Leadership Honored by Diversity, Inc.

Cities, villages, townships, businesses and residents joined to celebrate Diversity, Inc.’s 30^th year as an intergovernmental organization.

Demographers predict continued diversification of the United States population, and by 2030 no majority by race or ethnicity will exist.  America will truly be multicultural.  

Senator Hutchinson Hosted

Diversity’s Annual Dinner

Recognizing these trends many years ago, mayors and other leaders across the southern suburbs formed an intergovernmental organization that would become Diversity, Inc.This organization annually celebrates the diverse character of our region and those leaders that are committed to enhancing the social and educational equity and economic opportunity for the region.

Diversity, Inc.’s program of recognizing leadership in diversity matters has been supported by AT&T for the past 17 years.  Joe Martin, Executive Director of Diversity, Inc., said that over 100 individuals, groups, businesses and municipalities have been honored by the AT&T awards, for which Diversity, Inc. is very grateful to AT&T. 

The awards program is part of Diversity, Inc.’s Annual Dinner sponsored by BMO Harris Bank and held at Olympia Fields Country Club.  Walgreens Corporation made possible the pre-dinner reception and the appearance of the evening’s speaker, Steve Pemberton.  Mr. Pemberton is Chief Diversity Officer and Regional Vice President for Walgreens Corporation and recently wrote his first book, “A Chance in the World.”  His autobiographical story details his life experience as a child growing up in foster care and how an act of random kindness from a woman who cared enough to encourage his love of reading, helped him to become a success.  Many in the audience at the dinner commented on how inspirational Steve Pemberton’s story is.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was State Senator Toi Hutchinson (40^th Senate District).  Senator Hutchinson previously served on the Diversity, Inc. Board of Directors and was honored to participate in the 30^th anniversary celebration. 

Cook County Commissioner Joan Patricia Murphy surprised dinner guests with a Cook County Board of Commissioners resolution honoring Diversity, Inc. on the occasion of their 30^th Anniversary.  Joe Martin of Diversity, Inc. accepted the resolution on behalf of the Board of Diversity, Inc.

Each year Diversity, Inc. joins with AT&T to recognize the efforts that contribute to the diversity and vitality of the Chicago Southland.  This year’s awards were presented by James Maurer, Vice President of External Affairs for AT&T Illinois and Sam Balark, Director of External Affairs AT&T South/Southwest Cook County and were assisted by Senator Hutchinson on behalf of Diversity, Inc.  Several awards are given each year, and the first, called the Diversity 2012 Award, was presented to Congressman Jesse L. Jackson Jr., 2^nd Congressional District of Illinois.  David Mekarski, President of the Diversity, Inc. Board, said that Congressman Jackson embodies the spirit of diversity, and is dedicated to the ideals of fairness, equity and opportunity.  Accepting the award on behalf of Congressman Jackson was Rick Bryant, Chief of Staff for Congressman Jackson. 

The next honoree was Mayor David Gonzalez of the City of Chicago Heights who was presented the Diversity Achievement Award.  Senator Hutchinson said that Mayor Gonzalez is committed to enhancing the multicultural identity of his City, noting he hosted the first Fall Festival of Sister Cities.  Chicago Heights has Sister Cities in Italy, Africa, Mexico and Poland. 

 Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli Accepts Diversity, Inc’s Spirit Award from AT&T’s Jim Maurer during Diversity, Inc.’s Annual Dinner 

The Community Spirit Award went to Thornton Township’s Human Relations Commission.  Thornton was the first township to establish a Human Relations Commission.  The Commission’s purpose is to promote harmony among the multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population of the Township. Accepting on behalf of the Commission was Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli.

 The David A. Janke Community Vitality Award honors and commemorates the life and spirit of its namesake, who represented South Holland on Diversity, Inc.’s Board of Directors.  John Petruszak, Executive Director of the South Suburban Housing Center, was presented the award for his diligence in protecting the rights of citizens to housing, fighting to prevent foreclosure where possible, and his involvement with regional and national fair housing advocacy groups.  

 Diversity, Inc. provides technical assistance to municipalities on issues related to multicultural environments, including fairness in housing markets and housing services and community relations.