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6th Annual Men of Excellence [Chicago Defender (IL)]
[February 18, 2013]

6th Annual Men of Excellence [Chicago Defender (IL)]


(Chicago Defender (IL) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) MacArthur Alexander MacArthur "Mac" Alexander grew up in and around his hometown of Lexington, Mississippi. He was the youngest of 1 1 children. He graduated from the Church Of God In Christ-sponsored Saints Industrial Junior College and Academy in Lexington and then matriculated to Mississippi Valley State College (now University). His studies were interrupted, as he was drafted into the U.S. Army at the start of the Vietnam War.



He was wounded by enemy mortar fire and received a Purple Heart and other commendations for his valor. Upon rehabilitation and release from the military, Alexander moved to Chicago and began his career as an entrepreneur. His first business venture was a record shop. In Austin, Mac's Records became one of the key stops on the new, booming hip hop artist circuit. He has employed hundreds, over the years, in his enterprises and has made generous contributions to individuals, needy families, churches, block clubs, local schools and community organizations.

In 1981, Alexander was a founding member of the Westside Business Improvement Association, Inc. First the stabilization, dien the revitalization of die West Madison commercial district, was the mission of WBIA, which was made up of business owners and community residents.


He is a regular supporter of the South Austin Coordinating Community Council, die Austin People Action Center, the Austin Chamber of Commerce and die NAACP- Westside Branch, to name a few.

He is a silent trustee for his family church, Canaan AME Church in Maywood, Illinois.

In 1997, Alexander realized a life dream by opening MacArthur's, a cafeteria-style, sit-down family restaurant that offers southern cuisine at a reasonable price. MacArthur's is a national and international destination: Dignitaries, celebrities, notables and public officials come from as far away as Japan, China and India.

Alexander is a strong family man. He and his wife Albertine have been together more dian 40 years. His only child, Vanessa Cobbins, is one of die managers of the restaurant and he has nieces, nephews and in-laws working throughout his enterprises.

Alexander is highlighted in Alex Kodowitz's book. Never A City So Real, and is profiled in Barack Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope.

Katéy Assem Katéy Assem serves as Executive Director of the Chicago State University Foundation, a position he held in the past. Previously, he was Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the North Carolina Central University Foundation. Assem also served as Vice President for Advancement and Research at Fort Valley State University and as Chief Executive Officer of the FVSU Foundation where he completed a $62 million bond program to build a new residential and academic village. Before joining FVSU, he was Chief Advancement Officer and Executive Director of the Chicago State University Foundation.

Assem served as Associate Vice President and Campaign Director at Hampton University, Executive Director of The Door, Inc., the largest and most comprehensive youth services agency in New York City, and also as Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the New York State Division for Youth. He has held several other positions of responsibility in die corporate, government, education and human services sectors. Throughout his career, Assem has been responsible for public and .private fundraising activities, development, investment and oversight of endowments and the disbursement of funds for student scholarships, faculty research support and university-wide technology and infrastructure support.

He received his bachelor's degree in Statistics from the University of Ghana, Legon and his master's of Social Services Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Assem also holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University-Perdue University Fundraising School. He was a Fulbright Scholar through the Council of International Programs in Chicago.

Assem serves on the boards of several organizations including being chairman of Abraham Lincoln Center in Chicago and chairman emeritus of Harlem United Community AIDS Centers, Inc. in New York City. His other board service includes: Opportunity International Inc. and Africa International House.

Assem has over 32 years experience working in human services, juvenile justice and education. He has designed Rites of Passage programs for community centers, churches and juvenile correctional institutions. He has authored or co-audiored numerous articles and two books on working with children and families in foster care and adoption.

Assem is die fadier of three grown sons, has three grandsons and two granddaughters.

Issac Bishop Isaac Bishop is a Senior Project Manager for the Arcadis Company with over 18 years of experience. Bishop has expertise in construction program management for educational and governmental facilities. He has been involved in all phases of facility development including project development, cost, time, contract, quality and safety management. He previously served as a project manager for the PARCOMM division of Parsons. Prior to Parsons, Isaac served as a Senior Design and Construction Project Manager for the Capital Development Board of the State of Illinois where he lead the capital expansion of Chicago State University.

Bishop is a member of the Construction Management Association of America. He is also a lifetime member of the NBMBAA. He served two years as President and just completed his 201 1-2012 term as the Immediate Past President of the Chicago Chapter. Bishop has also served as a member of the Board of Directors and the Treasurer tor the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. The Hope center is a grassroot leadership development and community organizing group founded in 1994 by now-President Barack Obama and Sokioni Karanja.

Additionally, Bishop is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He served as a member of the housing committee for the Chicago Alumni chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Isaac previously served as Parliamentarian for the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Minority Architects.

Bishop has long been recognized for his business acumen in developing unique innovative process and solutions to scheduling, quality and productivity challenges.

Echol Chapman Echol Chapman has firmly established himself as one of the most dynamic forces for social and economic action in both the local and national arenas. He has campaigned for economic justice, higher education, and entrepreneurial opportunities for people all over the United States. An inspirational speaker, committed activist and tireless and confident campaigner, Chapman began his career as a foot soldier in the Education Movement of the 1 960s.

In 1969 he attend the Greenville Technical College on scholarship, majoring in Culinary Arts and Nutrition. Chapman accepted a grant to attend the seminary, where he planned to train for the ministry. He was ordained a Baptist minister in 1970. though he had not finished his course work.

Chapman first became involved in the education movement while a student at Sterling High School, in Greenville, South Carolina. There he joined the Greenville Chapter of the Council on Education, an organization that promotes education for youths. In 1971 Chapman organized mentors and tutors to assist youths. His leadership in this effort earned him recognition within the local community. He was president of the South Carolina Council on Education, and in 1974 served as delegate to the National Convention. In 1978 Chapman founded "Meeting At the Ole Campground" in Greenville, a coordinating committee of community organizations and organized regular meetings of local black ministers to teach self-help and entrepreneurial skills to the community.

Chapman joined the local radio station in Greenville and put his knowledge of the city and contacts within the black community to work for the community. He organized local ministers to support the economic and educational programs, along with a major program called, "Saving Lives & Changing Lives through Self-help." The program organized community churches to set up after school programs, small business start-ups, entrepreneurial opportunities, and life skills for people of all ages, colors and creeds.

Chapman was on the radio for one year and was then asked to move to Bolingbrook, III.

In 2004 Chapman founded the non-profit Napolean & Ada Moton Chapman Institute (The Chapman Institute) which provides programs focused on keeping inner-city, rural, and suburban youths in school and provides job placement.

Maurice S. Chapman Maurice S. Chapman as a vast wealth of experience and knowledge in social services, counseling, program development, personnel management and supervision at both international corporations and communitybased organizations in the field of HIV/AIDS. Chapman currently works for the Hektoen Institute- Austin Health Center of Cook County - CBC Initiative as executive director.

He has served as the co-chair for the Westside HIV/AIDS Regional Planning Council and he has previously worked for the Chicago Department of Public Health and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. He is an ordained deacon at Trinity United Church of Christ and served as co-chair of its HIV/AIDS support ministry. Chapman has presented workshops on spirituality, recovery and HIV.

In July 2001, Chapman received the Sherry L. Luck Humanitarian Award from the Southside HIV/AIDS resource providers, in June 2003 he received the AIDS Legal Council of Chicago advocate of the year award and in 2008 TPAN recognized Chapman as a "superhero" in the fight against AIDS.

He has served on several community planning bodies, including the Ryan White Planning Council and the Chicago HIV Prevention and Planning Group. He recently served as co-chair of the special events committee for the U.S. Conference on AIDS held in Chicago in November 201 1 , and presented poster abstracts at the International AIDS Society's bi-annual conference and at the 2012 National Summit on HIV and Viral Hepatitis Diagnosis, Prevention and Access to Care, both in Washington, D.C. in July and November, respectively. Chapman has been active in the fight against HIV/AIDS since 1992.

He received an undergraduate degree from Hampton University in 1980. Chapman has been married to wife Dena for 19 years, and is the proud father of two sons, Joshua, 16, and Malachi, 14.

Bernard M. Clay Bernard M. Clay has helped more than 40,000 young minds realize their full potential by helping them pursue post-secondary educational and/or full time employment opportunities in meaningful career paths.

Clay grew up on Chicago's West Side. It was from high school and college experiences that Clay developed his life mission of service to youths in the pursuit of higher education goals.

He obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science from DePaul University and his master's in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. Clay then began his career of service with the Illinois Department of Mental Health as a therapist and then with the Illinois Department of Corrections as a Probation Officer.

He volunteered in the Explorer and Scouting Programs within the Chicago Area Council of the Bay Scouts of America. He was a Scout Master, an Explorer and Chapter Advisor and as a member of the Order of Arrow he obtained the Vigil Honor.

Clay's scouting experiences sparked him to establish a local community-based youth services organization that would target primarily the young people from the Chicago's West Side.

He became a founding board member of Introspect Youth Services in 1975. Introspect has provided youth counseling, emergency temporary housing, and supportive services to thousands of our troubled youths.

Clay was a founding member of the Illinois Collaboration on Youth and he has served as Vice Chair of the Youth Network Council, a coalition of more than 45 Cook County Youth organizations. He was the Co-Chair of the Alternative School Network and a former Commissioner of the City of Chicago-Health Planning Commission and the State of Illinois African American Family Commission.

Clay is active in an array of civic and community-based organizations including, Friends of Columbus Park to the South Austin Madison Corporation and the Westside Business Improvement Association. Bernard is a founding member and the current chair of the Westside Arts Council.

He is a noted breeder and importer of Rottweiler's and German Shepherd dogs. He is a Founding member and president of the Chicagoland Schutzhund Club Inc. He has worked with the American Rottweiler and American Kennel Club to block anti-breeding legislation in the Chicago City Council and the Illinois General Assembly.

Todd Cole Todd Cole has been working with numbers for as long as he can remember. The youngest of eight children, Cole grew up on Chicago's West Side during in the 1970s. He spent every spare minute of his teen years doing bookkeeping and other tasks at his father's business, a private parking lot in the Chicago Loop.

After graduating from Crane High School, Cole transferred the bookkeeping skills he learned at his father's business to a career in the legal industry, becoming an outstanding account specialist at the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving. On a daily basis, he tracks the legal cases of fathers seeking child custody as they move through the legal system and listens to their questions and concerns.

Cole today brings the lessons he has learned about childrearing and child custody to meetings at the Fatherhood Educational Institute, where he discusses with other fathers the importance of male role models and how to improve relationships between children and fathers. He gives advice to men who are facing child custody struggles, and he enjoys helping a diverse group of men to survive and thrive while fighting for their children. As someone who has been through these struggles himself, he is seen as a trustworthy resource by other men.

Cole feels he benefited from growing up with a strong and loving father and momer who were committed to each other for life.

Cole's eldest son, age 17, attends Simeon Career Academy High School and is being considered for a scholarship to the University of Southern California. His younger son, age 14, attends a Perspectives Charter School. Cole is strict with them about school work, requiring them to complete their homework and have it checked every night after they finish their chores.

His greatest piece of advice for young men who haven't become fathers yet "Make sure it's something you really want... Plan your parenthood. Don't be surprised. I planned my children... Children are a big commitment, the most important commitment you will make in your life." Antoine Collins Sr.

Antoine Collins Sr. has a strong commitment to serving his community. In April 2009, he became the third African American in the history of Calumet City to be elected to the City Council. As the alderman of the 7th Ward of Calumet City, Collins not only presides over the largest ward in the city, he also serves as the chairman of Ordinances and Resolution Committee. He has also served as the chairman of Business Permits and Licenses Committee prior to, overseeing the functions associated with business permits and licenses throughout all of Calumet City.

Collins is a strong believer that the youth are the future. He implemented an annual essay contest for the youth of Calumet City, where each year the youth write an essay expressing the pride they have in themselves and the community in which they live.

Aid. Collins makes a point to mail out college care packages at least two times each year to any residents of whom he is notified that they are away at college; though he does not restrict his giving to those in Calumet City.

Alderman Collins spearheaded the 7th Ward Job Training Program which is designed to equip its' participants the skills necessary to compete for a job.

Collins was strongly instrumental in bringing new business to the south suburban region. He is the General Assistance and Food Pantry Manager for Thornton Township in South Holland.

Antoine Collins is married to Danita and they have three children, Taylor, Taryn and Antoine Jr. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University and a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration. He is a member of the Thornton Township Regular Democratic Organization, and South Suburban branch of the NAACP. He has also received the 2010 Fred Hampton Image Award for Service.

Derrick Collins Derrick Collins serves as the Dean for the College of Business at Chicago State University. He is responsible for the management of the College of Business and the deployment of faculty and other resources to advance the business education of CSU students. Under Collins' stewardship, the College of Business has expanded its curriculum offerings to enhance industry-specific, technical proficiencies, elevate and develop entrepreneurial expertise, expand international business efficacy, and develop career management skills via the integration of experiential training.

Previous to CSU, Collins was Assistant Clinical Professor of Finance at Northwestern University's J.L. Kellogg School of Management.

He began his academic career while serving as a General Partner of Polestar Capital Partners, a $40 million early-stage to growth-stage venture capital, partnership focused on investing in minority -controlled technology companies. It was this experience in the venture capital community that served as the platform for Collins to successfully teach private equity in a higher education environment.

Collins began his private equity career during his tenure at Shorebank Corporation, an Illinois bank holding company, where he served as President of its venture capital subsidiary, Shorebank Capital Corporation. While at Shorebank, Collins also served as a Commercial Loan Officer in the banking subsidiary. South Shore Bank.

He has lectured extensively on the topic of venture capital, investing in entrepreneurial companies, and minority entrepreneurship and has received accolades for his ability to convey complex financial and business concepts to sophisticated and novice audiences, alike. Collins serves as a bi-weekly contributor on economic and business topics via WVONAM radio's Urban Business Roundtable.

Collins' board affiliations include Chicago Community Ventures, Adamation, Inc., BridgeStream, Inc., ViaNovus, Inc., the National Association of Investment Companies, which serves the private equity community of the emerging domestic marketplace, and co-founder and board member of the accelerated entrepreneurial program, the Runners' Club.

Derrick Collins earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and his M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Matthew H. Cooper Matthew Cooper is the founder and president of Inner-City Underwriting Agency. He has more than 25 years of insurance brokerage, risk management consulting and underwriting experience.

Few in the insurance industry can match the depth and diversity of Matthew's experience in the Insurance industry, having started right out of high school when he accepted a full work-study scholarship to attend, St. John's College of Insurance, in New York City.

Cooper's entrance into the insurance industry occurred during a time when very few African-Americans were employed by the National and International Insurance Brokers. Overcoming many obstacles during his career, Matthew was able to progress from Work-Study trainee to hold key Management positions at the top two insurance brokerage firms in the world.

However, his commitment to community has always been strong. This commitment was as a key motivator in his desire to leave the corporate world in favor of starting Inner-City Underwriting Agency more than 18 years ago.

Under Cooper's guidance, Inner-City Underwriting has served as a national model for expanding distribution of critical insurance services to underserved urban communities. His accomplishments within the insurance industry and community are numerous. He was the first president and founding member of the Chicago Chapter of the National African- American Insurance Association.

Cooper served as former Chairman of Board. South Shore Chamber Inc. and Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce He is an organizing member of the Center for Cooperative Housing Development, a new organization started in 2012 to promote and highlight the success of housing cooperatives in providing quality affordable housing in Chicago and surrounding communities.

Cooper plans to be a 2013 graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

Kenneth Danie Ken Daniels is the Co- Founder / President and CEO of Computer Doctor Inc. located in Homewood, Illinois. Established in 1 99 1 , Computer Doctor was one of the first full service PC/MAC computer companies in America. Over the past 2 1 years, the company evolved and today has become one of the first computer companies in the country that specializes in the servicing and selling of today's most popular computer-based technologies.

Daniels has a B.S. degree in Computer Science from York University in New York City, and has worked in the computer industry for over 35 years. He started his computer career while working at the Equitable Life Insurance Society in New York City. In 1985, Ken was hired by Pallm Inc. a software development company in Indianapolis, Indiana. Two years later, Cummins Engine Company, located in Columbus, Indiana, hired Daniels as a Software Engineer. Sometime later, Aon Corporation in Chicago hired Daniels as a Senior Software Engineer.

In 1990 Daniels left Aon Corporation to pursue and fulfill his lifelong ambition, that of becoming an entrepreneur. He created two companies, one of which was Computer Doctor Inc. He has conducted business in four locations, during his career, including Bangkok Thailand. In 2000, Daniels sold one of his companies, Computer Business Solutions Ine, a company specializing in software development for small to medium size companies, to a partner and downsized his operations to only one location, Homewood.

Together with a new partner, Daniels has created an online Computer Doctor and has expanded his products and services to include the most desired computer based products and technologies on today's market. He recently launched his new E-commerce website. A spiritual man and devoted husband, Daniels has taught English to children in Cambodia and computers and software in universities and colleges in Chicago.

Randall Dunn Randall C. Dunn, an experienced school administrator and a national leader in independent schools education, became Latin School of Chicago's 15th head of school in July 201 1 .

A graduate of Brown and Harvard Universities, Dunn has enjoyed an outstanding career as a classroom teacher, coach and senior administrator. He has worked in independent, public, day and boarding schools on the East Coast and in the Midwest. Most recently, he served for seven years as head of The Roeper School, an independent school outside Detroit.

Dunn immigrated to the United States from Jamaica with his mother and siblings when he was 9 years old and grew up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. He attended public schools until, with support from A Better Chance, a program that provides educational opportunities to academically talented young people of color, he was able to enroll at the prestigious Milton Academy.

He is Latin School's first African American head of school, and one of 80 black heads of school leading the 1 ,700 member schools of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Dunn has remained committed to independent schools. Currently, he serves on the board of the National Association of Independent Schools. He previously was a co-chair of the National Advisory Board of the Principals' Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was selected as a 2010 Fellow in the Klingenstein Program for Visiting Heads of School at Columbia University's Teachers College. In 2008, he was honored by the organization A Better Chance as one of its 45 Honored Alumni in celebration of organization's 45th anniversary.

In the fall of 2012, under Dunn's leadership, the Latin School launched the Uptown Community Partnership. By working with local civic leaders including the 46th Ward alderman and cultural and community organizations, including non-profits, Latin strives to have a meaningful impact on this neighborhood while also providing students with an in-depth service learning experience. Currently Latin is partnering with about two dozen organizations in the neighborhood.

Founded in 1888, Latin School of Chicago is the oldest independent day school in the city of Chicago. The school serves 1107 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade from more than 60 ZIP codes throughout the city and suburbs.

Michael W. Durr Michael William Durr is a principal with Chicago Public Schools. His educational and leadership vision lies in the motto, "Excellence without Excuses". For many years, Durr honed his skills and expertise in the classroom as a high school English teacher. He would later serve as English department chair and Senior Class Advisor. In 2004, Durr became an Assistant Principal of John Hope College Preparatory High School, and a year later he would assume his current role as Principal.

Before joining Chicago Public Schools in 1994, Durr worked for a diverse range of corporations, including American National Bank, Northern Trust Bank and Thomas L. Jacobs & Associates, where he managed their long term disability cases for PNC Bank and MIT Institution. During his several years of working in the private sector, Durr sought to fulfill his lifelong desire to enter the field of education, after working as a mentor in the Alpha Lite Program. The belief system of the program made him realize that there was a greater need in the African American community to enhance the knowledge and skills, and improve the attitude, of young people towards various aspects of life.

His varied background in Communications and Management provided the perfect foundation for his role as Principal. He is passionate about the development of the whole child: mind, body and soul. Durr's unorthodox approach to each individual student communicates his strong belief of their potential and greatness. He encourages and motivates his staff to view students as future ambassadors within our global society.

Michael William Durr is a highly qualified educator and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Public Relations from Illinois State University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University, and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Concordia University. He is a faithful member of the Apostolic Church of God where his· has provided over 25 years of continued service on the Saving Grace Television Ministry. Durr is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Steve Hall Steve A. Hall was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago in a single parent household. His mother emphasized education and understanding your personal finances or "taking care of your business." A product of the Chicago Public Schools system, he graduated from Drake Elementary School and Whitney Young High School. Hall continued his education at Florida A&M University, in Tallahassee, Florida where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 1994.

Hall's passion is entrepreneurship. While in Tallahassee, he started over six businesses and helped others with more than 20 business ventures. It was his ability to counsel business owners that led him to his current career in banking. Hall has helped thousands of business owners over the years, ranging from multi-million dollar companies to small "Mom and Pop" shops. He fervently shares the message of "taking care of your business" his mom taught him, as well as lessons he learned in his own ventures in an effort to ensure that business owners have enough capital to live their dreams.

Due to his enthusiasm and hard work, in 2005 Hall became the Vice President and Regional Manager of Business Banking at Charter One Bank. In 2006, he was nominated to the Board of Directors of Acción Chicago, an organization that helps small business owners secure financing when they have been turned down by banks. Due to his passion for small business he was immediately promoted to Vice Chair of the Board, a position he has held for the last 7 years. Growing our economy by sharing life lessons is Steve's goal for the future.

Steve is married with three young daughters, all of whom are "daddy's girls." He relishes his role as an active, present and committed husband and father. If there is anything he is more passionate about than entrepreneurship it is his family. His personal email signature says it all: "Steve Hall, Family Man, Banker and Entrepreneur." Linai Harris Linai Harris is an international business professional, blogger, entrepreneur, Fortune 500 company executive and recipient of Chicago's 40 Game Changers under 40 award. He is currently in the role of Senior Director and Chief Diversity Strategist for U.S. Cellular, a Chicago based wireless telephone provider. In this role, he develops the internal diversity strategies for the organization and oversees community outreach initiatives within U.S. Cellular's markets.

Prior to taking this role, Harris assisted in the start-up and management of multiple call centers across the globe with recent efforts in countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador and Jamaica.

No matter where in the world Harris has been, Chicago is still home and definitely has his heart. This comes through in the strong passion he displays for inspirational leadership and outreach within the Chicago community.

Harris' passion for leadership is evidenced in his blog www.inspirationalperspective.com where he looks to challenge and help his readers, murder mediocrity and live their best life possible. Harris is a skilled public speaker who continually shares his resources and time with inner city youth by volunteering and inspiring high school juniors and seniors to pursue further education.

Harris has over 15 years of leadership, business operations and technology experience. He has held positions within a number of Fortune 500 companies, both domestic and international.

"We all have the power to influence great change... but if we ignore that power... to create change... we could miss an opportunity to change our city, possibly the nation, maybe the world. Don't underestimate the ripple effect you have on the rest of our lives." - An excerpt from "What's Your Ripple Effect " by Linai Harris Napoleon Harris Napoleon Harris, a former NFL player. Northwestern University graduate and business owner, is the newly elected state senator for the 1 5th District. The 33-year-old native of Cook County played seven full seasons in the NFL following a stellar football career at Northwestern University.

Harris grew up in the tiny suburb of Dixmoor, Illinois in a single parent household after the death of his father. His mother. Hienda Harris, instilled in him values of citizenship and education. Harris attended Lincoln Elementary School, Rosa Parks Middle School and Thornton High School in Harvey, Illinois. It was at Thornton High School where Harris excelled as a tri-star athlete. He was an honor student throughout his academic career.

At Thornton, Harris was widely recruited by nearly every major NCAA Division 1 school in America. But his decision to attend Northwestern University was based on the institution's reputation as a top performing academic school.

Harris played four years at Northwestern, achieving many accomplishments on the football field. But his greatest efforts were in the classroom. Harris not only played football for four years but completed his degree in within the same time frame, and completed a post-graduate Certificate at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Business.

He was a first round draft pick and first linebacker drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the 2002 NFL Draft. He also played with the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs.

While playing in the NFL he started the Napoleon Harris Foundation. Through his foundation, Napoleon Harris has helped countless teenagers receive college scholarships.

Harris has long desired to be more than just a notable athlete and citizen in southern Cook County, but also a problem solver and a person of resource. He currently runs several businesses including Beggars Pizza in Harvey and Orland Park, Illinois. He opened a franchise restaurant in the area where he grew up to create jobs and to fill a void in service. He employs over 50 people.

Harris is married to his high school friend Nicole Bunton (Harris). They have two sons, Napoleon Harris IV and Noah.

Carl Hayes Carl Hayes was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago. He graduated from Providence St. Mel High School and attended Northern Illinois University where he received a bachelor's degree in Psychology; and a master's degree in Education from National Louis University.

Hayes have been employed at the United State Postal Service for over 25 years. He is the coordinator of the Post Office Basketball League, which is a supporter of the Fundamental Educational Basketball Camps.

Hayes organized the UMOJA Mentoring and Educational Basketball Camp, which provides inner city children with after-school, weekends and mainly summer activities to aid in positive character development. UMOJA organized FREE summer basketball camps for the less fortunate children on the West Side of Chicago. The continued success of this corporation depends on parents, coaches and teachers investing their time, talents and funds to continue preparing the children for the competitiveness that sports and school will bring.

Hayes says that, God's will, the Fundamental Educational Basketball Camp will continue to be free and each child will receive a T-shirt and trophy, also food will be provided to the children, parents and coaches at the end of each camp. He dreams of the day when schools, churches and parkdistricts assist in fundraising by purchasing trophies.

Over 90 percent of the proceeds will go towards the purchase of insurance, supplies and food for the basketball camp. Hayes says positive alternatives must continue to be found for the youth in the city of Chicago to stay in school, out of gangs and off drugs.

John Steven Henton In 2001 Dr. John Henton began an outreach called Breakthrough Drugs, a free referral agency for anyone that had fallen to drugs or indigence. He then began to acquire speaking engagements in the circles of substance abuse workshops, transitional housing, detox centers and rehabilitation facilities. He perceived the need to incorporate secular and spiritual awareness to addictive behaviors and created a seminar called Menton is acknowledged as an effective motivational speaker who transcends Ihe boundaries of race, gender and religious segregation. He is an ordained minister and is the CEO of Monument Outreach Community Services. He has been on AM and FM radio for over three years "above and not beneath." He has also taught dysfunctional awareness and addictive behavior at facilities across the Chicagoland area such as HRDI. Debra's Place. Harvey house, etc. for over 10 years.

Menton began teaching in 2003 at the University of Illinois through a summer program called The National Youth Sports Program for children grades 4th through 12th. This eventually opened the doors to*lecrure periodically at the University of Illinois through the Early Outreach Program that is geared towards gifted children of high achievement.

He created the curriculum for a program called Deliverance Through Recovery dealing with dissolving psychological problems through theological solutions. It is currently being taught weekly at the Cook County Jail, Human Resource & Development Institutes and a host of churches throughout the Chicagoland area.

He has linked Monument Outreach Community Services with other non-profit programs and now facilitates transitional housing for ex-offenders, substance abusers and persons with HIV/AIDS, etc. throughout Chicago.

Henton has acquired a number of honorary degrees and has earned two doctorate degrees. He opened the Monument Outreach Theological Institute and The New Direction College Preparatory pre K- 12th.

Kenneth Hill Kenneth Hill, originally from Chicago, resided in Detroit for over 40 years. He returned to Chicago in 2006. He is a graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Wayne State University with a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education.

Hill worked at MichCon and taught in the Detroit Public School System prior to moving to the Republic of Zambia in Central Africa where he taught calculus and physics to high school students. Upon his return to Detroit, he developed a nationally renowned program known as the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program.

In 1976, DAPCEP began with 245 students and now has an enrollment of over 6000. The mission is to increase the number of underrepresentéd African American, Latino American and Native American students who are motivated and prepared to pursue careers in science, mathematics, and engineering. DAPCEP provides instructional and motivational activities to youngsters throughout the school year, ori Saturdays and during the summer.

Hill was the recipient of the 1990 NAACP Distinguished Service Award, the 1993 Distinguished Service Award from the Detroit Public Schools, the Community Service Award from the DAPCEP Parent Advisory Committee, and 1995 "Best Managed Non-Profit" from Crain's Detroit's Business, among a host of others. Since 2008, Hill has been the President & CEO of the Chicago PreCollege Science and Engineering Program, Inc.

Currently, ChiS&E has over 300 parents and students participating in extra curricular academic enrichment programs (K-4). ChiS&E plans to expand by adding at least one additional grade each year.

John T. Hooker John T. Hooker, retired executive vice president of Legislative and External Affairs for electricity utility ComEd. was responsible for managing state legislative initiatives, as well as developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key state stakeholders and large customers. Hooker also oversaw the functions of Real Estate and Facilities and Economic Development.

Prior to his appointment as executive vice president of Legislative and External Affairs. Hooker served as senior vice president of Legislative and Governmental Affairs and was responsible for managing ComEd's relationships with the Chicago City Council, the Illinois General Assembly and other state agencies.

Previous to that position. Hooker served as senior vice president of Legislative and External Affairs for ComEd. Simultaneously. Hooker served as vice president. Property Management Exelon Energy Delivery, with responsibility for facilities, real estate, and claims at both ComEd and Philadelphia-based sister company PECO Energy.

Hooker served in numerous ComEd departments for 44 years, holding management positions in industrial relations, marketing, governmental, and regulatory affairs. His expertise was instrumental to the passage of Illinois' Customer Choice Law of 1997.

Hooker is a founding member of the Exelon African American Members' Association. Founded in 1990, the organization focuses on building members' individual growth opportunities within the company.

Hooker serves on the board of. directors of the Chicago State University Foundation, Peoples Consumer Cooperative, the Safer Foundation, Junior Achievement and The African American Legacy Initiative.

Hooker is a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy, an organization devoted to increasing the number of blacks and other minorities in energyrelated fields. He also is a member of Chicago State University's Business Hall of Fame committee and is involved with the Chicago Public Schools Youth Motivation Program.

He holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Chicago State University.

Adam C. Jackson Business and entrepreneurial expert Adam "Action" Jackson is a modern day mogul for the 21st century. Jackson's savvy and creative business strategies have helped start, support and improve functionality for over 175 businesses, causing growth and sustainability for each company.

He has been on the move and under the radar, stealthily assisting entrepreneurs and business-owners in their endeavors to realize dreams of becoming business-owners for many years.

Innovative case studies and unique implementation are the seeds Jackson has used to create successful marketing advertisements for over 600 businesses. He has managed and consulted keen plans of action for over 1 20 real estate transactions~both residential and commercial.

Jackson is also part owner of the only sweet potato bakery in the world, Jimmy Jamm Sweet Potato Bakery Cafe, located in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood. He also sits on the executive team for the JrCuisine kids cooking show. Jackson is also the author of "Speak It Receive It Achieve It" and is currently the creator and owner of AJ Publishing, an umbrella of AJ Enterprise.

Jackson also has luxury car rental investments in Miami and Los Angeles.

During the course of Jackson's journey, he has also managed to find time to devote to organizations, including Ada S. McKinley, Rush Presbyterian Hospital and Advocate Christ Hospital.

Jackson has fed the homeless on Chicago's Lower Wacker Drive for three years straight. He has taken food to the homeless and spent time listening to them.

Jackson is a man of action. Having owned over 30 businesses in various fields from clothing and retail to marketing and luxury rental cars, he is no stranger to success. Jackson delivers hard-hitting facts along with life experience to improve any business and reshape the company's strategy for success.

With Adam Jackson, there is never a problem, only a solution, and there will be no room for failure, only upward mobility.

Eddie T. Johnson Eddie T. Johnson became a police officer in May of 1988 and was assigned to the 6th District (Gresham). After three years he was promoted to Patrol Specialist charged with training police recruits.

In August of 1998 he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the 5th District (Calumet) where in 2000 he was assigned to the Gang/Tactical Unit. One short year later, he was transferred to Area 4 Detective Division assigned to the Robbery Unit and later to Homicide as a sergeant. In February of 2007 he was promoted to Lieutenant of Police and assigned to the 15th District (Austin) on the West Side.

Shortly thereafter, on March 15. 2008. he was promoted to Commander of the 6th District where, ironically, he began his career as a patrolman. On August 20, 20 1 1 . after 3 1 12 years of non-stop excitement commanding the 6th District, Johnson was promoted to Deputy Chief of Area 4 in the Patrol Division responsible for four police districts. When the department consolidated he was then reassigned to Deputy Chief of Area Central Patrol responsible for eight police districts.

Deputy Chief Johnson is a graduate of Corliss High School on the South Side of Chicago and holds a bachelor's degree from Governors State University and is a candidate for a master's degree from Northwestern University in Public Policy and Administration with a specialization in Public Safety and National Security.

Dorian Jones Dorian F. Jones is a father of three, and a technology and project management professional who has over 20 years of managing large projects for the City of Chicago, O'Hare Airport. Chicago Police Department and SBC/Ameritech.

Born in Chicago, he lived in the Ida B. Wells public housing project. Jones picked up a Chicago Emmy Award in 1966 as a member of Holy Angels Catholic School's Little Angels choir.

Jones began his career as a Network Systems Engineer at Bell Labs (Lucent) in Naperville, III. While there he was completing a Communications degree at Columbia College. After 10 years with Network Systems he became Technical Field Director for Black Entertainment Television in the Midwest. Eventually he became the Lead Project Manager for MBE/WBE, A/V Installation firm The Paradise Group.

The company was instrumental in the building of the Harold Washington Library, 911 Emergency Communications Center, and International Terminal at O'Hare Airport. In 1995 he became the Multimedia Group manager for SBC/ Ameritech. In 2003 he was hired by City Colleges of Chicago as the Director of Communications and Marketing (Kennedy-King College) and was also the Station Manager for City Colleges Publk Radio Station WKKC. In 2007 he received his master's dçgree in Digital New Media, Interdisciplinary Arts fron Columbia College.

Currently, Jones is the Chief Technology Officer for UnitedNFC a Mobile Application Development Firm that special izes in consumer based Event Marketing and Advertising, that utilizes Near Field Communications or (Mobile Phone Tap Technology) as a gateway to leverage your unique brand with it's own Social Media enhanced community.

Jones works withFor afterschool we have "Checkmate Violence" where students are introduced to advanced chess con cepts and receive personalized attention. Our clubs provide a safe social setting that is ideal for the full realization ol Chess' educational and developmental benefits.

James C. Jones James C. Jones, MSW and MBA, has served as president and chief executive officer of ChildServ since June of 1994. As head of the agency, Jones is responsible for a $10 million operating budget, which encompasses 10 distinct programs at 10 sites, annually serving over 3,100 children and families in Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties. Under Jones' leadership, ChildServ has worked to enhance the quality of its diverse services.

Jones serves on the board for Lumity, an information technology and finance consulting nonprofit organization. He is also a board member and former chairman of the Back Office Cooperative, comprised of thirty plus Chicago-based, nonprofit organizations that seek to improve the performance of the human service sector by leveraging scale and best practices to drive down back office costs. Jones also served as Chairman of the Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort a consortium of 25 large United Way social service organizations serving Chicago and its suburbs.

From 2001 through 2009, Jones was an Adjunct Professor for the Jane Adams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also served as an advisory board member for the Center for Non-Profit Management, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Jones received a master's degree in Business Administration from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He received a master's degree from the University of Illinois, Jane Addams College of Social Work, and a master's degree from Montclair State College in Montclair, New Jersey. Prior to coming to ChildServ, Jones was employed at Central Baptist Children's Home, Chicago for 19 years where he served as executive vice president after moving up in the ranks from deputy director.

In 1999 Jones received the City Partner Award from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. He is a colonel, retired in the United States Army Reserves. In 2004, Colonel Jones was awarded the Legion of Merit, United States Military decoration.

Virgil Jones Jr.

Virgil J. Jones Jr. joined LINK Unlimited as President in 2000. His role includes managing ail aspects of LINK's educational scholarship and mentoring program that annually serves over 290 African American students in more than 40 private high schools throughout the greater Chicagoland area.

Jones furthers the mission of LINK by representing the organization to a broad constituent base, including foundations, corporations, colleges, universities, local educators, and community partners. Under Jones' leadership, LINK completed a $6 million capital campaign, constructed a new headquarters facility in Chicago, expanded incoming class sizes by 30 percent, and increased annual giving support by 70 percent. Of note, Jones achieved a 100 percent four-year college acceptance and matriculation rate for LINK students in each of the past 12 years.

Jones brings 25 years of experience working with adolescents and community organizations to his current role, most recently with Faith Community of Saint Sabina and The Latin School of Chicago. His extensive community service includes work on The University of Chicago Charter School Governing Board, Beverly Bank & Trust Board of Directors, the Executive Steering Committee of "New Communities Program, and the Fellows Association of Leadership Greater Chicago.

Jones holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from Loyola University, an M.A. degree in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union, and an MBA degree from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Victor J. LaGroon Victor J. LaGroon works for the Office of Engagement and Health Equity at the University of Illinois Cancer Center.

As the manager his duties are to manage and coordinate community activities as outlined by the UICC and the Institute of Human Genetics program directives. This includes developing community cancer forums and participating in various community activities. He also works to identify, develop and maintaining strategic partnerships designed to advance the impact and disparity intervention goals of the U of I Cancer Center. Also, to improve the visibility of the U of I Cancer Center through coordination and participation in education forums, and community and civic events.

LaGroon also works facilitating and supporting marketing and publicity of educational programs to disseminate information regarding activities. He is the point of contact for general inquiries and interacts with academic community members, lay public and health care professionals to provide information on community programming involving cancer disparities.

LaGroon assists in the development of publications, grants and documents for university needs as directed. He previously worked at University of Chicago as Program Manager, with The Melanin Group as a Consultant, for The Department of Health and Human Services as Group Facilitator U.S. ARMY 10th Mountain Division as an Intelligence Analyst.

He was recently nominated for the 2013 Pink Tie Guy Award, a Susan G. Komen Chicago Affiliate, and was the 2012 appointee by Mayor Rahm Emmanuel to The Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs.

LaGroon is a graduate of the U.S. Military Intelligence Academy and Cochise College.

Darryl S. Le Danyl S. Lewis is a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed Financial Services in Evergreen Park, 111. He joined this firm in 1984. In mis position, Lewis aids his many clients in developing a portfolio of solid investments, health insurance and income protection solutions. He assists in providing his clientele with sound advice on retirement planning and attaining financial independence.

Lewis' leadership abilities were immediately noticed upon his arrival at Waddell & Reed. Within two year's time, he was designated as a District Manager for the company.

His expertise in the business of Financial Planning has placed him in front of several groups of individuals seeking financial guidance. Some of the organizations for which he has conducted financial seminars include, Chicago Public School Teachers, African American Pastors of Waukegan and Ada S. McKinley Community Services.

Constantly striving to build and maintain positive relationships with current and potential cliente and constituents. Lewis has earned respect in his field. This admiration has led to appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Ada S. McKinley Endowment Fund as the Finance Committee Co-Chairperson and the Board of Directors of the What If.. .Carolyn Y. Adams Breast Cancer Foundation. He is a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

Lewis' college education at Illinois State University in Normal Illinois planted the seed for a career with Waddell & Reed Financial Services. He received a bachelor of science degree in Business in 1983.

He has a daughter, Dior, 21, and son, Dorkm, 16.

His industry awards include, Waddell & Reed Circle of Champions Crest Award 1995-1999; Waddell & Reed Circle of Champions Honor Award 1992Present; Waddell & Reed Circle of Champions Achievement Award 1986Present; and Waddell & Reed 50 Million Dollar Club.

His certifications include, National Association of Securities Dealers Series 6, 63 and 65; Department of Insurance (State of Illinois) Life and Health Insurance Bryan J. Mason Bryan Mason is employed with Management and Training Corporation as the center director of die Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center since November 12, 2007. He provides general campus oversight and management that assists eligible youth between the ages of 16-24 with completing their secondary education, gaining a certified occupational skill through career technical education programs. Job Corps' college program enrollment, advance training opportunities at other Job Corps campuses, and placement assistance leading to employment, military enlistment, and/or post-secondary enrollment.

Mason was in the United States Army, serving in the field of ballistic meteorology and later as an Army recruiter. First earning an associate degree in general studies while supporting his family, he continued his formal education by receiving a bachelor's degree in business administration. Guided by the philosophy of some of today's foremost experts in the field of education and business. Mason leads a team of professionals.

Prior to achieving the position of center director, Bryan has spent over 15 years with Job Corps serving in admissions, career transition, career technical training, and records management. He has held the campus positions of career development, student training, and deputy center director. He has held MTC corporate director positions of center and regional operations, and national programs integration (life science institution model in Philadelphia).

He will be celebrating his 31st wedding anniversary with his wife Rhonda in March. He is father to Fai the. Alexandra and Elizabeth. He is grandfather to Mason Amare Ceaser. He is a member of the Apostolic Faith Church where his pastor is Bishop Horace E. Smith, MD.

Kenny McReynolds Five-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Kenny McReynolds started his career at WVON-AM radio in Chicago. He later worked as sports director for radio stations WGCI-FM, WBMX-FM and WVAZ-FM.

McReynolds moved into television as weekend sports anchor and reporter for WFLD-TV/Fox-Chicago 32. He was also morning sports anchor on WCIU-TV, as well as one of the hosts for the hit sports TV show Time Out which aired on WTTW-TV7PBS Chicago.

Often referred to as "Coach," McReynolds worked as an assistant basketball coach for DePaul University under the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Ray Meyer. He later went on to work for the NBA as a scout for the Orlando Magic, the Charlotte Bobcats and the Golden State Warriors.

McReynolds is presently sports director for WWME- WCIU-TV and a reporter for the BIG TEN NETWORK. One of the voices of high school sports on the Comcast Network, he also hosts CPS (Chicago Public Schools) Sports Edition on ME-TV and provides color commentary on all live high school football and basketball games broadcast on ME-TV and WCIU.

His involvement and dedication to his craft and community have garnered him many accolades, including the award for Outstanding Service to the African-American Community from the League of Black Women. In May of 2006 he was inducted into the Chicago Public Schools' Basketball Hall of Fame and into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in April of 2008.

Dante L. Mosley Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Dante Mosely describes himself as a true Chicago native who understands the Chicago business environment. Although he's spent much of his career in banking, Mosley says his experience as an entrepreneur has greatly influenced how he works to meet the needs of Hyde Park Bank customers.

That experience, he says, taught him the value of building lasting customer relationships based on trust and mutual respect. As Vice President of Business Development, Mosely believes that Hyde Park Bank's commitment to the community is the key element in the bank's success in building and sustaining mutually rewarding relationships with its customers.

"We believe in maintaining a working partnership with our Hyde Park neighbors-individuals, businesses, and service organizations alike," he says.

"We're not just a bank, we're a long-standing member of the community. We have a genuine commitment to ensuring that Hyde Park thrives as the great diverse community it's always been." That's why he devotes considerable time to meeting personally with local residents and business and civic leaders. "We're here. We're handson. That defines how we do business.

We don't report to some large corporation in another city. We're headquartered in Hyde Park. We make decisions locally to benefit this community and its residents. We're not just offering financial services, we're also making a human investment here." The proud father of triplets, Mosely is actively involved in volunteer work with the Board of Elections in Cook County.

He's also a graduate of Northwestern University and serves on the board of his alumni group.

John Moultrie John Moultrie is a veteran entrepreneur who is one of the great visionaries and social music trailblazers in Chicago. Moultrie is on a mission to reinvigorate one of America's oldest forms of music. He is founder and CEO of iRock Jazz Music Group, on-air personality of iRock Jazz Radio Show on 88.5 WHPK and founder of the iRock Jazz Media Group. Moultrie has spawned a new creative culture of live music productions, also while playing and promoting music of many of today's "new" jazz pioneers.

Moultrie, a former chef restauranteur and music entrepreneur, has also received numerous awards including the Small Business Association's "Young Entrepreneur of the Year 1993," Inc. magazine's "Entrepreneur of the Year 1993," Dollar & Sense magazine's "International Jazz Club of the Year 1994," Chicago Tribune's "Top African American Chef," Chicago Magazine's "Best Restaurants for Desserts 1999" and Chicago Tribune's "Top 10 Best Undiscovered Restaurants 1999." Fred J. Nelson III Fred Nelson III, a pianist, organist, conductor, producer, composer and arranger, is a native Chicagoan. By 2 years of age, Nelson III was playing his first song, "Yes Jesus Loves Me." He started his formal training at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and attended DePaul University and Oberlin Conservatory of Music. A child prodigy at age 6, Nelson III performed with Ray Charles as his opening act for two years. By age 7, he had started his own band, the Midgets, who were neighborhood kids that he had trained on various instruments.

Nelson Ill's focus gradually changed from performance to music production and direction. Through his own music company, Nelson Entertainment Group, Inc. (formerly Third Sound Music) he regularly produces music for local as well as national radio and television commercials. His list of commercial clients includes Illinois Lottery, Schlitz featuring the O'Jays, Illinois Bell featuring the late Phyllis Hyman, Mazda, McDonald's, Coca-Cola featuring Anita Baker, Tide, Pantene, United Airlines and Sears just to name a few. In addition, he has served as a producer and musician for several recording projects and as a musician for such artists as Celine Dion, Chuck Mangione and Neil Diamond. As producer/writer his credits include his own "The Project" CD and First Church of Deliverance, which charted on the Billboard gospel charts top 5 for 26 weeks.

As music director/conductor, his credits include several televised events such as the PBS special "Going Home to Gospel featuring Patti La Belle," The Annual Stellar Awards and artists such as Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Holliday, Anita Baker and Jennifer Hudson. His live performances as musical director and pianist include, George Gurntz's Cantata performed in Switzerland, Anita Baker, Salute to Leontyne Price at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring The Christ Universal Temple Ensemble and Chicago Gospel Festival.

Nelson HI also presently serves as music director for Christ Universal Temple church.

He has served as a member of the Chicago Chapter Board Governors for The National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. He considers his most rewarding accomplishment to be his daughter, Paige.

Daryl Newell Daryl Newell is Senior Vice President, Director of Consumer Banking at Urban Partnership Bank.

Prior to the creation of Urban Partnership Bank in August 2010, Newell led the Retail Banking department at ShoreBank.

With more than 20 years of private, personal, and business banking experience, Newell manages the day-to-day operations of Urban Partnership Bank's 10 Chicago branches, overseeing the delivery of a wide range of affordable, responsible financial services and products. In addition, he is responsible for branch staffing, implementing new technologies and services, and generating loan and deposit gçpwtii.

Newell received a Master of Business Administration degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University. While earning his undergraduate degree, he was a standout lineman for the Northwestern Wildcats football team.

An active member of the community, Newell is a past president of 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc., and past Director of both the Little Black Pearl Gallery and the South East Chicago Commission. He is also a recipient of the Outstanding Young Men of America award. Currently, he serves on the Board of Trustees of the Ancona School and is a member of the National Football League Retired Players Association.

Newell has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including a 2003 Monarch Award from Xi Nu Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in the category of Business. He also has been recognized by The Boy Scouts of America, Who's Who Among African Americans, 15th Edition and The Institute for Positive Living's Open Book Program. A long-time mentor, he has worked with students from the University of Arkansas College of Business Administration and studentathletes from Northwestern University.

Newell and his wife, Verlena are raising two sons, Daryl and Grant.

Carlos Payne Carlos Payne was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. A product of the Chicago Public Schools system, while in high school he studied hard, played sports and met his wife to-be. After graduation, he spent three years at Alabama State University. Thereafter, he returned home to complete his education, earning a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Chicago State University. While Payne finished his degree at CSU, he started his professional career at Catholic Charities, first as a Case Aide, then a Child Welfare Specialist both in Foster Care and ended as a Case Manager with Senior Services. Throughout his career he also worked as a Social Science Teacher at West Town Academy's Alternative High School where he facilitated a DCFS Mentor program as well.

Payne's devotion to helping the community is not only a part of his job but his life too. His main focus in life is to develop outreach programs that provide resources for the youth, so that they may be inspired to grow, learn and prosper. As a long time member and partnering founder of the Most Worshipful United Grand Lodge, he spends a lot of time mentoring, organizing clothes and toy drives and showing the youth that there are positive role models in their community.

However, Payne is so much more to so many other people. He is a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving son, a supportive brother, a dedicated mason and a loyal friend. He is adamant about teamwork and believes if people work together they can accomplish double. He is a man of integrity whose goal in life is to assist others and he doesn't look for the credit He contributes a lot of his success to his wife, Jill, of 14 years and their two sons Jalen and J ai re. He enjoys being a husband and father and says his family keeps him energetic, compassionate and ambitious. Payne vows to continue to strive for excellence with the support of his family and close friends.

Courtney D. Pogue Courtney D. Pogue is the founder and president of the Waterworks Group, an economic development and real estate advisory services firm based in Chicago that has focused on urban real estate development Over die past six years, Pogue has worked on more than $300 million in commercial and residential development projects - which have or will create more than 1,000,000-sq. ft. of development, 1,000 housing units and overa 1,000 jobs. Pogue has successfully assisted clients in obtaining more than $100 million of public subsidies including Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Tax Increment Financing, New Market Tax Credits along with other public financing sources. Prior to forming his company, Pogue worked at First Chicago bank, the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Cohen Financial.

He currently serves on the board of the 43rd and Cottage Grove TIF Advisory Council, the Quad Communities Development Corporation and Far South Community Development Corporation as Treasurer. Pogue is also a licensed real-estate managing broker in die state of Illinois, a Certified Commercial Investment Member, LEED Accredited Professional, a Certified Property Manager, and a Certified Economic Developer from die International Economic Development Corporation.

He is affiliated with die Urban Land Institute, Chicago Association of Realtors, International Council of Shopping Centers, Real Estate Investment Association, Illinois Tax Increment Association, die Chicago Association of Realtors and Lambda Alpha International, Ely Chapter - among others. Pogue holds an MBA degree from die University of Notre Dame and a bachelor's degree in Finance from Howard University. He is a member of 100 Black Men of Chicago, Inc. and a proud and active member of die Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Stan Rakestraw Stanley C. Rakestraw's philosophy is, 'Take care of the staff and the staff will take care of the customers - and the bottom line will take care of itself." It is a very significant factor in SCR's 2 1 years of successful operation, that the company's COO and co-founder, Rakestraw, while he is an experienced and skilled financial manager, is more interested in service and customer satisfaction, staff and intellectual asset development and die good reputation of SCR than he is in mere profit Brought up in the South, Rakestraw has been working since he was 12. Over the years, through extended and continuing formal education and through his more than 30 years of experience as a manager in healthcare and transportation, he has learned how to motívate others to share his standards and encourage them to strive for the same levels of quality and service that he espouses.

All of this is reflected in the close to 600 employees and 300-strong fleet of vehicles at SCR and the service they deliver to the public in and around Chicago.

A hands-on executive, Rakestraw has an open door policy towards SCR's customers. Since co-founding SCR with his wife, Pamela, in 1986, he has always felt that there should be direct contact between SCR's customers and the company's owners.

Rakestraw studied at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended the University of Illinois and Roosevelt where he took graduate courses and as recently as 2003 he took further courses at the Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, as a participant in its Minority Director Development program. Rakestraw is licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator in die State of Illinois and is a Certified Passenger Assistance Technician.

In 2012, SCR launched its luxury transportation service, Q Transport Q Transport provides private, upscale mobility services to the elderly and physically-challenged in luxury automobiles.

Over die next five years the goal is to duplicate its current local operations in other municipalities - to go national and provide a similar local type service in other areas throughout the country.

Thomas Revish Thomas Revish is an insurance agent with 23 years of dedicated service to State Farm Insurance. Thomas' office is located in Downers Grove, 111. However, he services the insurance needs of families and businesses throughout the entire Chicagoland area.

Revish started his State Farm career in Bloomington, Illinois in 1990. He has held numerous managerial positions with the company and has been responsible for launching several projects and initiatives that have resulted in contributing to a better experience for the State Farm customer.

Revish has volunteered on various State Farm sponsored community outreach projects, including but not limited to Real Men Cook, The Bud Billiken Day Parade, The Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Festival, The Chicago Women's Black Expo, The Special Olympics, and The United Way.

In addition to being a business outlet in the community, he is committed to giving back by volunteering his time to projects and enriching the lives of others. Revish works with various civic organizations, that focus on improving the humanitarian and educational needs of the community.

Revish is a Prince Hall Mason and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is active with both organizations, which focus on mentoring youth, benevolent endeavors and community uplift.

Revish received his bachelor's degree from DeVry Institute of Technology, Chicago. A native of Chicago, he is the proud father of a 12-year-old son and is a very actively engaged member of his church.

David Robinson David Robinson brings a unique blend of experiences to the table from his years as an award-winning journalist, an internationally recognized public administrator, a community activist and program developer, and a successful business owner. Since 2006, he has served as Program and Communications Officer for the Black United Fund of Illinois. Robinson writes and produces nearly all of the agency's collateral and marketing materials and he is a principal touch point for all media and public affairs related activities. He also writes grants and manages several innovative youth-focused, social entrepreneurship programs.

From 2000 to 2005 Robinson served as the City of Philadelphia's Assistant Managing Director, responsible for a $ 10 million budget, 154 employees and a variety of programs in me Streets Department. During his tenure, he negotiated a supply contract with the private sector that turned a $50,000 per year debit into a $900,000 annual revenue generator. Robinson was awarded the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor's Excellence award in 2003 and the innovative city program award from the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania in 2004.

In 1992, Robinson and a business partner formed Sphere Associates in Chicago with $6,000 and plenty of ambition. They were able to grow the agency's billings to half a mi I lion dollars in just three years. While at Sphere, Robinson guided several controversial and high profile projects to success, including the $400 million Robbins Resource Recovery Facility in Robbins, Illinois, and three other major development projects in the region. He has also provided government and media relations for many clients including Ameritech, Harris Bank, Taco Bell Corp., the National Beverage Association, United Health Care and the Chicago Urban League.

Before helping to found Sphere, Robinson served in several high-profile roles with the City of Chicago as the first recycling coordinator, the Cook County Board of Commissioner as deputy clerk, and as a legislative aide to then-Ill. State Rep. Carol Moseley Braun. He has three children in college and lives in the Bronzeville community.

Daniel Simpson Kennedy King College Melvin M. Slater Sr.

Melvin M. Slater Sr. joined Chicago Public Schools after 20 years of service in the telecommunications sector as an electrical engineer and computer scientist with AT&T Bell Labs and Lucent Technologies. He was involved in hardware design and software development of cutting edge technology and features that are currently used in today's wireless market Slater has served on several boards including the National Technical Association and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. He was instrumental in organizing his block club and has served as the president for the past 10 years where he personally makes sure every student has school supplies and access to him for tutoring or mentoring. He spends time tutoring and mentoring at his neighborhood school and for several organizations. He is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He is the recipient of various awards and honors for his professional, civic and cultural contributions ranging from distinguished service to affirmative action to Omega Man of the year.

Slater is currently the Tenth District African American Life and History Chairman. As chairman, he works to bring about Black awareness at elementary schools throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

He is very passionate about education and is currently an educator but considers himself to be a human development specialist. He utilizes his industry expertise, mathematics and engineering concepts, with a little black history, to engage students in the classroom. He has worked to establish a Student Government Association at his school and plans to expose the students to city, county and state government officials.

Slater's philosophy is, "The foundation of die Black population is depended upon the solidification of a good education!" Slater graduated from Lindblom Technical High School located in Englewood on Chicago's South Side. He earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University.

An important aspect of his life is family and faith. He and his wife, Cynthia (a State Farm Agent), are the proud parents of one son, Melvin Jr. They are also members of Holy Angels Church.

Kevin Slaughter Kevin Slaughter, a member of Quarles' Corporate Services Group, focuses his practice in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, public finance and technology /e- commerce. He represents buyers and sellers of public and private companies and counsels boards of directors and financial advisors on acquisitions, take-over defense and corporate governance matters.

Slaughter regularly works on a variety of commercial agreements involving technology and e -commerce matters, including supply agreements, distributor agreements, reseller agreements, software development and licensing, outsourcing arrangements, internet marketing, joint venture relationships and organization of industry consortia. In the area of public finance, he represents state and local issuers, including state agencies, cities, counties, school districts and other government issuers, and underwriters in a variety of municipal finance transactions.

Slaughter has also represented municipal issuers on a variety of derivative and investment transactions. His recent experience include representation of privately held manufacturer in connection with the strategic acquisition of its largest domestic competitor; representation of publicly held telecommunications company in connection with its divesture of its consumer network division; epresentation of two utility cooperatives in connection with die simultaneous acquisition of public utility assets from a single seller, representation of a privately held telecommunications company in connection with various strategic acquisitions; and representation of a state agency in connection with direct private equity investments. Slaughter graduated from Northwestern University School of Law and received his bachelor's degree from Hampton University. He was admitted to the Indiana and Illinois bars in 1995 and 1996, respectively.

George Smith George R. Smith Jr. has over 19 years of experience in public/populationbased health. He currently serves as die Community Relations Director for die Center for Community Health and Vitality, a component of die University of Chicago Medicine's Urban Health Initiative. Smith has a strong passion for addressing racial disparities in health. His current research interests include spirituality/religious beliefs and its effect on health behaviors and health outcomes, educai issues related to research involving African Americans, psycho-social determinants of infant mortality among African Americans, socio-cultural determinants of health and organizational leadership style of health institutions serving uhderserved and underinsured populations. Smith is vehement about increasing die number of African Americans in die health science professions and is supportive of youth seeking those career opportunities.

With a strong commitment to community service, Smith is actively involved with die Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition (board member), March of Dimes (State and City Program Services Committees), Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (life member and board member), Black Caucus of Health Workers (board member), American Public Health Association and numerous other civic, religious and philanthropic associations and societies.

Smith is a native of die South Side of Chicago and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from die University of Illinois at Urbana -Champaign, and a Master of Public Health from die University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health .

Dr. Ozzie Smith II Dr. Ozzie Smith III was born May 29, 1979 in Memphis, Tennessee to Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith Jr., and the late Barbara W. Smith. At the age of 1 1 , his family moved to Chicago so that his father could pursue a call to the ministry.

Growing up, Smith just knew he was going to be the next NBA star but somewhere around me 9th grade, he realized that this was not his calling. Smith's parents were always supportive of his dreams, yet continually stressed the importance of having a back-up plan. At one point. Smith's back-up plan was to become an aerospace engineer. However, after taking a drafting class in high school, he realized (again) mat this was not his calling. Fortunately, Cannella Perry, DDS, a long-time Smith family friend, offered Smith the opportunity shadow her at work - in the Pediatric Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Dentistry. After a few short weeks with Dr. Perry, Smith knew that dentistry was the path he wanted to pursue. Smith attended Morehouse College, where he graduated in 2001 with honors. He went on to the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry where he graduated in 2005. Upon graduation, he helped to establish the Dental Department at Christian Community Health Center. He worked there for three years before deciding to open a private practice. Smith & Smith Smile Studio, with close friend. Dr. Patrick Smith.

In 2007, Smith received the "Living the Mission" Award while working at CCHC, was awarded a Monarch Award for Excellence in Medicine in 2010, and was named one of WVON-AM radio's "Top 40 Under 40 Gamechangers." He has also been featured on WCIU-TV's "You and Me in the Morning" talk show, giving advice on dental care and health habits. He has also volunteered his time at numerous community health fairs and career days.

In his spare time, Smith enjoys basketball, weight lifting, 9-Ball, Bid Whist, salsa dancing, video games, being a part-time musician, and spending time with family and friends. May 2013 will mark two years of marriage to his beautiful wife Jequeatta, and the happy couple has an 8-month-old puppy named Baxter.

Marvin R. Talley Marvin R. Talley is currently me principal of ACE Technical High School. He was selected from a pool of national candidates to lead the school whose focus is Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. Talley became principal of ACE Tech on July 1 , 20 1 1 and in his first year he has guided ACE Tech to its highest academic rating in the school's history. Talley is quick to note that it was a total organizational effort and "many hands lighten the load!" Talley has been working with "at-risk" children for the past 24 years. He has taught and been a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. A former junior college and graduate school professor, Talley is one of few educators who has taught at all levels of education.

Talley has also been a principal for traditional, alternative and charter schools. His academic wealth of knowledge as well as his compassion allows him to effectively work with all children.

Talley was celebrated for his commitment to service and helping his community when he was awarded the Founders Award. The Fontbonne University Founders Award is the highest award given by the university. The Founders Award is presented to those citizens who have demonstrated great selfless service to their community.

In 2005 Talley launched Missouri's first "Coaches vs. Gun Violence" campaign to bring attention to the senseless killings that plague communities across the country. Through Talley's efforts he was able to gather various religious, political and community leaders to recognize parents who had lost children due to gun violence. He worked with school leaders and developed a curriculum that helped students understand the power of "picking up a book and putting down the gun." Talley believes that life is not about accumulation or vast consumption. "Life is about giving and working to help others discover their greater selves. We should give of ourselves and by doing so we are truly giving our greatest gift." He is currently earning his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University of Chicago. This spring Talley will award scholarships to eight deserving graduating seniors through the Marvin R. Talley Charitable Foundation.

Charles Tillman Comerback Charles Tillman just finished his 10th year in the NFL with the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft, making him the 35th overall pick. He played college football at Louisiana-Lafayette and was the starting comerback all four years. Tillman was born in Chicago. However, his father was a sergeant in the U.S. Army which had him stationed in many different locations. Tillman has received several awards for his skills on the field including, 2012 and 2011 Pro Bowler, October 2012 NFC Defensive Player of the Month, 2008 Brian Piccolo Award and 2008 Ed Block Courage Award.

Tillman started his Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation in 2005 with a mission to provide educational opportunities to families in need, but after his daughter was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy he switched his focus to help others like her. Tillman's charitable efforts have impacted the lives of over one million Chicago-area children. For the impact and dedication to helping the community he was one of three finalist for NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year in 201 1 and was again nominated as Chicago Bears' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for 2012.

Mark Wallace Mark J. Wallace is Vice President of Chicago Bridge Loan LLC Real Estate Investment Firm, providing short term interim loans to real-estate investors throughout the Chicagoland area. He also serves as Vice President of WE Energy where he provides energy alternatives for commercial customers.

Wallace relocated to Chicago from Miami, Florida and in the past 23 years has distinguished himself as one of Chicago's foremost entrepre- . neurs and civic and community leaders.

Wallace volunteers as a Certified Christian Educator; as Chairman of the Real Estate Division at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; previously on the Real Estate Advisory Committee for former Alderman Sandi 'Jackson; as an active member of Logos Baptist Assembly where he serves as Director of Logos School, and as a bible study teacher at New Life for Girls Center in Northern Chicago. He also hosts a weekly talk show on WVON-AM/1690.

Wallace holds an MBA and Juris Doctorate from Nova University. He believes that his purpose in life is to be of use fof" the building of lives wherever God orders his steps. His commitment-to-community is evident as he focuses on quality, affordable housing in underserved communities on Chicago's South Side, where he encourages citizens to live better lives through community building. Wallace's passion to serve humanity was instilled in him by his loving mother, Salome Matthews Wallace.

David Whittaker David E. Whittaker assumed the leadership of Chicago Area Project, the oldest community-based juvenile delinquency prevention program in the country, in 1986. As the organization's CEO, Whittaker guided CAP as it evolved into a federation of over 55 community-based groups that promote positive youth development. Under his guidance, CAP spearheaded new initiatives, expanded programming and increased funding to benefit youth and families living in disadvantaged communities.

Whittaker's philosophy of organizational development combined with sound community-building strategies enabled Chicago Area Project to evolve despite dramatic changes in social policy. He guided the expansion of services throughout the State of Illinois and created special projects to respond to critical community needs. CAP currently serves 20.000 youth and adults annually in the metropolitan Chicago area, and an additional 50,000 through its statewide network, the Illinois Council of Area Projects. In addition, CAP partnered with the City of Chicago. Harold Washington College and other institutions of higher learning to establish certification and collegebased programs that have elevated the training level over 4000 youth workers.

Under Whittaker's leadership, CAP's community development model has become an influential force far beyond Illinois. In 2010 for example, CAP's 75th Anniversary Conference on Community Action featured leading scholars, policymakers and practitioners from Chicago, the U.S. and Europe who have been influenced by the CAP model.

Some of Whittaker's accomplishments include his 2009 appointment by Gov. Pat Quinn to the Illinois Human Services Commission, his appointment by Mayor Richard M. Daley to the Chicago Council on Urban Opportunities and becoming the chair of the Health Care Committee of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce in 201 1. In 2012 Whittaker and CAP received the President's Award for Distinguished Contributions to Justice from the American Society of Criminology.

Whittaker received a master's degree in Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago and a bachelor's degree at Livingston College in North Carolina. He has served on a number of boards and commissions including Black Executive Directors Coalition Of Illinois, Criminal Justice Executive Forum, Juvenile Justice Initiative, Law Enforcement Study Group and Mid America Leadership Foundation.

Whittaker resides in Olympia Fields and is the devoted father of two sons, Michael and David Jr. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

James Williams James S. Williams Jr. joined the University of Chicago Medicine in 1988 as part of the finance group serving in patient accounts, transplant, and admission services before transferring to supply chain in 1999. In 2001, he and Maye Foster-Thompson launched the Business Diversity Office building mutually beneficial business relationships with certified minority- and women -owned enterprises. Today, the Medical Center spends millions of dollars with diverse firms on an annual basis.

During his tenure at the Medical Center, Williams was conferred the 2004 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award for embodying Dr. King's spirit in his work with his church,' the community, and his colleagues. In collaboration with his academic colleagues of the University, Williams was appointed to University President Robert J. Zimmer's Diversity Leadership Council and the Dean's Diversity & Inclusion Committee that will help shape the diversity & inclusion strategy and implementation for the University and Medical Center respectively.

Locally, Williams represents the University of Chicago Medicine as the treasurer of the board of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council. In 2007 this same organization selected him as the Anders C. Rasmussen Award recipient for a body of work dedicated to the growth and development of minority-owned businesses.

Nationally, Williams represents the Medical Center on Novation's Supplier Diversity Advisory Group recommending strategies to increase diverse firm utilization in the national healthcare supply chain. In 2012, on behalf of the Medical Center, Williams accepted the Supplier Diversity Leadership Award from the University Healthsystem Consortium (part owner of Novation) for the institutions track record of outstanding performance in supplier diversity.

In the community, Williams serves as Chairman of the Board of the Maroon Financial Credit Union which has been serving the University of Chicago community since 1957. Williams is an associate minister at the South Suburban Church of God in Homewood, Illinois under Pastor Bobby Jackson.

Williams completed his undergraduate studies in Leadership and Strategic Change Management at DePaul University. He is currently a master's degree candidate at DePaul University designing and implementing leadership strategies that leverage diversity and inclusion in organizations. He and his wife have three wonderful daughters, Joselyn, Jamie and Jacqueline.

Men of Excellence honoree not pictured: Nicholas Anyanwa - Kennedy King City Colleges of Chicago (c) 2013 Real Times, Inc.

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