Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Thanks for making a difference in our community Bank of America recognizes The Rainbow Push Coalition. Community leaders like you are a vital resource and inspiration to us all. Thanks to you, progress is being made and our community is becoming a better place to live and work. Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local.
America Corporation | AR64WX5V | ENT-216-AD 2Š2019 Bank of48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
OUR SECRE T INGREDIENT ? OUR PEOPLE . W E A N D O U R FA M I LY O F 6 8 I N D E P E N D E N T BOT TLERS EMPLOY MORE THAN 90,000 PEOPLE A C R O S S E V E R Y C O R N E R O F T H E C O U N T R Y.
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48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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June 28, 2019 Hello, Friends: Welcome to the annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention (RPC/CEF) – “400 Years Later: Repairing the Damage Done, 1619-2019.” We are living in difficult, dangerous and trying times. We have a president who continues to use his bully pulpit, not in morally sound and uplifting ways, but in divisive and destructive ways that alienate our international friends and allies, wicked ways that threaten to rip our country apart. Everything we’ve fought for over the last 80 years – civil rights, labor rights, women’s rights, educational rights, disability rights, LGBTQ rights, environmental protections and more - is now under attack by a president and an administration determined to roll back the clock and roll over our hopes and dreams for a more perfect Union and a better, more just and peaceful world. So the struggle continues. It’s fight-back and fight-on time! Our convention includes but is always more than an issues agenda. It’s also about action. It’s time to put on our thinking caps and marching boots on and demand jobs, education, housing, health care in, and drugs, guns and violence out of our communities. There are internal and external reasons for violence. We must confront our internal troubles and externally regulate gun safety. This year’s RPC/CEF convention kicks off Friday, June 28 with a focus on Education and a Labor Luncheon featuring Joe Biden as Keynote Speaker. On Saturday June 29 the focus will be on the 2020 census and politics. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and other 2020 presidential candidates are expected to speak at the Saturday Morning Forum. Sunday evening June 30 is our annual Rev. Clay Evans Gospel Concert with Santita Jackson as the M.C., featuring Gospel Artists Sam Williams & Salah with The Spirit of David Dancers, Victory Travelers, Kinsmen, The Wall Group, Audrey DuBois Harris, Pastor DeAndre Patterson & Destiny Worship Center, Cynthia Nunn & Company, Jonathan McReynolds and Karen Clark Sheard.
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Monday July 1 will focus on Health Care plenary session and the annual Women’s Forum and Luncheon. The annual Sports Banquet will conclude the day. Tuesday July 2 will feature a Business Breakfast and International Business Roundtable focusing on financial issues, diversity and inclusion. The Clergy Luncheon will feature Rev. Jan Campbell. We assemble in the spirit of Dr. King - the spirit of lifting up our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters, gay and straight, Muslim, Jew and Christian – on the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan to rouse our progressive rainbow family to personal and political action. We pray and work to end the violence in Chicago and across the nation. We beseech others to know that black lives and votes matter. We pray that illegal guns and drugs will stop killing black and brown communities. We welcome our African dignitaries from throughout the continent and all the men, women, young people and friends we have in business, education, sports, politics, labor, health care and more. We are deeply grateful that you have chosen to join us in the struggle.
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Founder and President
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
At the forefront of building healthy communities.
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Welcome to the 48th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention. Over the past year, we have focused on voting rights, fairness in Silicon Valley, and the need for a national urban policy. This year, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has also attended several shareholders meetings of Fortune 500 companies to ensure that minority and women�owned businesses get their fair share of supplier and professional�service contracts. We have also challenged these same companies to diversify their boards and their corporate suites. Over the past year, we have traveled to several major U.S. urban cities and have found record budget deficits, major federal, state and local cutbacks and layoffs, escalating police brutality, and unprecedented violence among our youth. In this convention and the months ahead, we have much work to do, and we hope you leave compelled to expand and even the playing field in all aspects of American life. Sincerely,
Martin L. King Chairman of the Board Rainbow PUSH Coalition
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Dear Conference Attendees,
Welcome to the Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention. I hope that this year’s conference will inspire, motivate, and even challenge you to move from a place of comfort to a position of action! As you fellowship, interact, acquire information, and enjoy all that Chicago and Rainbow PUSH have prepared for you, let us all commit to revitalizing ourselves and our communities as we PUSH forward in the “Quest for Equality and Peace.”
With warmest regards,
Yusef D. Jackson Chairman PUSH Board of Trustees
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Dear Friends, When we come together in conference, at the Rainbow PUSH conference, we come together to explore the intersectionality of our global work, our local work, and our educational work. I am blessed and highly privileged to, as President of PUSH for Excellence, be one of the leaders (along with Co-Chairs Pat Harris and Judge Greg Mathis) of our educational arm. We are passionate about the steps we must take to protet, defend, and gain our civil righs, especially as we chafe under new federal policy that would attempt to minimize them. And, from the Push for Ecellence perspective, we are passionate about the opportunities that we, along with our partners, are able to provide to young people. Because we have partners like Toyota, New York Life, and others, we are able to offer young people multi-year scholarship opportunities. We are grateful to these sponsors, and we encourage others to consider the ways that our corporate partners can deelop connections with the outstanding young people who will learn, work, thrive, and soar because of their sponsorship. Our essential partnerships are a tribute to the work we must do in the diversity sphere to step out of our comfort zones to find young people who are poised, present, and productive. Our Rainbow PUSH Excel scholars are prepared to compete, and to add value, to our funders. We are not their leaders, we are their cheerleaders. We are buoyed by their successes at every step along the way. And mostly, we are hopeful that corporations have decided to ensure diversity in their hiring practices by partnering with PUSH Excel to ensure that young people who have been charged with clearing hurdles will provide partner companies with excellence and with value added. Our young people, so committed to excellence, only yearn to have more friends and colleagues join them with opportunities for support and scholarship. For far too long, employers have chosen t do what they have always done. They have hired young people from colleges they are familiar with, found interns in expected places. PUSH Excel, our PUSH for Excellence, allows our partners to step outside of their comfort zone and enjoy the enhancement of an amazing excellence that comes when young people have opportunities that had not been promised to them. My colleagues on the PUSH Excel Board join me in expressing profound gratitude for partnership and scholarship opportunities. Our thanks, however, is dwarfed by that thanks that comes from the young people who both appreciate your commitment to diversity and your investment in their success. With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Julianne Malveaux President of PUSH Excel
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Dear Friends, Let me first express my thanks to every member of our the PUSH Excel Board, and local education committee which includes parents, educators at every level, as well as civic and social leaders for joining us in planning the educational activities at this year’s convention. PUSH Excel was organized in 1975 44 years ago. Rev. Jackson and a number of America’s leading educators and civic leaders to address the disparities in funding public schools and guaranteeing every child access to a high quality public education founded Excel. Our two day PUSH Excel Education summit assembles the key stakeholders in education in one place to present solutions to the critical issues that the children of color and those living in poverty face in their struggle for a high quality public education: • Disparities in funding public schools • Limited access to technology, STEM education • Segregation of educational resources and teachers • Student loan debt and the rising cost of higher education This year we are convening the members of our education family to wrestle with the challenges we face and commit to work together over the next year to respond with effective public policy decisions and community action. I look forward to having you join with us in this struggle to guarantee every American a high quality globally competitive education without regard to race, gender, or economic status. Sincerely.
Rev. Janette Wilson Rev. Janette Wilson National Director of PUSH Excel
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Dear Participants and Sponsors: As Chairman of the PUSH Excel Program, I would like to thank you for your support of this year’s 48th annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention. PUSH Excel is continuously committed to creating the wonderful educational opportunities for our youth. Rev. Jackson urges us to fight everyday for a greater America for our youth. As long as we continue to see injustice persist with our education system, we know there is still work to be done. Our main focus at PUSH Excel is the commitment we have to educating our youth. We will continue to increase opportunities for our youth by encouraging them to strive for excellence in their academic studies, and teaching them how to be advocates for equal justice and equal access. With your continued support of PUSH Excel, we shall affect great change in the minds of our most precious commodity, our children. Thank you,
Judge Greg Mathis
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
June 28, 2019 On behalf on the PUSH Excel Board of Trustees, I would like to welcome you to our 2019 Convention. Throughout the years we have seen many young lives flourish through their pursuit of academic excellence. We know that their participation in PUSH Excel Programs has led to hundreds of life‐ changing success stories. I encourage you to continue your involvement and contribution to PUSH Excel’s education initiatives, including the scholarships programs, the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Tour, the Back to School Rally and the National Oratorical Competition among others. We owe our youth a better future filled with hope and opportunities. Let’s demonstrate that we value their contributions and are vested in their development. During the next few days, please take the time to visit with them, encourage them in their quest for excellence, share your experiences and give them the support they need and so deserve. Please enjoy the conference and thank you again on behalf of the PUSH Excel Board of Trustees for your continued support. Sincerely,
Pat Harris Co‐Chair PUSH Excel Board of Trustees
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
RICHARD J. DURBIN ILLINOIS
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
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COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION
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Dear Friends: It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you to the 46th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention. This convention is a special opportunity to celebrate the history and accomplishments of Rainbow PUSH and organize so that we can better face the challenges ahead. While the Rainbow PUSH Coalition was officially formed in 1996, its foundations go back more than 50 years to when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. appointed Rev. Jesse Jackson to serve as the first director of Operation Breadbasket in Chicago. Today, Rainbow PUSH is one of our country's foremost organizations fighting for social change and justice around the world. The theme of this year's convention, "Repairing the Damage Done," is especially fitting in our current political climate. The fight for voting rights, economic justice, and racial equality remain some of the biggest challenges of our time. Now is the time to look ahead, get organized, and take action. I look forward to continuing to work with Rainbow PUSH to further its mission to break down walls and build new bridges. I would like to extend my warmest wishes to Rainbow PUSH and all of today's attendees for your dedication to social justice and civil rights. Congratulations on all your work and achievements, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Sincerely,
United States Senator
711 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILOING WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1304 (2021 224-2152 VRS (202) 540-9782
230 SOUTH DEARBORN, 38TH FLOOR CHICAGO, IL 60604 (312) 353--4952
525 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET SPRINGFIELD, IL 62703 (217) 492--4062 durbin.senate.gov
1504 THIRD AVENUE SUITE 227 ROCK ISLAND, IL 61201 (309) 786-5173
PAUL SIMON FEDERAL BUILDING 250 W. CHERRY STREET SUITE 115-D CARBONDALE, IL 62901 (618) 351-1122
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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BOBBY L. RUSH
WASHINGTON 2188 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILOING
1ST DISTRICT, ILLINOIS
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1301
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
CHICAGO
SUBCOMMITTEES:
11750 SOUTH WESTERN AVENUE
RANKING MEMBER, ENERGY COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
ASSISTANT WHIP
CONGRESS OF THE
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CHICAGO, IL 60643-4732
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, 0.C. 20515
HTTP://RUSH.HOUSE.GOV FACEBOOK.COM/CONGRESSMANBOBBYRUSH TWITTER: @REPBOBBYRUSH
June 28, 2019
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Rainbow Push Coalition 930 East 50th Street Chicago, IL 60615 Dear Rev. Jackson & the Rainbow Push Family: I am happy to bring you greetings on the occasion of the 48th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention. Each year, this convention is eagerly anticipated, not solely because of your interesting programming but because of the unique opportunity it presents to collectively address those challenges yet to be overcome in communities of color. Your convention's theme, "Repairing the Damage Done" acknowledges the inequality and pain we've historically faced and continue to face today in our country. However, it also provides us with a framework of hope and a mission to accomplish. We must heal from our wounds inflicted on us by way of injustice and we must also rebuild our spirits, our ranks, and our vision to obtain equity in voting rights, and economic and social justice. We face many challenges ahead but this fact should not alarm us. In the words of Frederick Douglas, "If there is no struggle, there is no progress." So, let's get organized. Let's take action. Let's continue to break down barriers and walls, and build new bridges. Sincerely,
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Bobby L. Rush Member of Congress
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Congress of the United States House of Representatives
Danny K. Davis
Washington, D.C.
7th District - Illinois
June 28, 2019 Attendees at the 2017 Rainbow/PUSH and Citizen Education Fund Annual Conference 930 East 50th Street Chicago, Illinois 60615 Dear Attendees: Welcome to Chicago! Your participation in the 2019 Annual Rainbow/PUSH and Citizenship Education Fund Conference, Jun 28, 2019, is a reaffirmation of, and rededication to, the historic struggle for social, economic and political equality which characterizes our nation’s history. I am delighted to join Rainbow/ PUSH in celebrating the 46th conference and convention. This year’s conference, built around the theme Repairing the Damage Done demonstrates the Rainbow/ PUSH -Citizenship Education Fund’s continued commitment to advancing the inclusion and empowerment of every member of our community. If we are to make progress in education, affirmative action, health care, labor relations, voter education and registration, criminal justice and international relations it must be based on the active participation of the masses. Rainbow/PUSH has been committed to this principal since its inception. As always, Americans from every state, from the District of Columbia, from Puerto Rico and progressives and freedom fighters from all over the world will be following your deliberations closely. The reports, workshops, keynotes and discussions over these days will help set our agenda as progressives, as Americans and as citizens of the world for the coming year. I wish you every success in your deliberations. You are in for an informative and inspirational few days! I urge you to draw strength from Chicago’s proud history and on-going resolve to struggle for equality, fairness, dignity and peace. Together, we can address those critical problems facing our people and advance the notion that the American Dream ought to be available and accessible to each of us. Sincerely,
Danny K. Davis Member of Congress DKD:ic Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Supporting our community Peoples Gas is proud to support the Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund 47th Annual International Convention and its mission to advance economic justice, voting rights and education. Together, we are empowering the communities we serve. peoplesgasdelivery.com
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
ROBIN L. KELLY 2ND DISTRICT, ILLINOIS 2419 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 PHONE: (202)225-0773 FAX: (202) 225-5681
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DISTRICT OFFICES: 600 HOLIDAY PLAZA DRIVE SUITE 505 MATTESON, IL 60443 (708) 679-0078 1000 E. 111TH STREET TH 11 FLOOR CHICAGO, IL 60628 (773) 568-2623
www.RobinKelly.house.gov
June 28, 2019 Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention 930 East 50th Street Chicago, Illinois 60615 Dear Reverend Jackson, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to the attendees of the 48th Annual Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund International Convention.
The theme of this year's Convention, "Repairing the Damage Done, " is a timely call to action to protect our voting rights and advance economic justice and racial equality.
For decades, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has been a dynamic force in organizing for the causes of social justice and progressive economic and educational policy in America. We are thankful that PUSH continues to break down walls and barriers, while working to build bridges. Congratulations and we are grateful for your courageous advocacy for the rights of American citizens.
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Sincerely,
Robin L. Kelly Member of Congress RLK/mp
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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About Rainbow PUSH Coalition Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a progressive organization fighting for social change. As a mighty coalition of conscience workers, women and people of color, we have the power to make the American Dream a reality! “The American Dream is one big tent of many cultures, races and religions. Under that tent, everybody is assured equal protection under the law, equal opportunity, equal access and a fair share. Our struggle demands that we open closed doors, extend the tent and even the playing field.” — Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
MISSION STATEMENT
Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC) is a multi-racial, multi-issue, international membership organization, founded by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Our mission is to defend, protect, and gain civil rights by leveling the economic and educational playing fields and promoting peace around the world.
THE HISTORY
Rainbow PUSH Coalition is the product of a social justice movement to secure justice for all people, particularly in the United States of America. The Coalition grew out of the Southern Christian Leadership Conferences Operation Breadbasket, founded by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Operation Breadbasket sought to combine theology and social justice while affecting progressive economic, educational, and political policy in America.
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In 1966, Dr. King appointed Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., to serve as the first director of Operation Breadbasket in Chicago, IL
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In 1971, three years following the tragic assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Memphis, TN, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. founded Operation P.U.S.H. (People United to Save Humanity, later modified to People United to Serve Humanity) in Chicago, IL, and continued the work of Dr. King
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In 1972, the idea of the “Black Expo” (Black Business Exposition) was developed to “showcase” AfricanAmerican businesses
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In 1984, the National Rainbow Coalition was formed in Washington, DC, following Reverend Jackson’s first presidential campaign. Rainbows’ focus was to unite progressive people historically locked out of the mainstream of American politics into a “Coalition of Conscience” dedicated to making America more inclusive
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In 1996, the National Rainbow Coalition and Operation P.U.S.H. were merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition (RPC), with its international headquarters based in Chicago, IL Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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In 1997, the Citizenship Education Fund (CEF) established the Wall Street Project with six economic offices focusing on the industries of financial services, commodities, information technology, entertainment, energy, and manufacturing. Research, education, negotiation, demonstration (if necessary), and reconciliation comprise the corporate engagement strategy in which corporations are encouraged to view inclusion as a means of growth and to foster two-way trade between the mainstreamed and the marginalized. Throughout its history, the organizational philosophy has been anchored in the beliefs that: • Need is the basis of organization • Self-interest is the sustaining force • Service is power — Chairman, Board of Trustees - Martin L. King, Esq.
CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION FUND
Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., to promulgate the democratic principles of civic virtue in order to improve life opportunities for those who are voiceless and forgotten, established the Citizenship Education Fund (CEF) in 1984. CEF seeks to empower citizens through effective public education and research. CEF collects data on non-partisan initiatives by organizing public-awareness campaigns on a variety of public policy issues. The primary programmatic thrust of CEF involves issues related to minority business development, youth, education equity, and electoral participation. To this end, CEF has committed its staff and resources to the following programs and projects: • Wall Street Project • Voter Education • Public Policy Institute — Chairman, Board of Trustees - William D. Dickerson
PUSH FOR EXCELLENCE, INC.
PUSH for Excellence (PUSH Excel) seeks to encourage students and their parents to strive toward academic excellence. Further, it seeks to make the education and development of America’s youth a shared community function and encourages the entire community to get involved in taking the necessary steps to improve the educational environment that influence our young people’s development: • Juvenile Mentoring and Early Intervention Coalition • Reclaim Our Youth • Historically Black Colleges & Universities College Tour • Scholarship Program • National Oratorical Competition • REEL Basketball League and Mentoring Program — Board of Trustees - Judge Greg Mathis (Co-Chair) — Pat Harris (Co-Chair) Julianne Malveaux, President
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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History of Rainbow PUSH As we celebrate five decades of service in SCLC/Operation Breakfast, Operation PUSH, Citizenship Education Fund, and Rainbow PUSH Coalition, we want to recognize many of the people who helped us get to this point in history. Please excuse any gaps in the record.
Operation Breadbasket (1966-1971)
A Project of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. (Executive Director, 1966-1971) Rev. Calvin Morris (Associate Director, 1967-1971) Thomas N. Todd (Associate Director, 1969-1971)
Operation P.U.S.H.(1971-1996) People United to Serve Humanity Mabry Roby Vice President
Rev. Willie T. Barrow Executive Director
Garland Frazier Executive Director
Rev. Tyrone Crider Executive Director
James Felder Sr. Vice President
Rev. Henry Williamson President
Joseph Gardner Sr. VP & Executive Director
Rev. Dr. Janette Wilson, Esq. Executive National Director
Sam Tidmore Executive Director
Rev. Jimmy Daniels President
Rev. Hycel Taylor President
June Brown, Esq. Deputy Director & COO
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas N. Todd Executive Vice President Rev. Wilfred Reid Executive Director Charles Allen Executive Director Roland Burris Executive Director Dr. Charles Warfield Executive Director
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
History of Rainbow PUSH
Citizenship Education Fund (1983-present) Greg Moore Yolanda Caraway Sandra Jackson Rev. Gary Massoni Nancy Ware Ken Roberts Bonita Parker John Mitchell
National Rainbow Coalition (1984-1995)
Founded in December 1984 From the energy of the 1984 Jackson for President Campaign Preston Love Yolanda Caraway Jack Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dell Joe Johnson Frank Watkins Ron Daniels May Louie Angela Jordan Davis Nancy Ware
Rainbow PUSH Coalition (1996-Present)
From the 1996 Merger of the National Rainbow Coalition and Operation P.U.S.H Janice Mathis (Chief of Staff) Ken Roberts (Chief Operating Officer) Bonita Parker (Chief Operating Officer) John Mitchell (Chief of Staff)
Chairmanship of Boards of Trustees Operation P.U.S.H. Rev. Clay Evans Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Rev. Charles Jenkins
National Rainbow Coalition and Rainbow PUSH Coalition Mario Obledo Rev. Willie T. Barrow Dennis Rivera Rev. Joan Brown Campbell (Vice Chair) Martin L. King, Esq.
Citizenship Education Fund Jewell Jackson McCabe Jonathan Jackson Russell Ewert William D. Dickerson
Push For Excellence, Inc.
Pat Harris, (Co-Chair) Judge Greg Mathis, (Co-Chair) Dr. Julianne Malveaux (President)
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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RAINBOW PUSH / CEF / PUSH EXCEL STAFF LIST NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 930 East 50th Street Chicago, IL 60615 Phone: 773-373-3366 Fax: 773-373-3571
EXECUTIVE OFFICE REV. JESSE L. JACKSON, SR. President and Founder REV. DR. S. TODD YEARY Senior Vice President DAVID A. DAY Chief Operations Officer JOHN MITCHELL Chief of Staff & Director of Scheduling APRIL BRANCH Executive Assistant to Rev. Jackson & Sponsorship Coordinator SHELLY DAVIS Personal Assistant to Rev. Jackson BRYANT WARE Personal Assistant to Rev. Jackson ELLEN DICKEY Administrative Assistant MARJORIE MCKINNON-PRICE Human Resource Director
COMMUNICATIONS DON TERRY Communications Director ALANNA FORD Social Media Coordinator CHINTA STRAUSBERG Media Relations
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS CORINNE BETTY MAGNESS Illinois Political Director
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
FRANK WATKINS Public Policy Director
TEDRA SMITH Administrative Assistant
STEVEN SMITH Executive Director & Telecom Project Director
PUSH EXCEL
JAMES GOMEZ Director of International Affairs
REV. JANETTE WILSON, ESQ. National Director of PUSH Excel
4915 St. Elmo Ave. Suite 300 Bethesda, MD 20814
JASON ROBINSON Director of College Bound Programs
PEACHTREE STREET PROJECT
MICHELLE CHAMBERS Education Program Coordinator
AXEL ADAMS Executive Director & National Director OTCC
MARTIN PIETERS Coding – Programming BRUCE PETERSEN Robotics JUDGE STANLEY HILL Oratorical PAM PERSON STEM Coordinator
TRINA HEATHINGTON Program Coordinator 50 Hurt Plaza SE Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-224-3758 - office
GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE PROJECT
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
JOHN GRAVES Chairman – Automotive Project
ROSE GLENN Network Services
ALFREDA WEATHERS Office Executive Manager
SANDRA MCKINLEY Director Studio Production
4335 West Fort, Suite 2120 Detroit, MI 48209 313-842-3883 - office
DESHAUN SIMPSON Graphics Design & Videographer
FINANCE DEPARTMENT JOHN E. ADAMS, CPA Chief Financial Officer PATRICIA VELEZ Finance Administrator KRISTAN PITTMAN Controller
BUILDING SERVICES JOHNNIE SAVORY Security / Building Services ERIC JARMON Custodian
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PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE & TELECOM PROJECT
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
WALL STREET PROJECT REBECCA CRUZ Business Development Director 1441 Broadway - Suite 5051 New York, NY 10018 646-569-5889 – office
SILICON VALLEY PROJECT LYLE “BUTCH” WING Executive Director Co-Director, PUSHTECH2020 REV. DR. JOSEPH BRYANT National Sports Director Co-Director, PUSHTECH2020 141 Industrial Street – Suite #1 San Francisco, CA 94124 Phone: 415-647-6046
Preconvention Activities FRIDAY JUNE 28 CONVENTION REGISTRATION Register for Convention meal events and breakout sessions CTU Headquarters 8:30am - 6:00pm
PRESS CONFERENCE
Theme: Overview of Convention Objectives CTU Headquarters 9:30am - 10:00am
PUSH EXCEL EDUCATION SUMMIT AND ROUNDTABLE PART I Join a discussion with leaders in the education field CTU Headquarters 10:00pm - 12:00pm
MICROSOFT / PUSH EXCEL STUDENT TECH CHALLENGE Microsoft Tech Challenge featuring student from local High Schools CTU Headquarters 12:00pm - 5:00pm
PUSH EXCEL ROBOTICS DEMONSTRATION
Students will provide robotics demonstrations and compete for prizes. CTU Headquarters 12:00pm - 5:00pm
LABOR LUNCHEON
Join in an afternoon of celebrating labor leaders and hear discussions on the future of poverty and workforce equality. Mistress of Ceremonies: Micah Materre Emmy award winning journalist and anchor of the WGN Speakers: Kenneth Rigmaiden, President, Painters & Allied Trades Joe Biden, Former Vice President & Presidential Candidate Hon. Lori Lightfoot, Mayor, City of Chicago Chicago Teahers Union Headquarters 1901 W. Carroll Ave-Chgo 12:00pm - 2:00pm
PUSH EXCEL ORATORICAL COMPETITION
Students will compete in an inspirational speech & oratorical contest. CTU Headquarters 12:00pm - 4:00pm Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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Preconvention Activities FRIDAY JUNE 28 CONVENTION REGISTRATION PUSH EXCEL EDUCATION SUMMIT AND ROUNDTABLE PART II Join a discussion with leaders in the education field CTU Headquarters 2:00pm - 4:00pm
PUSH EXCEL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS DINNER
Join an evening of celebration of students and educators who promote education that encourages, equips, and empowers the next generation. CTU Headquarters 6:00pm - 8:00pm
PUSH EXCEL EDUCATION SUMMIT AND ROUNDTABLE PART II Join a discussion with leaders in the education field CTU Headquarters 2:00pm - 4:00pm
PUSH EXCEL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS DINNER
Join an evening of celebration of students and educators who promote education that encourages, equips, and empowers the next generation. CTU Headquarters 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Preconvention Activities SATURDAY JUNE 29 CONVENTION REGISTRATION Register for Convention meal events and breakout sessions Apostolic Faith Church 7:00am - 2:00pm
NATIONAL GET COUNTED CENSUS 2020 BREAKFAST
Rev. Jackson and Elected Officials and Panelists will discuss the importance of a complete and accurate 2020 Census Invited Elected Officials: Federal, U.S. Census Bureau, Congressmen Bobby Rush, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, State – Governor J.B. Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and/or designee, County – Cook County Commissioner Stanley MooreCity – Mayor Lori Lightford and/or designee from Complete Count Committee Invited Panelists: Jaquie Algee, VP, Director of External Relations - SEIU Healthcare IL/IN/MO/KS Anita Baneri, Director, Democracy Initiative, Forefront Sheryl Holman, Chief Executive Officer, Community Assistance Programs Dr. Dilara Sayeed, President, Board of Directors, IL Muslim Civic Coalition Rev. Janette Wilson, Esq., National Director, PUSH Excel Apostolic Faith Church 8:00am - 9:45am
SATURDAY MORNING BROADCAST
Live Broadcast on Impact TV Speaker: Elizabeth Warren, U. S. Senator, Massachusetts & Presdential Candidate Apostolic Faith Church 10:00am - 12:00pm
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Register for Convention meal events and breakout sessions DuSable Museum 740 E. 56th Place Chicago, IL 60637 12:00pm - 6:00pm
RPC LOVE MUSIC FEST & FAMILY AFFAIR
Outdoor event includes food and live entertainment Entertainment: Doug E Fresh Rev Charles Jenkins The Kinsmen Nickelodeon will also sponsor a fun and games event for children DuSable Museum 740 E. 56th Place Chicago, IL 60637 1:00pm - 6:00pm Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
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ITINERARY Monday, July 1, 2019
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HEALTH PLENARY & WOMENS LUNCHEON Monday, July 1, 2019
Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Register for Convention meal events and breakout sessions Sheraton Grand Chicago 7:30am - 6:00pm
HEALTH BREAKFAST
Hear from leading senior executives about the current state of health care in the U.S. and across the globe. Moderator: Dorothy Tucker, CBS-TV 2, and member National Association of Black Journalists. Speacial Guests: Bill De Blasio - Mayor New York City Chirlane McCray, First Lady City Of New York and mental health care advocate, Speakers: Dr. Patrice Harris - President, American Medical Association Dr. Niva Lubin Johnson - Vice Chair/Member-At-Large, Women Physicians Section (WPS) Governing Council -NMA Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL 2nd Dist) Sheraton Hotel Superior Room A&B 8:30am - 10:00am
HEALTH PLENARY
Health Breakfast will be followed by a distinguished panel of doctors, healthcare professionals and CEOs who will discuss addictions and mental health. Moderator: Dr Terry Mason - Chief Operating Officer, Cook County Dept of Public Health Panelists: Dennis Deer, Cook County CommissionerGeorge Miller, President and CEO, The Loretto Hospital Dr. Lakshmi S. Emory, IlliniCare HealthJoel Johnson, M. Ed., President, Human Resources Development Institute (HRDI) Dr. Knitasha V. Washington, President & Founder, ATW Health Solutions Sheraton Hotel Superior Room A&B 10:15am - 12:15pm
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S VIP RECEPTION Meet and network with Female VIP Convention Attendees Sheraton Hotel Fountainveiw Room 11:00am - 12:00pm
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S LUNCHEON A Salute to the Most Influential Women in the Community and Across the Globe Mistress of Ceremonies: Cheryl Burton - ABC 7 Chicago News Anchor Speakers: Chirlane McCray, First Lady City Of New York & Founder of Cities Thrive Honorees: Hon Karen D. Camper - President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women; Hon Kimberly Foxx, States Attorney, Cook County, Illinois; Hon Toi Hutchinson, President, National Conference of State Legislators, Illinois State Senate; Hon Sheila Jackson Lee, Congresswoman, Texas; Hon Lori Lightfoot, Mayor, City of Chicago; Hon Alexander Lyles, Mayor, Charlotte NC; Hon Lucia Kay McBath, Congresswoman, Georgia Hon Sally Caroline Yates, Former Acting US Attorney General, Hon Judge Stanley Hill, Rainbow PUS Oratorical Society; Professor Martin Pieters, Professor Bruce Peterson & Pamela Persons, Rainbow PUSH STEM Program Entertainment: Teresa Griffin, Singer, Musician, Songwrite Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Ballroom 12:30pm - 2:30pm Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
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GLOBAL PEACE, MUCIC & SPORTS Monday, July 1, 2019
Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
GLOBAL PEACE, HUMAN RIGHTS & DEMOCRACY FORUM Civil and Human Rights Activists across the globe will reflect on the current status of Peace, human rights, democracy, immigration/refugees, and tolerance (racism/discrimination) in their respective communities, countries, continent/hemisphere Moderator: Dr. Ewa Ewa, Activist , Financial Officer, State of Illinois Panelists: Hon. Momodou Jallow – Member of Parliament - (SWEDEN) Hon. Robert K. Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) – Member of Parliament (Uganda) Dr. Isabella Alexander - Professor/Human Rights Activist Mr. Nasir Zakaria – Director, Rohingya Culture Center – Chicago Ms. Daniela Gomes – PhD Candidate, University of Texas Austin; Journalist/Activist – Brazil Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim – Korean Activist; Associate Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion Sheraton Hotel Mighigan Room A&B 3:00pm- 5:00pm
INDEPENDENT MUSIC SEMINAR The goal of the Independent Music Seminar is to bring together a good number of bright minds, create and foster inspiration and wonder all while learning how to succeed in the industry and provoking important conversations that truly matter. Moderator: Jesse GF Jones Speakers: Waka Flocka, Debra Antney, Barbara McDowell, Brenda Robinson, Angela Stratton – King, Bo Deal Panelists: Waka Flocka, Debra Antney, Barbara McDowell, Brenda Robinson , Angela Stratton - King , Bo Deal, New Sense, Abe Thompson, John Mitchell Honorees: Waka Flocka, Abe Thompson, Barbara McDowell, New Sense , John Mitchell, Debra Antney Sheraton Hotel Superior Room A&B 5:00pm - 8:00pm
SPORTS BANQUET
Join an evening of celebration of former and current athletes Panelists: Ray Austin , Former NFL Player. Co-Founder, Fan-Controlled Football League Mike T. Brown, Former NFL Player. Founder of “Win-Win”, Gaming for Good Clifford Chapman, Managing Partner, Cre8ation Ventures & Co-Founder, FIST Global Sports Tech Kai Frazier, Founder & CEO, Curated x Kai (Virtual Reality); Entrepreneur in Residence, Kapor Center John Matthews, C.E.O., Prothymos Technologies Walter Powell, Former NFL Players. Co-Founders, Politiscope Honorees: Antonio Davis, Former NBA All Star. Newly Named DIRECTOR of the NBA Player Association Program “Off The Court”. Christian Okoye, Former NFL Player. Founder of The Christian Okoye Foundation for Youth & CA Sports Hall of Fame Bob Grant, Former NFL Player. Chairman of the NFL Retired Players Congress Nzinga Shaw, First EVER Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer in the NBA. Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena. Maurice Stinnett, First black man appointed VP of Diversity & Inclusion at an NBA team. Brooklyn Nets, NY Islanders, and Barclays Center. Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Ballroom 6:00pm - 8:00pm
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ITINERARY T H U R S D AY, J u l y 1 3 , 2 0 1 7
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BUSINESS, GLOBAL INVESTMENT & CLERGY Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
CONVENTION REGISTRATION
Register for Convention meal events and breakout sessions Sheraton Hotel 7:30am - 1:00pm
BUSINESS BREAKFAST This breakfast is to put forth all information necessary to connect women and minority owned businesses and regular everyday workers to connect opportunities as well as employment. Speakers: Pete Buttigieg Mayor of South Bend IN and Presidential Candidate Hon Lori Lightfoot - Mayor City of Chicago Don Biernacki, SVP - Related Midwest, Peter Davoren Pres. & CEO-Turner Construction Mamon Powers, Lakeside Alliance (Obama Center) Honoree(s): Cynthia DiBartolo - Chief Executive Officer Tigress Financial Partners LLC Hon. Robert K. Ssentamu Activist, Musician Member of Parliament The Republic of Uganda - International Global Humanitarian Award Barbara Lumpkin, Interim President, Chicago Urban League Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Ballroom 8:30am - 10:30pm
GLOBAL AND AFRICA DIASPORA INVESTMENT FORUM Panelists will discuss Africa’s continuing tremendous business opportunities not only in oil, gas and natural resources, but also in areas such as energy, health care, telecommunications, technology, entertainment, construction, financial services, and tourism in their respective countries/sectors. Moderator: Olivier Kamanzi, President & CEO – Africa Global Chamber of Commerce Panelists: Steve Hightower, President and CEO, Hightower Petroleum Co. Hon. Phumzile Mazibuko – Consul General of South Africa – Chicago Matilda Arhin, President, Ghana International Chamber of Commerce Symon Adeji, Founder, Taruwa LLC dba BlacPay Erin Guthrie – Dir.Dept of Commerce & Economic Opportunity – Illinois Sheraton Hotel Mississippi Room 10:30am - 12:00pm
DIVERSITY BROKER - DEALER & ASSET MANAGEMENT COALITION (DBDAM) ROUNDTABLE Hear DBDAM Coalition members discuss bringing transparency with respect to a fair and balanced approach to the Assessment of all certifiedWMBE Broker-Dealers & Asset Managers across all bulge-bracket and regional financial services firms looking to achieve a quantifiable, higher standard of diversity and inclusion. Sheraton Hotel Colorado Room 10:30am - 12:00pm
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BUSINESS, GLOBAL INVESTMENT & CLERGY Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611
CLERGY ROUNDTABLE Role of the Church beyond Sunday Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Ballroom 10:30am - 12:00pm
CLERGY LUNCHEON Mistress of Ceremonies: Marion Brooks, Anchor NBC 5 News Speakers: Reverend Tellis Chapman, Pastor, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church - Detroit Jon Campbell, Executive VP & Director of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations, Wells Fargo Maurice L. Coleman SVP, Boston Market Leader Community Development /Global Commercial Banking Bank of America. N.A. BofA Securities, Andrew Young, Civil Rights Activist, Former Ambassador, United Nations Sheraton Hotel Sheraton Ballroom 12:30pm - 2:30pm
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Diversity
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ComEd embraces the differences that make each of us unique, and enrich us all. Together we can build a world where our differences make us stronger. Visit www.exeloncorp.com for diverse supplier registration.
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WORKING TOWARD A MORE PERFECT UNION... MAKES A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Meeting a nationwide challenge requires a united effort from many dedicated people. As the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Citizenship Education Fund holds its Annual International Convention, we must express our appreciation and continued support for this organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts to ensure more young people earn college degrees en route to becoming successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. www.shell.us/getconnected
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CHERYL SCOTT
ALAN KRASHESKY
CHERYL BURTON
MARK GIANGRECO
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© 2019 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
HEAL AND REBUILD JPMorgan Chase proudly sponsors the Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund and applauds its positive influence on social change around the world.
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We’re here for you Proud sponsor of the 2019 Rainbow PUSH Convention
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Symon Adeji Symon Adeji is the Founder and CEO of Taruwa LLC dba BlacPay. He is a business administration graduate and a business software development specialist, philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, and the founder/CEO of BlacPay, an integrated technology company. Symon Adeji was the Publisher and Founder of Sleek Media based in the UK and Nigeria. Sleek Media was operated for 12 years in 30 countries as an international media and publishing company focused on the African diaspora. In 2008, the company made a profit of over $4 million during depression under Symon’s leadership before it was sold for profit in 2013. Symon Adeji has created solutions to bridge the opportunity gap, disparity, and economic inequality issues facing Blacks in the United States and the Black diaspora through innovative technology from fintech-AI machine learning and augmented reality (AR).
Dr. Isabella Alexander Dr. Isabella Alexander is an award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker, and Professor of Anthropology and Film Studies at Emory University in Atlanta. Isabella’s work has long centered on uncovering the social and political realities of our world’s most critical border regions, and she is a leading expert on international human rights, transnational migration, and refugee and asylum law. For the past three years, she has been working undercover embedded in hidden brotherhoods, smuggling rings, forest camps, and detention centers across North Africa - to tell a story from the other side of Europe’s unfolding migrant and refugee “crisis.” At this year’s conference, she will be giving audiences an exclusive look at her forthcoming documentary film, “The Burning.” Her forthcoming book on the same subject, “Burning at Europe’s Borders,” is scheduled for release alongside the film in late 2019. It is her hope that this multidimensional project and accompanying social impact campaign will raise awareness, incite action, and bring positive change for the millions of African migrants and refugees whose basic human rights are being denied. You can learn more at: www.smallworldfilms.org.
Matilda Arhin Having lived in Atlanta since 1999, Matilda Arhin has become the consummate marketing magnet motivating and mobilizing millions of Africans across communities, cities and countries in the Americas and in Africa to work together, using the power of her cultural roots and pride in Ghana. Over the last decade, she has hosted several presidential, ambassadorial and trade delegations from Ghana and other African countries in Atlanta and U.S. cities and remains one of the most reliable and recognized personalities in the Metro Atlanta area. Her relationship equity with corporate America and Africa’s public and private sectors, as president of her Atlanta-based Ghana International Chambers of Commerce (GHICC), complemented by her coveted positions as a board member of the prestigious World Trade Center of Atlanta, has endowed her with the unique ability to swing open giant gates for governments, businesses and NGOs on both sides of the Atlantic to facilitate investment and developments. Ms. Arhin is a respected speaker, consultant and advisor on Africa on demand by the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and some of America’s most influential trade associations, such as the U.S. Black Chambers of Commerce (USBCC) and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Her board advisory position at Clark Atlanta University on public affairs fosters valuable academic connections such as the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) started by President Obama to nurture African entrepreneurs. She continues to spearhead many trade missions to Ghana and other African countries.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Don Biernacki As Senior Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest, Don Biernacki oversees the building of the region’s most iconic structures and staple communities, redefining and enhancing the landscape of real estate. Along with his team of talented design and construction experts, Biernacki is responsible for all of Related Midwest’s ground-up and renovation projects. Biernacki is passionate about investing in the communities he works in. At Related Midwest, he created a mentorship program for small business owners to help support their operations, capacity building and growth. Don has received numerous awards for his commitment to the community and accomplishments including the Distinguished Labor Leader the Award by Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the Award of Honor by the CBC. Biernacki is committed to a number of community and charitable organizations. Among these organizations, Don serves in a number of roles including Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Saturday Place and also serves as board member of the Construction Engineering Advisory Council at Marquette University. Biernacki is also a member of the Board of Directors of SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, a quality and innovative and foster care provider.
Sonya Blakey
Les Bond
Mr. Bond is Chief Executive Officer of Attucks Asset Management, LLC, an independent Manager-of-Emerging Managers that concentrates on creating multi-manager portfolios in U.S. equity, international equity, fixed income and hedge fund-of-funds space. Mr. Bond is responsible for the overall management of Attucks, new product and new business development. He founded Attucks Asset Management in 2001 to fill a need for an independent entrepreneurial manager-of-managers firm. Mr. Bond has over 30 years of investment management experience and has over 20 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur. In 1996 Mr. Bond founded Columbia Capital Management as an independent financial and investment advisor to government entities; he sold his interest in Columbia Capital in 2010. Mr. Bond received an AB degree from Princeton University in 1979. He received an MBA in Finance and Marketing and a JD from Northwestern University where he was a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology. Mr. Bond is the immediate past Chair of the National Association of Securities Professionals and is a current member of the Board and the Executive Committee. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the Marshall Faulk Foundation, the MOBILE Care Foundation, the Civic Leadership Foundation and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability. He is also an active member of the Business Leadership Council, the New America Alliance, the Association of Asian American Investment Managers and the Economic Club of Chicago. Mr. Bond is currently serving as a member of the Chicago City Plan Commission.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Karen Camper
State Representative Karen Camper House Democratic Leader State Representative Karen Camper of Memphis, Tennessee, has been a member of the Tennessee General Assembly since 2008. A veteran of the United States Army, Representative Camper brings to the table her unique perspective on national security and the importance of service. Rep. Karen Camper, a Memphis native, is the first AfricanAmerican woman to lead a caucus in the history of Tennessee’s General Assembly. She was elected by her colleagues as Democratic leader in November 2018. She is a member of the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee, the Judiciary Committee, the Commerce Committee, the Calendar and Rules Committee, and the House Select Committee on Ethics. Leader Camper is President of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative (NOBEL) Women and a member of the Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus. Leader Camper has served her constituents in the 87th District since 2008. She is an Army veteran, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer after 21 years of service. Leader Camper is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 11333. She is also a former substitute teacher and business owner. Karen is a mother of one adult son, Bruce, Jr. She is the founder of The Humble Hearts Foundation Inc., a Charter Member of Women in Military Service for America, and a Lifetime Member of Black in Government and NAACP. Rep. Camper the former Chair of the Shelby County Legislative Delegation and former board member of Women’s Action for New Direction. Rep. Camper is also the recipient of the following awards: • 2013 NAN Memphis Chapter Community Service Award • 2013 Tri-State Defender Woman of Excellence • 2013 & 2017 NBCSL President’s Crystal Gavel Award • 2014 Junior League Legislator of the Year. • 2018 President’s Award for Public Policy-National Coalition of 100 Black Women (Memphis Chapter)
Pastor Tellis Chapman Reverend Chapman is the Pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. He is a graduate of Jackson State University, Jackson Mississippi, and has received Honorary Doctoral degrees from Natchez College, Natchez, Mississippi and Dallas Baptist College, Dallas, Texas. He has served as Vice Moderator and Vice President of the Michigan District Baptist Association of Michigan. Respected for his knowledge, he is well versed in parliamentary procedure and served as Parliamentarian for the Baptist, Missionary & Educational Convention of the State of Michigan. Dr. Chapman is also a board member of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., and Director of the Pastors and Ministers Division for the National Baptist Convention, USA Inc. He formerly served as President of the Baptist Missionary and Educational State Convention of Michigan. Reverend Chapman has been involved in Detroit’s growth as it relates to mass transit. He was a board member of the City of Detroit Dept. of Transportation Commission for several years. Reverend Chapman served as an advisor on the Faith-Based Advisory Board of Former Governor Jennifer Granholm. He has also received the distinguished honor of Pastor of the Year by the Detroit Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Reverend Chapman is the Founder and President of the Chapel Vision Community Development Corporation, serving greater southeast Detroit, Founder of the Galilee Community & Life Center & Founder and President of the Mid-West Community Development Corporation, serving greater southeastern Michigan. Reverend Chapman is married to the former Eunice F. Newsome, and has four children: Cecil, Brandie, Candace, Brannon, and one granddaughter Chloe.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Dennis Deer Appointed as Cook County Commissioner on July 13, 2017, Commissioner Deer proudly represents one of the most diverse districts in Cook County. The 2nd Cook County District extends north to Division, south to 75th Street, east to King Drive and west to Laramie. He is a graduate of Jackson State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education and the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Psychology. He later went on to earn his Ph.D. in Christian Psychology. Born and raised on Chicago’s west side, Dr. Deer remains a resident of the North Lawndale community. His passion for the community became evident some twenty plus years ago when he returned to North Lawndale and founded Deer Rehab Services Inc., a company that has become one of the most wellregarded providers of comprehensive services for ex-offenders. Dr. Deer went on to later start the Law Enforcement Family Training Services. Both organizations are full-service training, curriculum design, and consulting firms. Dr. Deer serves on several not-for-profit and community boards including Strategic Human Services and North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council which he co-founded. Dr. Deer’s long track record of serving the community demonstrates a sustained level of involvement over many years, and a track record for giving back. Through his work, Dr. Deer has helped to transform the lives of individuals and families who stopped believing in themselves and/or were counted out by society. Outside of his work as a Commissioner Dr Deer served as Vice President of Org. Health and Mgmt. with Lawndale Christian Legal Center. Dr. Deer is married to his high school sweetheart, and he and his wife Barbara have three teenage children.
Cynthia DiBartolo CYNTHIA DIBARTOLO, ESQ. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tigress Financial Partners. She guides the overall strategy and direction of the firm where she has parlayed her extensive corporate and securities experience intoa new generation of financial services firms. In her professional life, Cynthia has 30 years of accomplishment-laden practice working in finance. She spent more than two decades aligned with Fortune 500 companies, driving achievements in revenue growth, brand expansion and new offerings. Her ability to set the overall vision and strategy for a company propelled her career at Merrill Lynch, Smith BarneyMorgan Stanley, Citigroup and Bear Stearns. Her impressive track record in sales, compliance and risk management contributed significantly to the firms’ profitability. After battling head and neck cancer in 2009, she founded Tigress Financial Partners, a woman owned and operated Financial Services Firm sensitive to people with disabilities. Cynthia is committed to paying it forward. Cynthia holds extensive outside business affiliations. She serves as Chairperson of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Steering Committee for Financial Services, under the appointment of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. She is the Founder & Chairperson of the Diversity Broker-Dealer & Asset Management Coalition, an advocacy and thought leadership group that strives for best practices in diversity and inclusion on behalf all certified MWVSVBE Broker-Dealers & Asset Managers. In 1980, Cynthia was named a Congressional Nominee to West Point Military Academy. She attended Wagner College where she was given an Academic Scholarship, graduating with Honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Theatre and went on to earn a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University, School of Law. She holds FINRA Series SIE, 7, 24, 63, 99 and Real Estate Licenses. She was admitted to the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut State Bars.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Dr. Ewa I. Ewa In 1972 Dr. Ewa I. Ewa while completing his Higher School Certificate (HSC) at St. Patrick’s College Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria, participated and won the National John F. Kennedy Memorial Essay Contest in Nigeria and received a scholarship to study at John F. Kennedy College in Wahoo Nebraska, where he began his quest for academic excellence in 1975. He later attended the University of Illinois-Chicago where he received his B Sc. in Business Administration, a Masters degree in Urban Planning and Policy Analysis (MUPP), and Doctorate in Public Policy Analysis. Working together with other African Immigrant groups in the Chicago land area, formed the United African Organization (UAO) that was instrumental in the creation of the Advisory Council on African Affairs in the City of Chicago. Dr. Ewa is Chairman African Political Action Committee (APAC). Dr. Ewa is the President of the Nigerian American Forum (NAF). In 2014, Dr. Ewa was selected to serve as President (of the United States) Barack Obama’s Good Will Ambassador’ on immigration policies relative to people of African descent across the globe. He has just completed the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Edwin Clark’s University in Delta State Nigeria and Chicago State University in the United States. Dr. Ewa has served in various high level positions in government and in 2005, was appointed by the Governor State of Illinois, Chief Financial Officer Historic Preservation Agency, and currently serves in that portfolio with the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and the Torture Inquiry and Relief Commissions, the first of its kind in the history of Africans in the state of Illinois. He is an author of several articles in planning and policy analysis, political and economic development and social issues. Dr. Ewa is blessed with four children.
Judy Pace Flood Judy Pace was recognized by a reviewer for Daily Variety to be “the most beautiful African American woman in Hollywood.” Judy was the first African American to be under a players’ contract with Columbia Studios, 20th Century Fox, and have a three-picture deal with American International Pictures. She also has the remarkable distinction of being the first dark-complected leading lady and love interest on-screen, proving to both Whites and Blacks that beauty and talent does not discriminate. In short, Judy Pace is a trailblazer. Her distinguished performance in the groundbreaking TV series, “Peyton Place”, featuring the first Black family on television, in the continuing role of Vickie Fletcher, the first Black villainess on television, won Judy her first NAACP Image Award. Starring in her own TV series, “The Young Lawyers”, as the first Black lawyer on a TV drama, she earned a second NAACP Image Award. In addition to her two wins, Judy has received five NAACP Image Award nominations. A native of Los Angeles, Judy is the daughter of Edward and Laretha Pace, the owners of “Kitty’s,” the largest Black-owned ladies apparel store west of the Mississippi for 35 years, according to Dun & Bradstreet. Judy is the Founder of the Kwanzaa Foundation, a non-profit corporation that launched during the holiday season of 1973 that continues to be the first coalition of Black women in the entertainment industry that come together in an effort to contribute to the community. Judy’s daughters Shawn and Julia are both graduates of Howard University. Shawn, an attorney, and Julia, an actress and playwright. Judy is starring in the sitcom, “Beauty and the Baller,” an original BET TV sitcom produced by Emmy
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Daniela F. Gomes da Silva Daniela F. Gomes da Silva is from São Paulo, Brazil and is Doctor in African and African Diaspora Studies. Daniela is an activist in the Afro-Brazilian and Diasporic Movement and has been using her work to connect people in the African Diaspora. The focus of her efforts is to build international bridges to fight against racism around the globe. She has developed several lectures and participated in conferences focusing on race relations in Brazil and other countries. Ms. Gomes was one of 10 participants selected from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to take part in the First Fellowship Program for People of African Descent in 2011. Born and raised in a poor peripheral area of Sao Paulo, Ms. Gomes found an inspiration in the hip-hop movement to fight for new ideals and perspectives. In her research, Daniela has been observing the role of the hip-hop movement as a tool of empowerment for Afro Brazilian youth. In 2016, Ms. Gomes presented the TED Talk “O poder do hip hop” during the TEDxSaoPaulo Women that inspire, in Sao Paulo, Brazil where she was able to talk about her activism and its relations to the hip hop movement.
Bob Grant Bob Grant was raised in Jacksonville, NC during the “Jim Crow’ years of the segregated South. In 1963/64 he became one of the four Black Players who integrated College Sport in the major southern “White” universities when he accepted an Academic/Athletic Scholarship to Wake Forest University in 1964. Bob went on to become the first “Man of Color” to play in the NFL in the “American Apartheid Era.” He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1968 and was a member to two Super Bowl Teams there. He played for Coach Don Shula in Baltimore before moving over to the Washington Redskins in 1971 with Coach George Allen. Raised by his Grandfather in the “Marcus Garvey” tradition, Bob has always been a strong supporter of equal rights and justice for all and he greatly appreciates the recognition that is being extended this evening.
Erin Guthrie Erin Guthrie will serve as Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Guthrie most recently served as the regional general manager for Uber Midwest in Chicago where she partnered with cities and regulators to create safe, positive experiences for customers and residents. From 2013 to 2017, she was a client engagement manager and partnership portfolio manager at McKinsey & Company in Chicago. Previously, Guthrie worked as a product manager MBA intern at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters, as an account executive at 4INFO and as a business development manager at Nokia in San Francisco. She received her MBA from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business and Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Stanford University. Erin lives in Wicker Park with her husband and son.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Audrey DuBois Harris
Stephen L. Hightower Stephen L. Hightower President and CEO of Hightowers Petroleum Co. (HPC) leads a $400 million business enterprise consisting of five national and international businesses, all providing energy solutions. A self-made entrepreneur since 1979, Mr. Hightower grew his Ohio-based wholesale fuel supply company into an International energy solutions enterprise covering the entire energy value chain, from petroleum supply to power production. Mr. Hightower’s blue-chip customer base includes, Duke Energy, General Motors Corporation, The Kroger Company, Fed Ex, SCANNA, Ford Motor Company UPS, Honda, Con-Edison, Nissan, ATT, United Rentals, JLL Dominion Transportation, PEPCO Utility, and State of Ohio amongst others. Mr. Hightower has extensive skills in developing and operating business enterprises, managing Global Supply Chains and rapid growth strategies while navigating governmental and regulatory approvals. As President and Chairman of HP Energy, an energy development company that engage engineering and technology to reduce energy consumption and to create alternative power to Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Waste to Energy, Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Solar applications. Hightower has been active in the development of clean power generation in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a recent focus on South Africa waste-to-energy projects. Hightower serves at the pleasure of the President with two appointments; the Department of Interior’s, National Park Foundation and Department of Energy’s National Petroleum Council. Those appointments are continued under President Trump. Hightower was the recipient of the 2014 National MED Week Award from the US Department of Commerce, and 2013 Black Enterprise Magazine’s Industrial/Service Company of the Year, 2018 Rainbow PUSH Living Legend Award and 2019 Duke Energy Supplier of the year award . Hightowers Petroleum Co. through the leadership of Mr. Stephen Hightower, continues to provide its customers with unique processes and has built a supply chain that “Exceeds Expectations” while “Fueling Global Energy Needs” one customer at a time!
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Toi Hutchinson A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Toi W. Hutchinson has risen from a freshman lawmaker from the south suburbs to one of the key negotiators of the important issues we face in our state. A dynamic member of the Illinois Senate, Toi eloquently and passionately works to bring change to Illinois. Toi was active in speech theatre and student government all four years of high school and served as Student Body President her senior year. After high school, Toi attended the University of Illinois where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology and had plans to attend law school to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. At the age of 22, Toi and her husband, Paul, had their first child, PJ. They went on to have two more children, Cameron and Ryan. With three children at home, Toi raised her family while working as the executive director of the south suburban United Way and served as Olympia Fields village clerk. A lifelong passion for justice and advocating for those whose voices have been silenced, Hutchinson became a vital member of the Illinois Senate in 2009. As chair of the Senate Revenue Committee and a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, Hutchinson passed a proposal, setting a graduated rate structure for Illinoisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Income Tax System. While in the Senate, Hutchinson passed countless laws protecting women, children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ Illinoisans. Despite all of the demands of being a legislator, Toi was able to fulfill her dream and graduated from Northern Illinois University School of Law in 2014. Toi serves as the President of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan, nationwide, non-governmental organization. Toi W. Hutchinson is a leader, an accomplished legislator who shows no sign of slowing down.
Charles Jenkins For Complete Bio:
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Katie Jordan Born in Mineral Springs Arkansas, Katie Jordan is the second oldest of six children. She moved to Hot Springs Arkansas at the age of fifteen where she graduated from Langston High School. After receiving a Certificate in Water Therapy, she became the youngest Therapeutic Specialist on the famous Bath House Row where she worked for several years before pursuing a Designing and Tailoring career. She came to Chicago in 1960 and went to work August 11, 1962, in the tailor shop at Henry C. Lytton clothing store, in the loop area’s non-union women’s department as a finisher. Coming from Hot Springs, a non-union resort town, she was not familiar with unions, however, she recognized the blatant injustices that existed in the work place, so she decided to stay a little longer than Christmas and became the spokes-person and fought for seniority rights and correct pay for the women workers in that department and won. She was elected delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor. First Woman & African American from her local. She completed continuing Leadership Education Studies over a span of 30 years through the schools offered by her union, the AFL-CIO Midwest Women Schools and the Regina Polk Schools of the University of Illinois. She now lends her skills and serves on the board of directors. Katie is the President/Coordinator for Workers United/SEIU International Retirees Association and Represent the Retirees on W.U. General Executive Board. She worked with a coalition of 60 organizations to defeat legislation when an attempt was made to do away with Affirmative Action in Illinois that helps to level the playing field on past discrimination. Katie is the mother of three adult children, nine grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and four great- great grandchildren, who fondly call her Granny Honey.
Olivier Kamanzi Olivier Kamanzi is Capital markets expert, International Financial Sector Development Consultant, and Philanthropist. Currently, he is President & CEO of Africa Global Chamber of Commerce headquartered in Chicago. He is Founder and CEO of Globrock Financial Group Inc., a global management Consulting and investment advisory with its headquarters in Chicago and its subsidiaries both in US and Africa. He is former Deputy CEO of Capital Market Authority of Rwanda, former Senior Investment Specialist of Citigroup (Citibank) and Executive employee at JPMorgan Chase. He is Founder and Chairman of The Olivier Kamanzi Foundation – a public charitable organization. Also, he is President of the Board of Directors of Saint Sabina Academy an affiliate to Saint Sabina Catholic Church based in Chicago – United States. Mr. Kamanzi assisted in the establishment of the Rwandan capital markets industry and the creation of the Rwanda Capital Market Authority and Rwanda Stock Exchange. He initiated different policies including the East Africa Regional Financial Market Infrastructure Development and Regional Capital Markets harmonization and integration. Mr. Kamanzi is current Doctorate Candidate in Philosophy Organizational Leadership and Entrepreneurship with specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He holds MBA in Finance from Ashford University, the Forbes School of Business in Iowa and a bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. His hobbies are running, reading, and serving the community by mentoring youth, providing financial literacy classes, and he teaches Stock Market Program to 8th Grade. He appeared in various radios, TV, and written media including WVON Radio, CNBC Africa, Reuters, etc. and produced multiples articles on financial and leadership matters.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Grace Ji-Sun Kim Grace Ji-Sun Kim received her M.Div. from Knox College (University of Toronto) and her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. She is an Associate Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion. She has been working on peace and reconciliation through her writing, research and activism. She has met with the Korean Ambassador in NYC, US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley and many religious leaders and activists in the US to help work for peace in the Korean Peninsula. Kim is the author or editor of 16 books most recently The Homebrewed Christianity Guide to the Holy Spirit; Mother Daughter Speak, co-written with Elisabeth Sophia Lee and Embracing The Other. Kim has written for TIME, The Feminist Wire, Feminism and Religion, The Forum for Theological Education, and The Nation. Kim also writes for The Huffington Post, Sojourners, The Christian Century, Faith and Leadership, and Feminist Studies in Religion (co-editor). Kim is a much sought after lecturer and has given lectures throughout the United States and in Korea, Myanmar, Spain, Qatar, Brazil, Switzerland, Peru, England, South Africa, Paris, Budapest, Australia and Canada. She is honored to be included in the Englewood Review of Book‘s list of “Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading” and to be included in their list of books to read under “Our God is Too White? Diversifying our Theology”. She is also one of the “Top 10 Writers Shaping Our Movement” put together by the Center for Progressive Renewal. Grace Ji-Sun Kim is an ordained minister of word and sacrament within the PC (USA) denomination. She is married to Dr. Perry Y.C. Lee (Associate Professor of Mathematics, Kutztown University) and they have 3 children Theodore, Elisabeth and Joshua. For Complete Bio:
Kinsmen For Complete Bio:
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Commissioner Bill Lowry I believe in democracy, leadership, accountability and being accessible. These are the pillars I stand on as the Commissioner of Cook County’s 3rd District. Twenty-seven years ago, I married the love of my life, Dr. Cheryl D. Watson-Lowry, a dentist, and from our union, we were blessed to raise three wonderful children, Bill Jr., who is in Loyola law school; Evan, who attends DePaul University; and Clarke, who attends the University of Southern California. With a passion for service and a dedication to building communities, in 2014 I was tapped by the governor to serve on the Illinois Capital Development Board, becoming the first African-American in the state’s history ever afforded a seat on this powerful commission. I championed diversity, inclusion and access to capital for minority and women-owned businesses, and I worked to ensure Veterans Business Enterprises have the resources needed to be successful. Even with all of my volunteerism and hopeful outlook, nothing prepared me for the act of violence on January 29, 2013 when we lost 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton to senseless gun violence. Following this tragedy, my son Evan challenged us to “do something” and we did by convening leaders at our home in prayer and discussion. From our meeting we founded The It’s Time Organization (TITO). I told all of my neighbors and anyone who would listen, “It’s time for us to stop hiding. We need to step up and play a role in our community.” TITO is a not-for-profit founded in Hadiya’s memory with an emphasis of reducing youth conflict and violence by creating jobs and opportunities for young people. Our area of focus is in the 3rd, 4th and 5thWards of Chicago, and through our efforts we have secured internships, summer employment and mentorships for many of our youth through the years.
Barbara Lumpkin Barbara A. Lumpkin was named Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Urban League in June 2018. She oversees strategic planning, development, community outreach and programming for the organization, which includes departments focused on workforce development, housing, entrepreneurship, youth education, leadership development, and research and advocacy. Before joining the League, Lumpkin founded Lumpkin Strategies, LLC, a boutique business affairs firm. Lumpkin previously served as Deputy CEO and Executive Director for External Partnerships at Chicago Public Schools, where she was responsible for leading efforts to garner cash and in-kind support for the third-largest school district in the nation. Lumpkin also served as Comptroller, Budget Director, Special Assistant to the Mayor, City Treasurer and Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Chicago. She was the first woman appointed City Comptroller and the first African-American woman to serve as City Treasurer for Chicago. She has also held positions with several financial institutions. She was Senior Vice President and Director of Public and Government Strategic Business Affairs at Northern Trust Bank; Senior Vice President, Department Head – Corporate Trust and Agency Services at Amalgamated Bank of Chicago; and Vice President, Human Resources, Personal Financial Services, Corporate Trust and Agency Services at Bank of America (formerly known as Continental Bank). Lumpkin has served on numerous Chicago-area civic and charitable boards.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Phumzile Mazibuko As of January 2018, Ms Phumzile Mazibuko is the Consul General of South Africa in Chicago, where she is responsible for the overall management of the Consulate General. The Consul General is keen to promote trade and investments, enhance people to people cooperation in the field of arts, culture, education, and effectively render consular services to South Africans in 14 states in the Midwest region of the United States. The Consul General’s consular jurisdiction includes the following states, Illinois, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Indiana, Oklahoma, Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Arkansas. Ms Mazibuko has served in different capacities within both the national and provincial government in South Africa. Ms Mazibuko is a career diplomat having served in the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India. She is a graduate of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), formerly known as the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Humanitarian Law & Refugee Law.
Arthur McClearin Arthur E. McClearin, a Principal at The Williams Capital Group, L.P., has over 45 years of institutional investment banking experience. As the Director of Marketing, Arthur is responsible for managing the marketing and sales of Williams Capital’s broad range of services to corporations, local, state and national government agencies and institutional asset management firms. Under Arthur’s leadership, The Williams Capital Group was selected as a Senior Co-Manager to take The Prudential Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey from a mutual company to a public company in 2001. Arthur began his banking career at Bankers Trust in 1972 after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He was continuously promoted throughout his tenure at the bank having worked in Internal Auditing, Credit, promoted to a Marketing Officer, then Assistant Treasurer and a Regional Marketing Manager. Later Arthur transferred to the Marketing Department for International Banking at Bankers Trust. In this position he was responsible for marketing cash management services to international commercial banks, multi-national corporations, foreign governments and central banks in the Middle East and Africa. During his entire career Arthur has been an advocate for minority firms in the securities industry. His philosophy of life is to be a beacon of light and a change agent that works to ensure that minorities participate in all aspects of the securities business.
Jonathan McReynolds For Complete Bio:
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Senator Dino Melaye Senator Melaye was born on the 7th of January in Kano State but hails from Kogi State in the North Central Nigeria. He started his first schooling in Ijeoma Memorial primary school in Kano State, proceeded to Abdul-Aziz memorial college, Okene where he completed his secondary education from, before gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Kaduna State where he studied Geography. He is a graduate of Harvard University, also has MSc International Relations and Diplomacy, MSc Policy Analysis from University of Abuja and Post Graduate Diploma in Law, Security and Conflict Management. Senator Melaye possesses a distinct and robust personality attuned for leadership. In addition to being extremely industrious, disciplined, determined, exemplary, intelligent, frank, etc. Senator Melaye is also empathetic and people centered which reinforces his leadership capabilities. Dino Melaye is also a good listener, receptive, a fast learner and communicates articulately which is a requisite for dealing with people at different levels and from dissimilar backgrounds. As a human activist and public analyst he is a promoter of good governance and believes all destinies can be fulfilled if individuals are dedicated to the pursuit of their personal and group goals when requisite support is provided. As a legislator in the 8th Senate, Dino Melaye has the highest number of Bills and Motions in the history of the National Assembly, having over 16 Bills to his credit as well as over 25 motions. His contributions at the floor of the house has no match, this reflects in his ability to lobby his way through especially on matters that can positively impact on his constituents. Currently, he is a Gubernatorial Aspirant from PDP in Kogi State. He is blessed with three children, two sons and a daughter (Asiwaju, Kimbati and Gbotemi). For Complete Bio:
Dr. Cynthia Nunn For Complete Bio:
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Christian Okoye CHRISTIAN OKOYE, former All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, in 1990, founded The Christian Okoye Foundation to help underprivileged children assume their role in society through education and sports. “The Nigerian Nightmare”, as he was known, has spent his adult years perfecting the art of sculpting the human body. Growing up in Nigeria, Christian played soccer until he was 17, and was a sprinter and thrower on his high school track team. When he arrived to Azusa Pacific University in 1982, Christian won seven National Titles in shot Put, discus and the hammer and amassed 17 All American honors in track & field and football. In 1984, Christian was omitted from his Country’s 1984 Olympic team. Frustrated, he abandoned track and field and joined his college football team. Having played football for a mere three years, Christian was drafted in 1987 by the Chiefs in the second round. During his seven seasons in Kansas City, Christian set a number of Chiefs rushing records, including total yards in a season, attempts in a season, touchdowns in a season, attempts in a single game, 100-yard games in a season, and was the first Chiefs running back to rush for 1,000 yards for more than one season. Christian’s outstanding 1989 season culminated in an array of awards, including Running Back of the year and first team All-Pro. The National Football League Players Association voted Christian the American Football Conference MVP, and he received the Mackie award for most touchdowns in the AFC. In 2006, Christian became the President/Founder of the California Sports Hall Of Fame During the 1993 season, Christian retired to face different challenges in his life, which includes spending time with his 3 children: daughters Tiana and Laylah, and son Kosi.
Toni Preckwinkle Toni Preckwinkle is the 35th president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, an office she has held since 2010. A dedicated and effective public servant, President Preckwinkle has worked tirelessly and collaboratively to reshape County government through increased fiscal responsibility, transparency and improved services. Leveraging more than 30 years of political experience and leadership, President Preckwinkle has restored credibility to County government, solving for more than $2.1 billion in budget deficits, cutting $851 million in expenditures and passing balanced budgets each year of her tenure. Through the President’s leadership, Cook County used the Affordable Care Act to create CountyCare, a managed care program for Medicaid-eligible residents which now has about 400,000 members. President Preckwinkle is a nationally recognized leader in the drive to reduce unnecessary and costly incarceration of non-violent offenders in the criminal justice system. The pretrial population at the Cook County Jail has been reduced by more than 30 percent since she took office in 2010 and in 2017, the MacArthur Foundation awarded Cook County one of its highly competitive Safety and Justice grants in recognition of the County’s progress in criminal justice reform and to support its continued efforts. Before she was elected Cook County Board President, President Preckwinkle served 19 years as Alderman of the 4th Ward, building a reputation for progressive independence. She replaced failed public housing with viable mixed-income development that included the first housing built and marketed in North Kenwood and Oakland since World War II. She fought for a living wage, public education and against payday lending and gun violence. Prior to holding elected office, President Preckwinkle taught high school history for 10 years. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago. She is the mother of two and the grandmother of three.
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McDonald’s Proudly Supports the Rainbow PUSH 2019 Conference McDonald’s Proudly Supports the At Rainbow McDonald’s, we believe Diversity which unlocks PUSH 2019IS Inclusion, Conference the full potential of an organization’s people by creating an
At McDonald’s, we believe Diversity IS Inclusion, which unlocks inclusive workplace where every employee feels their culture, the full potential of an organization’s people by creating an
identity, and experiences are valued and respected.
inclusive workplace where every employee feels their culture, identity, and experiences are valued and respected.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Jeff Raines Jeff Raines is the Communications and Engagement Director at CHANGE Illinois, where he oversees all communications, including strategic planning & messaging, press outreach, as well as digital & social media. Before coming to CHANGE, Jeff was the Communications Director for a winning, top-tier 2016 congressional race, where he oversaw the campaign’s communications strategy and acted as chief spokesperson and speechwriter. Prior to that, he was a media associate at ReThink Media where he focused on other democracy issues, including money in politics and judicial selection. At ReThink, Jeff provided messaging assistance, media trainings, and strategic communications work to other good government advocates and nonprofits around the country. Jeff has also served as a communications advisor for the racial justice group: Million Hoodies Movement for Justice and Chair of the Roosevelt Institute’s Student Board of Advisors. He is a graduate of American University and is a part of the New Leaders Council Chicago 2019 Cohort.
Kenneth E. Rigmaiden For Complete Bio:
Brenda Robinson, Esq. Brenda Robinson is an entertainment attorney whose law practice focuses on intellectual property and entertainment matters on behalf of clients in the music, film and television industries. Brenda is currently a partner in the Entertainment and Media practice group of Swanson Martin & Bell LLP. Throughout her career, Brenda has provided legal counsel to numerous recording artists, musicians and composers, actors and actresses, production companies, authors, arts organizations, athletes and entertainers. Brenda is a graduate of the University of Michigan and obtained a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a certificate in Business and Public Policy from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. Brenda is a proud associate member of The Recording Academy and on the board of the Grammy Music Education Coalition. Brenda is also an active philanthropist in the arts and entertainment community. She is a cofounder of Gamechanger Films, a member of Film Independent and currently sits on the boards of The Representation Project and Chicken & Egg Pictures, is a member of the Women at Sundance Leadership Council and is a founding advisory board member of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Brenda has acted as production counsel, executive producer and investor on numerous documentary and feature film projects as well as scripted and unscripted television programming. Brenda was most recently an equity investor on the Academy Award®-winning documentary Icarus as well as Won’t You Be My Neighbor and is currently an executive producer on numerous projects including United Skates, alongside executive producer John Legend; The Great American Lie, by director Jennifer Siebel Newsom; Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailers Story, alongside executive producer Steph Curry; and Clarkston: The Most Diverse Square Mile in America, alongside executive producer Katie Couric.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES John Rogers John W. Rogers, Jr. is Founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm offers six no-load mutual funds for individual investors and defined contribution plans as well as separately managed accounts for institutions and high net worth individuals. After working for 2½ years at William Blair & Company, LLC, John founded Ariel Investments in 1983 to focus on undervalued small and medium-sized companies. Patience served as the cornerstone of a disciplined approach that still drives the firm today. John’s passion for investing started when he was 12 years old when his father bought him stocks, instead of toys, for every birthday and Christmas. Early in his career, John’s investment expertise brought him to the forefront of media attention, including being selected as Co-Mutual Fund Manager of the Year by Sylvia Porter’s Personal Finance magazine as well as an All- Star Mutual Fund Manager by USA TODAY. Furthermore, he has been highlighted alongside legendary investors Warren Buffett, Sir John Templeton and Ben Graham in the distinguished book: The World’s 99 Greatest Investors by Magnus Angenfelt. A sought after market commentator and speaker, John is regularly featured and quoted in a wide variety of financial broadcast and print publications. In 2008, John was awarded Princeton University’s highest honor, the Woodrow Wilson Award, presented each year to the alumnus or alumna whose career embodies a commitment to national service. Following the election of President Barack Obama, he served as co-chair for the Presidential Inaugural Committee 2009, and more recently, he joined the Barack Obama Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Sam Williams & Selah For Complete Bio:
Karen Clark Sheard For Complete Bio:
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES John Spiros, Jr.
Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Painters District Council #14 John Spiros was initiated into Painters’ District Council #14, Local union #147, as an apprentice in August of 1976. He completed the apprentice program and worked in the field until he accepted a Teaching/Painting Instructor position at Washburne Trade School in 1981. John received his Teachers Certification for the Chicago Board of Education at Chicago State University in 1984, and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Occupational Education in May of 1986. He continued as an instructor until 1990 when he accepted a position as a Business Representative (19902015) at Painters’ District Council #14. While a Business Representative he was a Trustee on the Painters and Drywall Apprenticeship Committee from 1991 through 2015. He has also been a delegate for the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades Council beginning in 1990 to currently. John Spiros Jr. was also very active with his Local Union #147. At the Local he served as a delegate to: District Council #14, Central Regional Conference State Painters, and Building Trades in Washington. He was also a Trustee and President of Local Union 147. John Spiros Jr. was elected Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of Painters District Council #14 June of 2015 which currently still holds the position. Since becoming the Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer he has been a trustee for Chicago Painters and Health and Welfare Fund. He is also an Executive Board member to the Chicago Federation of Labor, and the Chicago Cook County Building and Construction Trades.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, is a 37-year old Ugandan musicianturnedpolitician, and by popular acclaim the leader of the generationally transformational People Power Movement. He is currently an Honorable Member of Parliament (Hon. MP) representing Kyaddondo East Constituency in Wakiso district of Uganda. Hon. Kyagulanyi is a proud father of four children, two girls, and two boys, and is married to Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi, an equally trailblazing leader in her own right as an activist, entrepreneur, author and an outspoken advocate for girl child education, primary health care as well as elimination of domestic violence, among other noble causes. Born in central Uganda Hon. Kyagulanyi was raised by his mother, a street vendor in Kamwokya, one of the poorest neighborhoods of Kampala city. He is currently studying Law at Cavendish University in Uganda. He has also earned a prestigious Leadership Certificate from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, which trains government and policy leaders from across the globe. In a class of emerging young leaders in this century striving for African self-actualization, Kyagulanyi is unique because he maintains a magnetic pull in the political arena, which has helped the opposition win key elections. He’s stated over and over “Uganda is the only home I know,” and will die trying to change it for the better. Among other awards, the Foreign Policy magazine recently named Hon. Kyagulanyi as one of the 100 most influential global leaders in 2019, in recognition of his leadership of the people’s campaign against the ills of the Ugandan military regime. Hon. Kyagulanyi and the People Power Movement are seeking to change the many widespread socioeconomic ills and usher in a generational, positive change under a 21st century bottom-up leadership based on accountability, diversity, self-determination and patriotism!
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES Clifford C. Swint, CFA Clifford C. Swint, CFA, is Executive Vice President of MFR Securities, Inc and is a 25 year veteran of Wall Street. Mr. Swint manages the firm’s relationships with most of its largest clients in the utility, tele-com/media and financial sectors and provides them with commentary and analysis of the debt capital markets that is specially constructed for each issuer. Before joining MFR in 2011, Mr. Swint headed the banking team at another leading diversity firm and prior to that spent many years as a Director of Structured Equity at RBC Capital Markets and was an Asso-ciate in the Private Placement Group of Prudential Insurance. Prior to his Wall Street career, Mr. Swint was a design engineer for Westinghouse Defense and has worked on projects such as the fire control radar systems for the B1 Bomber and F-16 Fighter as well as various classified space-based systems. Mr. Swint is a CFA and holds a MBA from Harvard Business School, a MS Computer Science degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a BS Mechanical Engineering degree from Lafayette College.
Letitia “Tish” Taylor Letitia Taylor better known as Tish Taylor, a Chicago native, started her employment career as a factory worker at Western Electric in 1964. She moved on to become a clerical employee at the Illinois Department of Public Aid (now known as the Illinois Department of Human Services). While there Tish worked her way up to the position of a Public Aid Caseworker but discovered her true passion- the Union. As an International Union Area Director for American Federation of State County and Municipal Employee, she provided technical support and guidance to AFSCME affiliates in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Michigan. Her position planned, administer and coordinate AFSME International major activities in these states. She has had special assignments in Delaware, New York, Washington D.C., Indiana and many more. Upon retiring from AFSCME she was tapped to become a member of the Illinois Labor Relations Board in 2005. In order to assume this position you must be confirmed by the Illinois State Senate. Tish most memorable experience was being presented to the Senate Committee for confirmation by her State Senator now former President Barak Obama. After leaving that position Tish was able to spend more of her time assisting her community in various ways. She is an active Coalition of Black Trade Union (CBTU), A Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI) and Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) member. She sits on three labor unions scholarship committees. Tish is a proud mother of one son, Mark, twin granddaughters, Tiesha and Yameia and five great grandchildren. She credits her successes to the love and guidance of her two sisters Bernadine and Marion. But she is claimed (and acknowledge) as a mother and or grandmother by a multitude of others inside and out of the labor movement.
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SPEAKERS, PANELISTS & HONOREES The Victory Travelers For Complete Bio:
The Walls Group For Complete Bio:
Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth grew up on the ragged edge of the middle class in Oklahoma and became a teacher, a law professor, and a US Senator because America invested in kids like her. Elizabeth is widely credited for the original thinking, political courage, and relentless persistence that led to the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She led the establishment of the agency, building the structure and organization to protect families from financial tricks and traps hidden in mortgages, credit cards, and other financial products. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, Elizabeth served as Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel for TARP. Her efforts to protect taxpayers and hold Wall Street accountable won praise from both sides of the aisle. In 2012, Elizabeth became the first woman from Massachusetts elected to the United States Senate. As a Senator, she has fought to hold the wealthy and well-connected accountable and ensure our government works for everyone. Elizabeth and her husband Bruce have been married for 38 years. They have three grandchildren and a golden retriever named Bailey.
Nasir Zakaria At the age of 14 Nasir Zakaria was forced to flee Burma. He never saw his family again. He had to cross the borders of Burma/Myanmar, Thailand, and finally Malaysia where he lived as an illegal alien for 23 years. In 2012 he and his wife, daughter and adopted grandfather were finally granted refugee status and arrived in Chicago. Nasir became a dishwasher at the Rivers Casino and that is where he learned to speak English. He was always aware of how difficult life was for his fellow Rohingya refugees and decided that he needed to create a place for the Rohingya to call their own. In 2016 with the generous support of the Zakat Foundation he was finally able to open the Rohingya Culture Center. He no longer washes dishes. Instead he has devoted his life to helping his fellow refugees in Chicago and those left behind in Burma and refugee camps. He was awarded the American Red Cross Global Citizen Hero Award for 2018 for the Chicago and Northern IL area. For a man who has never been allowed to be a citizen anywhere this award is especially treasured. As well as running the Rohingya Culture Center he is one of the driving forces in creating a united front for the Rohingya, Shan and Kachine peoples. He is determined to stop the atrocities being waged against his people.
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Congratulations of behalf of the members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, who never quit on their communities.
#211-19
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© 2019 Citigroup Inc. All rights reserved. Citi and Citi with Arc Design are registered service marks of Citigroup Inc. Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
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Thanks to all our Sponsors DIAMOND
GOLD
EBONY
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Thanks to all our Sponsors
STERLING
BRONZE ABC-7 Chicago • AFSCME American Federation of Teachers Bank of New York Mellon Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Defender • CVS Health Delta Airlines • Enterprise Rent-A-Car Exelon/ComEd • General Motors Peoples Gas • UniteHere! University of Chicago Medicine Williams Capital
IN-KIND
ABC-7 Chicago • Chicago Defender • iHeart Media • Kenny’s Ribs & Chicken
Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
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COMMUNITY MATTERS
That is why Nielsen is honored to support the mission of the Rainbow Push Coalition to protect, defend, and gain civil rights and to promote peace and justice around the world. As a leading global, independent measurement company that’s focused on The Science Behind What’s Next™, Nielsen helps top brands and businesses understand what you watch, listen to, and buy to ensure your diverse perspective is considered. So, if you are ever asked to participate in a Nielsen study, please say ‘YES!’ Follow us: @NielsenKnows
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
73
WHEN IT’S TIME TO SERVE, WE’RE
ALL SYSTEMS GO. Proud to support Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund.
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Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizenship Education Fund
48TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Diversity makes a difference. Success isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rooted in sameness. Approaching things from different perspectives and working together for positive change are how progress is made. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true in business and in life. We salute organizations like the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and PUSH Excel, who are striving to make the world a better, more inclusive place. Š2019 FedEx. All rights reserved.