neely born in MountainHome Idaho has beenrecognized as one ofLake County’s most in-fluential business men.He graduated fromChicago’s Simeon Voca-tional High-School in1977. Since then he hasmarried his beloved wifePatricia McNeely.

e dynamic duo hasalso owned and re-habbed income proper-ties, Child care centers,Flash Media Groups,helping to revitalizecommunities and helpothers restart their lives.William McNeely is alsoa devoted minister andhas graduated from

Logos school of ministe-rial training, and nowserves as and Apostle inthe Liberty InternationalNetwork of churches.Being involved in hiscommunity takes manydifferent faces. Williamis currently the boardPresident for Commu-nity Action Partnershipof Lake County wherethe mission is to buildup individuals and fam-ilies to reach their high-est potential. He has alsohad served on severalother boards; Head StartPolicy Council, LakeCounty Partners Financecommittee and Com-munity Awareness. Eventhough William hasproven to be a commu-nity activist his greatestaccomplishment hasbeen fathering threechildren and grandfa-thering four exception-ally brightgrandchildren.

William T. McNeelyCommunity Champion Award

In 2005 citizens elected Leon Rockingham, Jr.Mayor of the City of North Chicago. Leon Rockinghamis a lifelong resident of North Chicago, Illinois; he grad-uated from North Chicago Community High Schooland attended Ohio University.

Leon is a faithful member of the Mount Sinai Insti-tutional Baptist Church of North Chicago and servesas Trustee.

Leon Rockingham is a retired Systems Technicianfrom AT&T with tenure of 31 years. Mayor Rock-ingham is visible in and out of Lake County, he cur-rently sits on numerous boards in his on-goingcommitment to positively promote his hometown andimprove the quality of life for its residents. Some ofthese boards included:

• Lake County Storm Water Management Board • Illinois Municipal League, Executive Committee &Board of Directors • Community Action Partnership, Board of Directors • Exchange Club of North Chicago, Co-Founder &Board of Directors • CMAP – 1st Vice Chair, Council of Mayors Execu-

tive Committee,Alternate Rep.Transportationand MPO Pol-icy Committee,& Member ofthe UnifiedWork Program (UWP) Committee - Participation inthis organization enabled North Chicago to receivethe grant funding which led to the reconstruction andimprovement of Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive• Boy Scouts of America Northeast Illinois Council,Executive Board. Mayor Rockingham has achieved thehighest rank of Eagle Scout and serves as role modelfor local participants in this national organization • Lake County Council of Mayors, Chair & ExecutiveCommittee - Provides input into the region’s trans-portation policy decision, facilitates communicationbetween local government and regional transportationagencies, establishes the priorities and to implementtransportation projects, formalizing input from regionmunicipalities and insures regional equity in planningand funding decisions

The Honorable Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.

Community Champion Award

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 13

Pastor Eugene Roberson is the re-cipient of the 2017 Most Influen-tial African Americans of LakeCounty Community ChampionAward.

Pastor Eugene Roberson isnoted for his progressive social en-gagement and his leadership as aspiritual leader in the community.Honors & Awards Include: FirstAfrican American in Lake Countyto open a Session of Congress,Most Influential African Americanof Lake County, House of Repre-

sentatives Resolution(s), College ofLake County Harambee Award ofExcellence, National Association ofUniversity Women Award, AngelDrill Team Award, Key to the Cityof North Chicago, Key to the Cityof Florence, Alabama, and Com-munity Achievement Award.

Community Involvement In-clude: Former People’s VoiceChairman of the Board, FormerLake County Housing AuthorityBoard Member, North Shore Bap-tist Minister’s Alliance Past VicePresident,

A resident of Gurnee, IL, PastorEugene Roberson retired fromteaching after 30 years of service.He is married to Geraldine Her-ron Roberson. He is the father ofthree children, Kristian, LaTonya,Eugene II, and grandfather ofmany.

Rev. Eugene RobersonCommunity

Champion Award

Mary Lockhart White is the recipient ofthe 2017 Most Influential African Americanof Lake County Community ChampionAward. She is the Executive Director ofCommunity Action Partnership of LakeCounty. Mary is active at the nationaland state level in the community action net-work. She serves on many committees andtask force such as: National Award of Excel-lence Commission for the National Com-munity Action Partnership, e NationalHead Start Task Force, e Secretary andlong time board member for the Illinois As-sociation of Community Action Agencies,Chair of the professional development pro-gram for the state association, Chair of theFund Development Committee for the stateassociation, President of the NationalAfrican American Community ActionLeaders Association. Member of the LakeCounty Chamber of Commerce, WaukeganChamber, Black Chamber of Commerce,

and theH a r b o rLites Links,Inc.

She re-ceived the“BE BOLDAWARD” presented by the Unite Way Lead-ership Council in 2008. She has been rec-ognized by other civic organizations. Sheserved as Mentor for the Zion CharacterMatters Leadership Academy. She has re-ceived recognition on the National level as aCertified Community Action Professional(CCAP). Mary is the author of the Lock-hart White Report published monthly in thePeople’s Voice News Paper. She continues todevelop programs that assist the workingpoor in Lake County with a great BoardLeadership Team and Staff.

Mary WhiteCommunity Champion Award

Page 14 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

Patricia Bridges is the recipient of the 2017 Most In-fluential African Americans of Lake County Humani-tarian Award.

Patricia Bridges manages the employee volunteerprogram for Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, whichis headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Pat is responsiblefor the company’s employee engagement and grassrootscoordination of all volunteer programs. Pat also man-ages national partnerships associatedwith volunteer programs, as well asvarious fundraising efforts such as theannual United Way campaign and thecompany’s Share the Warmth grantfund. Pat also supports corporate giv-ing, disaster relief projects, corporateevents and the employee matching giftprogram for both Illinois companies.

Pat joined Peoples Gas in 1987as ateller and moved into her current role

in 2005. She previously worked in special projects andthe credit and collections areas before parlaying her so-cial skills into a career in corporate event planning. Patis passionate about the importance of investing in thefuture of our youth and believes that investment ofyour time is as vital as the giving of your dollars.

Pat is a wife, mother and grandmother, and is activein a variety of networking and non-profit organizationssuch as Chicago Youth Programs, Forefront of Illinois,e Night Ministry, Rebuilding Together and CAP ofLake County.

Pat holds a B.A. in Business Accounting, with hon-ors, from DePaul University.

Patricia BridgesHumanitarian Award

Introduction to being comfortable in the water, water safety,swimming strokes, pool rules and etiquette. Sponsored by

North Shore Gas.

For more information, please call 847-782-3300. Classesare three times a week, for two week sessions:

Wednesday and Friday classes:Option 1: 6-6:30Option 2: 6:45-7:15Option 3: 7:30-8:00

Saturday ClassesOption 1: classes are 12-12:30pmOption 2: classes are 12:45-1:15pmOption 3: classes are 1:30-2pm

WAUKEGAN PARK DISTRICT FREE SWIMSMART CLASSES

Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center

ForAges 6-7

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 15

Congratulations to Lake County Baptist SchoolIllinois Association Christian School (IASC) State Champions

Page 16 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

Soulful SundaysBible Study / Sunday School

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Hour of Power Worship

From 10:30 am - Noon

Meeting at Hampton Inn550 Grand Avenue, Gurnee

PO Box 1802Gurnee, IL 60031

847-770-5157Find us on Facebook

www.northshorefaith.orgnorthshorefaithcommunity@hotmail.com

North ShoreFAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH

Rev. Rosemarie Green, Senior Pastor

Mt. Zion Missionary BaptistChurch of Waukegan

409 Wainlow Avenue• Waukegan, IL 60085

847-244-5503Sunday:

Sunday School 9:30 a.m.Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday:Mid-week Worship Study 7:00 p.m.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man beborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. -John 3:3

Pastor: Rev. Arthur J. Gass Sr.

Church ScheduleChristian Education 10:00 a.m.Sunday Morning Worship 11:30 a.m.4th Sunday, Women's Ministry 11:30 p.m.

Tuesday Fast & Prayer 7:00 p.m. • Thurs.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

Phone • 1-847-689-1955 : Fax: 1-847-689-2917

Living Waters Apostolic Pentecostal Church

2001 Seymour AvenueNorth Chicago, Illinois 60064-0559

Min. Clarence A. WrightPastor

Darlene Johnson is the recip-ient of the 2017 Most Influen-tial African Americans of LakeCounty Leadership Award. Shehas been employed with Com-munity Action Partnership since1985 and has served in numer-ous capacities within the agency.

As the current Deputy Direc-tor, Darlene is responsible foroverseeing all service programsunder the Community Actionumbrella to include LHEAP En-ergy Assistance, CommunityServices Block Grant EmergencyAssistance Program and HeadStart Early Childhood Develop-ment Program.

During her thirty plus year

tenure with Community ActionDarlene has served as an advo-cate for the underserved resi-dents of Lake County throughher participation on Boards, andConsortiums on a local, stateand national level to ensure thatthe needs of the disadvantagedare properly addressed by thosefunding sources.

Darlene JohnsonLeadership Award

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 17

Minis-ter TerryV. andSandra At-water arethe recipi-ents of the2 0 1 7Most In-

fluential African Americans of LakeCounty Community Champion Award asa couple. Minister Atwater holds the dis-tinction of being the longest serving pas-tor of a single congregation in LakeCounty, Illinois. In consideration of theirrecent 40th year Church Anniversary, theCity of Waukegan named a street, Minis-ter Terry V. Atwater Boulevard, in theirhonor.

Minister Atwater began his career as a

project engineer with Abbott Labs as aProject Engineer.

Sandra Atwater worked as a nurse andin 2015, Sister Atwater published a best-selling book, "Serving the Servant".

In 1981, Atwater formed the NationalMachine and Tool Corporation where hemanufactured machine parts. e com-pany now provides warehousing, logisti-cal, and manufacturing services.

Both Terry and Sandra are active inthe community. Minister Atwater serveson the Board of Directors for the KenoshaAchievement Center and the United Wayof Lake County. He and Sandra received,as a couple, the 2016 Most InfluentialAfrican American of Lake County Award.

e Atwaters have two adult childrenand five grandchildren.

Minister Terry & Sandra AtwaterCommunity Champion Award

Lloyd Cunningham is the recipient ofthe 2017 Most Influential African Ameri-cans of Lake County Educational Leader-ship Award.

First Sergeant Lloyd N. Cunninghamhas a long and honorable career in theUnited States Army. In July of 2000, Cun-ningham became the Waukegan HighSchool Drill instructor where he teaches asan Army instructor and Coached theJROTC Drill Team to a Worldwide DrillTeam title, ranking them #1 in the Nationas of May 2016.

His military education includes UnitLevel Personnel Course, Senior Noncom-missioned Officer Command and StaffCourse, Recruiter Course, Noncommis-sioned Officers Advance Course, GuidanceCounselor Course, Recruiting StationCommander Course and First SergeantCourse.

He has several military awards includingArmy Commendation Medal.First Sergeant Cunningham has also held

the following positions with the Waukegan

Homer Dahringer American Post 281 since2001; Post Commander, Senior Vice Com-mander, Junior Vice Commander and Ser-geant-at-Arms.

He has been married to his wife Laurafor 44 years, has one daughter, Cassandra,one son Lloyd II, a granddaughter, Jasminand a grandson Tre' Quan.

Lloyd CunninghamEducational Leadership

LaDwyina Y. Tolar-Slater,Owner/Funeral Director/Embalmer isthe recipient of the 2017 Most Influ-ential African Americans of LakeCounty Business Leadership Award.

LaDwyina says that she awoke onemorning in October of 1987, around1:00 a.m. and it came to her that shewould be a funeral director. So shebegan to orient her life to achieve thispurpose.

She graduated from Roosevelt Uni-versity with a Bachelor degree in pro-fessional studies, majoring inpsychology; and at Worsham Collegeof Mortuary Science she received herEmbalmers and Funeral Directors Li-cense in 1990 from the State of Illi-nois. In the same year, she foundedWestgate Funerals and Tributes Inc.,currently located in Waukegan, Illi-nois.

“My greatest reward in my profes-sion is when I see peace upon the faces

of grievingfamilies.”

Authorof “e Be-ginning atNever Ends,”a book oftrue shortstories of herexperiencesin the funeralindustry thatbrings laugh-ter instead oftears to readers, and a children’s bookentitled “Can You Help Me Find MyShoes,” LaDwyina is listed in theAmerican Directory of Who''s Who inExecutives and Businesses, which canbe found at the Library of Congress.

LaDwynia is married to Dea-con Gregory Slater, and they havefour children.

LaDwyina Y. Tolar-SlaterBusiness Leadership Award

Page 18 Chicago People’s Voice March 2017

Rev. Jimmie J.Williams isthe recipientof the 2017Most Influen-tial AfricanAmericans ofLake CountyCommunityC h a m p i o n

Award. Rev. Williams is the Pastor of Heavenly PlacesTabernacle of Prayer Church in North Chicago.

Pastor Williams was born in Clarksdale Mississippion December 14, 1938 and was the third of eightchildren. Following high school, Williams relocatedto Dodge City, Kansas and attended Dodge City Col-lege on an athletic scholarship. ere he met andmarried Juanita Clark and through that union wereborn five children, four grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. e Williams adopted two additionalchildren.

After serving for 26 years in the military, Williamsbecame active in the YMCA working in Denver, Col-orado, Wichita, Kansas and subsequently relocated toWaukegan as the Executive Director of the YMCASouth Side Branch. ere he became active in shapingthe lives of many young men and women throughprogramming.

One of Pastor Williams’ crowning achievements isthe nurturing of a professional heavy weight boxer,Renaldo Snipes. Renaldo Snipes turned Pro in 1978and in 1981 he gained national recognition as hefought Larry Holmes for the Heavy Weight Champi-onship World Title

Rev. Dr. Jimmie L. Williams is a member of theNorth Chicago Chamber of Commerce and theNAACP. In 1991 he was Harambee’s “Man of theYear”. In 2006, he was inducted into the LakeCounty Civil Rights Hall of Fame and in 2008 he wasrecipient of the Vision Award for the Lake County’sMost Influential African American.

Rev. Jimmie J. WilliamsCommunity Champion Award

Charles J. Chambers Jr. is therecipient of the Civic LeadershipAward.

Charles J. Chambers Jr. is theExecutive Director/Chief ExecutiveOfficer of the Waukegan HousingAuthority (WHA), Waukegan, Illi-nois. Charles is the President of theWaukegan Housing DevelopmentCorporation (WHDC), and serveson a number of boards and com-mittees. Charles has written manygrants for funding, assisted on HopeVI projects and was hired by theCHA as one of the original membersof the Asset Management Program(AMP's).

Charles holds a PHADA- EDEPMaster’s level certification from Rut-gers University, a B.A. degree in po-litical Science/ Pre-Law from theUniversity of Illinois - Urbana

Champaign, is a fourth degree BlackBelt in Taekwondo.Charles has two children.

For fun Charles enjoys taking hisHarley Davidson motorcycle on theopen road with his club brothers andfriends. Charles rides with and is theSergeant At Arms of the Loyal War-riors Law Enforcement MotorcycleClub.

Charles ChambersCivic Leadership Award

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 19

Live life Out Loud!This Spring with

WINGS

(The book of Acts)

Beginning

Tuesday Evenings

February 21, 2017

At 7:00 p.m.

“You shall receive power when the holy spirit

has come upon you” Acts 1:8

Waukegan Community Church1016 Grand Ave(847) 360-1008

Roycealee J. Wood is the recipientof the 2017 Most Influential AfricanAmericans of Lake County Commu-nity Champion Award

Roycealee Wood is noted for heraltruistic interest in the welfare ofstudents and families in Lake

County. She is the Regional Super-intendent of Lake County Schools.

She has more than 48 years of ex-perience in Education. Wood re-ceived both undergraduate andmaster's degree from NorthwesternUniversity.

Roycealee J. WoodCommunity Champion Award

Euphema Nelson is the recipient of the 2017 Most In-fluential African Americans Community Champoion Award.A survivor of a brain aneurysm, Nelson is noted for hercommunity engagement in helping others.

She is married to Sigismund Nelso. ey are immigrantsfrom Jamaica. As a family, they founded a church, e Liv-ing Waters Apostolic Church of North Chicago. e Nel-sons have two children and one grandchild.

Euphema NelsonCommunity Champion Award

March 2017 Chicago People’s Voice Page 20