Mellody Hobson, Valerie Jarrett, Kendall Gill Among Those Recognized
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, held in the Illinois Room at 555 W. Monroe St., was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight honorees included an investment executive, a foundation CEO, a youth sports leader, a City Colleges president, a state lawmaker, a labor leader, a basketball player, and a history museum president.
“We acknowledge the great achievements and contributions of African Americans every day, not only during the month of February,” Frerichs said. “These leaders are investing in companies, making a difference in the lives of our youth, and fighting for a more equitable Illinois. We celebrate their dedication to making our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.” Black History Month is a national effort. In 1926, University of Chicago graduate, author and educator Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. In 1976, the annual celebration was expanded to a month. This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to the community:
Outstanding Service in Business Mellody Hobson Co-CEO, President | Ariel Investments Outstanding Service in Leadership Valerie Jarrett CEO | The Obama Foundation
Outstanding Commitment in Education Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth President | Olive-Harvey College Outstanding Commitment in Community Service Eric Davis Executive Director | The BASE Chicago Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official Hon. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
Illinois State Representative, Assistant Majority Leader | 33rd District Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor Fletcher Holmes Business Agent, Political Director | Ironworkers Local 63 Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship Kendall Gill TV analyst, former basketball player Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanity Perri Irmer, Esq.
President, CEO | DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center Later this month, Frerichs will hold a celebration in Springfield honoring Downstate Black leaders.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'- iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $55 billion.
The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement;
and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record-breaking $1.9 billion since Frerichs was elected.
For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on X (formerly Twitter) at @ILTreasurer, Threads @iltreasurer@threads.net, Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and on Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
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