Award Celebrations
Black History Month 2026
Chicagoland Area
The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office honors outstanding leaders whose work strengthens communities and helps make Illinois a better place. Later this month in Springfield, we will host a Black History Month celebration to recognize outstanding Downstate Illinois leaders and their impact in service, business, education, and community advancement.
Christy George
President & CEO
Illinois Economic Development Corporation
Outstanding Service in Business
Tonika Lewis Johnson
Artist, Photographer, & Cofounder
Resident Association of Greater Englewood
Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities
Hon. Adriane Johnson
State Senator, 30th District
Illinois
Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official
Christopher Mallette
Director of Community Relations & Outreach; Head Football Coach
Chicago Hope Academy
Outstanding Achievement in Sportsmanship
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
Senior Pastor
Trinity United Church of Christ
Outstanding Commitment to Community Service
Mark Payne
Executive Director
Public Allies
Jesse White Leadership Award
Debra Simmons-Peterson
President
Teamsters Local 743
Outstanding Achievement in Workforce and Labor
Dr. Katonja Webb-Walker
President
Kennedy-King College, City Colleges of Chicago
Outstanding Commitment to Education
Chicago Recognition Ceremony Video
Watch this video of our Black History Month celebration in Chicago, which took place on February 4, 2026.