MLK Luncheon Speaker: U.S. Not Addressing Public Ills

Ryan Denham

WGLT

At a time when government fails to address the big problems — gun violence, racial injustice, economic inequality — the contributions of individual difference-makers are even more worthy of recognition.

That’s one of the messages Judge James Knecht will deliver Jan. 20 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon. The 42nd annual event will honor four MLK award recipients, chosen by the Normal and Bloomington Human Relations Commissions, for their efforts to break down barriers in the community. 

Knecht, who’s been a judge 42 years, said our Trump’s-latest-tweet news cycle is allowing the government to break its promises, big and small. That plays out in places like Puerto Rico, he said, where about half of residents still don’t have power after a September hurricane.

“We’re not addressing the ills of society that government has a responsibility to address,” said Knecht, who’s been on the Fourth District Appellate Court since 1986. “And that bothers me a great deal. Those kinds of things are important, and the people that get recognized at the MLK luncheon, and those in the audience, those are the people who are addressing these kinds of issues.” 

Knecht, a Lincoln native and Illinois State University graduate, is a past MLK award-winner himself. Outside the courtroom, his lengthy record of community service includes time with the Beyond the Books Educational Foundation, the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council, and the National Advisory Board of the Corporate Alliance To End Partner Violence.

Knecht’s career is full of moments where empathy stemmed from deliberate action, not just emotion. When he was elected to the Appellate Court (with less daily human interaction than a trial court), he intentionally chose a Bloomington office (with his wife’s encouragement) located near a Planned Parenthood clinic. That put him face-to-face every day with people facing difficult, life-changing events. It’s kept him grounded, Knecht said.

So did his early-career work for the Illinois Department of Mental Health, before he became a judge. He worked with kids at the Lincoln State School (later called the Lincoln Developmental Center), including many black youths from Cook County whose poverty, lack of schooling, and meager opportunities relocated them “hundreds of miles away from home.” He organized sports (therapeutic recreation) for them.

“I think I learned a lot about empathy and compassion and some of the ills of society that I believed I could help correct,” Knecht said. “So when I saw those human problems in the courtroom, I wasn’t shocked. I wasn’t put off. I had the ability not to be depressed by it, or take it home with me. And I always tried to treat each case like it was the most important there was, because it was the most important for the people before me.”

Knecht is still working on his remarks for the Jan. 20 luncheon. In light of world events, he’s been thinking about a lot about a quote attributed to King: “The hottest place in hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict."

"This is a time of great moral conflict," Knecht said.

Knecht, an elected Republican, said he’s troubled by President Donald Trump’s “petty, vengeful, vindictive” demeanor in contrast with the respected symbol of the presidency. Knecht said he tries to view politics through the perspective of history. We’ve survived tumultuous episodes like McCarthyism and Japanese internment camps, even if they’ve stained us for decades after, he said.

“As long there’s no nuclear button pushed, I’m confident that the republic will survive, and we’ll be here as a society long after someone else is in the White House,” Knecht said. “I trust government and the art of politics, but as with everything else, it depends on who’s there. Who are the humans that are engaging in the process to help govern us in a way that benefits us all and makes us better and stronger than we were yesterday?”

Tickets for the Jan. 20 MLK luncheon are still available. Here are the 2018 award recipients:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/martin-luther-king-jr-awards-luncheon-tickets-41145584551?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

Jordyn Blythe, University High School
“I Have a Dream” Award

Blythe, of Bloomington, serves as student body president and participates in band, theater, choir, and the award-winning speech team. She helped found the Black Student Union, where she works with others to raise awareness regarding social justice issues. Outside of the classroom Jordyn enjoys working with Jack and Jill of America, volunteering with Home Sweet Home Ministries, Home of Hope, and Serve Plus One, a nonprofit she helped found.

Xavier Higgins, Normal Community West High School
“I Have a Dream” Award

Higgins, of Normal, has proven himself to be a dedicated student and athlete, his commitment to serving others is exceptional. Xavier has complimented his education with numerous volunteer and leadership experiences, dedicating time to the Best Buddies Program, Not In Our School Club, and Freshman Mentoring program. 

Lorenzo Marshall (posthumously)
Adult Human Relations Award

An active volunteer in numerous professional and community organizations, Marshall positively impacted many lives in our community. For years, he coordinated the annual Juneteenth celebrations, working tirelessly to bring the community together in observance of a day commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

At State Farm Insurance, where he was employed for 40 years, he took pride in the mission of the African American Forum Employee Resource Group. His passion for educating, mentoring, and helping everyone feel welcome touched many lives.

Andre Hursey
Adult Human Relations Award

Hursey, of Normal, has taken it upon himself to be a positive mentor and serve those in need. For years he has volunteered and assisted many organizations including the Boys and Girls Club and the Western Avenue Community Center.

He’s also a familiar face at Bloomington Junior High School and Normal Community West High School where he regularly volunteers. Earlier this year he established the Jule Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is helping children reach their potential in and out of the classroom.

Banquet to Honor 44 Young Community Models

Why I See You, YICU Service Awards Celebration to recognize and celebrate young adults’ community service and leadership in McLean County
 
For A Better Tomorrow (FBT) announced on August 2 that 44 young leaders and two teams have been nominated for the second annual Why I See You, YICU Service Award. YICU celebrates young leaders who are role models that make a positive impact on others lives and their community through everyday actions in their neighborhoods, schools, social service agencies or through voluntary service to others. 

Tickets for the YICU Service Awards Banquet are $25 and may be ordered on the FBT Website. Deadline to purchase the tickets in September 5. 

“Most of these nominees operate largely ‘under the radar’ doing good deeds, sharing their time and talent quietly and selflessly. We are honored to recognize and celebrate them.” said Cranston Sparks, YICU Steering Committee Member.
 
A panel of leaders will review the nominations and select three winners in three different age groups. All nominees will be recognized at this event. Nine individuals and one team will be chosen from the outstanding group to receive a prestigious award based on their accomplishments and community impact! FBT is excited to make a $250 donation towards a non-profit in honor of the award winners.

The Awards Banquet will be held on September 10 at the Double Tree in Bloomington, IL. The social hour begins at noon with the program at 1 pm. This year's nominees are:

1. Emily Fienhold, 21, Chenoa, IL
2. Jeffrey Risberg, 12, Bloomington, IL
3. Amber Hill, 16, Bloomington, IL
4. Jaylyn Haynes, 14, Bloomington, IL
5. Sankalp Amaravadi, 16, Bloomington, IL
6. Anusha Bhojanam, 14, Normal, IL
7. Kaitlyn Stephens, 17, Farmer City, IL
8. Caroline Pickering, 17, Bloomington, IL
9. Arjun Kale, 13, Normal, IL
10. Sankhya Amaravadi, 22, Bloomington, IL
11. Breanne Penn, 18, Normal, IL
12. Kavya Sudhir, 16, Bloomington, IL
13. Wah Chook, 17, Bloomington, IL
14. Shreeya Malpani, 16, Bloomington, IL
15. Carys Lovell, 15, Bloomington, IL
16. Elena Hollingsworth, 18, Bloomington, IL
17. Sky Holland, 18, Normal, IL
18. Rebekah Herrmann, 17, Normal, IL
19. Austin Spaulding, 18, Bloomington, IL
20. Veli Aydoner, 17, Bloomington, IL
21. Danylle Myers, 18, Normal, IL
22. Amit Sawhney, 15, Bloomington, IL
23. Savannah Sleevar, 14, Bloomington, IL
24. Sierra Fields, 18, Bloomington, IL
25. Jasie Kelch, 20, Normal, IL
26. Leah Sebade, 18, Normal, IL
27. Zitlally Arias, 17, Bloomington, IL
28. Ajitesh Muppuru, 15, Bloomington, IL
29. Makayla Castle, 17, Farmer City, IL
30. Nathaniel Parson, 17, Bloomington, IL
31. Sky Watson, 17, Bloomington, IL
32. Rajeshwari More, 12, Bloomington, IL
33. Bronwen Boyd, 17, Bloomington, IL
34. Manasa Chenna, 14, Normal, IL
35. Bhavana Ravala, 16, Bloomington, IL
36. Nachiketh Rotte, 16, Normal, IL
37. Sharanya Rotte, 12, Normal, IL
38. William Short, 17, Normal, IL
39. Micah Johnson, 18, Bloomington, IL
40. Georgi Roll, 18, Bloomington, IL
41. Camron Hinman, 16, Normal, IL
42. Tristan Bishop, 18, Bloomington, IL
43. Logan Smith, 18, Normal, IL
44. Cierra Ester, 15, Normal, IL
45. Not In Our School Student Coalition Team - Aishwarya Shekara, Kavya Sudhir, Mihir Bafna, Anniah Watson, Ajitesh Muppuru, Zitlally(Lolly) Arias, Fiona Ward Shaw and Shreeya Malpani
46. Bloomington High School Promise Council Team - Mihir Bafna, Alisha Nadkarni, Bronwen Boyd, Fiona Ward Shaw, Veli Aydoner, Amber Hill, Carys Lovell, Wah Chook, Sierra Fields, Nathaniel Parson

Atlanta Media Pioneer to Headline King Awards Luncheon

The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Program, represents a commitment to the legacy of Dr. King, and recognizes those individuals in our community who have helped to keep his dream alive. This year will be the 41st anniversary celebration of the Dr. King Awards Program. Bloomington-Normal's Dr. King celebration is one of the longest continuous running programs in the country.

Nominations for the 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards are due by Tuesday.Winners will be announced and awards will be presented at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Luncheon on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the Brown Ballroom at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center. 

Tickets for the 2017 luncheon honoring Dr. King are available from City of Bloomington and Normal Human Relations Commission members. Tickets may also be purchased at Bloomington and Normal city halls. Single tickets are $20. Reserved tables are available.

This year’s guest speaker will be broadcast journalism pioneer Monica Pearson, who in 1975 became the first minority and first woman to anchor the evening news in Atlanta, Georgia. Over a 37-year career with WSB, the CBS network affiliate in Atlanta, Ms. Pearson won numerous journalism and humanitarian awards, including 33 local and regional Emmy Awards.  In March 2012, the bipartisan Georgia delegation to the U.S. Congress honored her on the floor of the U.S. House as "a true pioneer and a trailblazer in television news."

Dale: 100 Black Men Honors Mentorship, Education

By Dale Avery

President, 100 Black Men of Central Illinois

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I have spoken on numerous occasions about the 100 Black Men of Central Illinois. Many of you who will hear this message may have heard or know about the work we do in the Bloomington/Normal Community. For those of you that don’t know, we are a non-profit organization with the mission of improving the quality of life in the communities where we live. Our chapter accomplishes this by focusing our work and efforts around 4 key pillars – Mentoring, Education, Health and Wellness, and Economic Empowerment.

The Central Illinois Chapter is eleven years old and we are very proud of the successes in the community since our inception. We have mentored hundreds of kids, given away thousands of dollars in scholarships, hosted health forums and conducted events to enhance student and adult economic knowledge.

Second, along with (2015 Mentee of the Year Markus Brooks), we took two students teams from Bloomington/Normal to participate in the State Farm African American History Challenge and the Dollars and $ense programs. Our history team gave a great effort but was defeated in the first round by the team who won the championship. Our Dollars and $ense team won second place and only lost by a narrow half point margin. The African American History Challenge team included Christian Baker and Radiance Campbell and the Dollars and $ense team was made up of Alexys Ogorek and Stacie Harms, all from Normal Community High School.

Last of all, I was extremely blessed by being recognized with the Wimberly Award for Service. I am still in shock having been selected out of ten thousand plus members. As I said in my acceptance comments, I was granted this honor because of the gifts and strengths I received from our Heavenly Father, the morals instilled by my parents, the support of my wife and children, and fellow local chapter members that have carried out our vision.

100 Black Men of Central Illinois' annual Excellence Gala is August 26 -- tickets & information are available online, from members of the 100,  or at J-Bo's Handbags, 216 N. Center St., Bloomington.  Keynote speaker is Dr. Harold Davis, founder and CEO of TALKS mentoring program.

NIOTBN's Becker To Receive Peace Prize

What is a community activist? In the case of the Rev. Kelley Becker, it is one who attempts both to lead her spiritual community in support of the human community at large and also to serve that larger community and the too-often forgotten and neglected communities within it. 

Becker is this year's recipient of the Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize. She will be recognized at a Monday reception.

As associate minister with Bloomington First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, the city’s oldest congregation, Becker assists in imparting a message of compassion and inclusivity and overseeing an outreach program that has included FCC’s now 17-year-old, multi-church Westside Block Party and construction and promotion of the Tiny House, a modular mini-home that could prove a key solution in transitioning people who currently are homeless into a socially and economically sustainable life.

The Tiny House exemplifies Becker’s commitment to the disenfranchised of the Twin Cities. She has ministered to local people who are homeless on a personal level as well as through the church, and helped communicate with local police authorities and highlight the plight of homeless persons following last spring’s eviction of individuals from an outdoor encampment on Bloomington’s Market Street.

Becker also is attuned to the challenges facing the Twin Cities Latino community and issues confronting immigrants caught up in political controversy. She has traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border, witnessed federal deportation “show trials” in the Southwest, and through photos, stories, and sermons has helped illuminate complex issues of immigration, border security, and human rights.

Further, at a time when events in Ferguson, Baltimore, and Chicago underline concerns about police-community relations particularly along racial lines, Becker continues to communicate regularly with law enforcement officials, to affect greater understanding of community needs and police perceptions. In the pulpit and in the community, she has worked to uphold respect for and inclusivity of the LGBT community – she helped organize First Christian’s new One and All progressive service, which provides a worship opportunities for those who may not have felt welcome or accepted at other area churches.

Her commitment extends to supporting solutions to mental health issues that can exacerbate the challenges of poverty, substance abuse, crime, and East Side/West Side relations, as a board member with Bloomington’s non-profit INtegRIty Counseling. Last year, Becker agreed to chair Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal’s fledgling Faith and Outreach Subcommittee, which is devoted to fostering interfaith understanding and aiding area churches in efforts to address bigotry and attaining social justice for all Twin Citians. She played a key role with local Jewish and Islamic leaders in a December interfaith solidarity event in downtown Bloomington aimed at countering anti-Islamic sentiments.

Haynes, Mendez, Funderburg, Brooks Honored at MLK Luncheon

Local adults and youth who've led the community in realizing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s spirit were honored today (Saturday) during the annual Twin Cities MLK Luncheon at Illinois State University.

Luncheon Human Relations winners were:

Arthur Haynes of Bloomington, founder and coordinator of the annual West Side Neighborhood Summer Block Party, which has brought together people in the neighborhood. He serves on the Bloomington Housing Authority and on the board of the West Bloomington Revitalization Project. He is a member of the steering committee for the NAACP ACT-SO program.

Marcos Mendez of Normal, 2014-2015 chairman of the board for Conexiones Latinas de McLean County, through which he coordinated a school supply drive for low-income families. He partnered with Illinois State University faculty and United Way of McLean County to increase Latino parents’ access to bilingual/Spanish-language books to read with their children. Marcos has been involved with Minorities and Police Partnership.

I Have A Dream winners were:

Amari Funderburg of Normal, a senior at Normal Community High School. She is president of the NCHS Culture Club and is a representative at Not In Our School Club meetings. She serves meals at Home Sweet Home Ministries and collects donations for The Salvation Army.

Markus Brooks of Bloomington, a senior at Normal Community High School. He volunteers with the Bloomington Police Department Explorer Club, 100 Black Men, Sigma Beta Club, Back to School Party, Special Olympics, Cultural Fest and Sigma Gamma Rho sorority annual youth symposium.

Amari Funderburg, above, with Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal Education Subcommittee Chairman Camille Taylor, left, and co-chair Anne Libert. Below, Markus Deshawn Brooks with Normal Community High School Associate Principal, Nikki Mauer

Arthur Haynes, left, and Marcos Mendez, center, with other MLK Human Relations nominees, from left, Arlene Hosea, Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal's Mary Aplington, and Jesse Padilla.

Local Peace Prize Nominations Sought

Do you know someone who has been active in helping people in our community?  Please consider making a nomination for the Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize.  Nominations are due by January 31, 2016. 

Gerlof Homan, Mary Campbell (2015 recipient), and Joseph Grabill

The Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies Program at Illinois State University is accepting nominations and self-nominations for the Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize, which is named for Joseph L. Grabill and Gerlof D. Homan, Illinois State University emeritus professors of history who helped establish the interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies Program.

The Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize recognizes individual achievements in peacemaking, leadership, community service, and activism. The award recipient will be presented with a plaque at a reception in the spring of 2016, and a gift of $250 will be made to an established program or scholarship at ISU selected by the recipient in his/her honor.

To be eligible, a nominee must be a resident of Bloomington or Normal and be at least 21 years of age. Eligible individuals must have a record of participation in peacemaking activities in the community. Examples of such activities include activities in the areas of civil rights, cross-cultural understanding, economic and social justice, environmental protection, as well as activities that help advance peace and human dignity. Nominees should have a record of peaceful conflict resolution, leadership, integrity, and compassion and demonstrate respect for all individuals. Nominees may demonstrate these personal attributes and a record of peacemaking activities in any area, including the workplace, family life, or volunteer work.

The following materials are required for all nominations or self-nominations for the Grabill-Homan Community Peace Prize:

-    Nominees should provide a brief resume that highlights their relevant peacemaking activities.
-    Two letters of support are required. These letters should be from individuals who can speak to the impact of the nominee’s activities and initiatives on the community.
-    A brief 300-500 word description of a community need that should receive public attention is also required. This description should be written by the nominee, and the community need should have a peace and conflict resolution dimension.

Please send applications to:

Dr. Dawn Beichner
Department of Criminal Justice Sciences
Illinois State University
Campus Box 5250
Normal, IL 61790-5250

Nominees Named for 2016 MLK Awards

Mary Aplington, third from left, at the 2015 MLK Luncheon.

The 40th annual Martin Luther King Junior Awards in Bloomington-Normal will feature 13 nominees. Four winners will be announced January 16 at ISU's Bone Student Center.

Two high school students and two adults -- including Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal's Mary Aplington, who has been working with local schools to stop bullying and bigotry -- will be recognized for promoting tolerance and understanding.

In the running are students Marcus Brooks, Rahul Vudaru, Veena Yeleswarapu, Rachek Beck, Keerthi Amballa, Amanda Breeden, Amari Funderburg, and Helen Steinbacher-Kemp.

Adult contenders for the honor include: Aplington, NIOTBN alumni Arlene Hosea and Marcos Mendez, Jesse Padilla, and Arthur Haynes.

The Human Relations Commissions of Bloomington and Normal make the selections.

Leaders of Distinction Nominees Include NIOT:B/N Leader

The Leaders of Distinction Awards for community service will be announced Wednesday at an event sponsored by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce and The Pantagraph.

The reception includes announcement of the Athena Leadership Award and this year's Twenty Under Forty.

Tickets are $50 and available by calling 309-829-1183309-829-1183. The reception begins at 5 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom of the ISU Bone Student Center. Awards will be announced beginning at 6:30.

Tickets include a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink, hors d'oeuvres buffet and dessert buffet.

The Athena Award recognizes professional excellence, community service and active assistance toward women seeking professional excellence and leadership skills.

Twenty Under Forty recognizes young professionals who excel in their career, are passionate about the community and are making a mark in Central Illinois.

Kari Sandhaas

Athena nominees are Susan Baller-Shepard, Heartland Community College; Julie Hile, Hile Group Inc.; Carole Ringer, retired/community volunteer; and Not In Our Town: Bloomington/Normal's Kari Sandhaas, Country Financial; Doan Winkel, Illinois State University.

Twenty Under 40 honorees are Stephanie Adomaitis, Marcfirst; Josh Barnett, Advocate Charitable Foundation; Rachel Bedeker, Eastland Suites Hotels; Scott Black, AFNI; Justin Boyd, Country Financial; Chris Downing, Heartland Community College Foundation; Holly Hedges, CM Promotions; Tejas Jani, State Farm; Kristen Kubsch, Growmark; Melissa Lockwood, Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C.; Matt Lyons, Illinois State University Athletics; Natalie McKee, Bloomington Normal Audiology; Gina Mandros, Central Illinois Easter Seals; Van Miller, Illinois Wesleyan University; NIOT:B/N volunteer Jesse Paul Padilla, Illinois Agricultural Association (Country Financial); Matt Potts, Country Financial representative; Justin Stuva, Corn Belt Energy Corp.; Emily Vigneri, Illinois State University; Erin Williams, McDonald's Restaurants; and Michelle Wojcik, The Pantagraph.

NIOT:B/N's Rao Among Extraordinary 'Ordinary' Nominees

Mandava Rao, right, during a 2014 tour of India's Chicago Consulate.

NIOT:B/N leader Mandava Rao is among Collaborative Solutions Institute's 2015 Extraordinary Ordinary Men of the Year Awards -- a recognition of ordinary men in our community who make a positive impact on others through volunteering in their neighborhoods, faith communities, schools, and social service agencies.

The award recipients and all nominees will be recognized at an Oct. 15 dinner, at 5 p.m. in the Carol A. Reitan Conference Center at Bloomington-Normal’s Marriott Hotel. To purchase tickets to this event, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/collaborative-solutions-extraordinary-ordinary-men-of-the-year-award-dinner-2015-tickets-18428845172. 

In addition to serving the NIOT:B/N Steering Committee, Rao was 2003 president of the McLean County India Association, and is a board member with For A Better Tomorrow, a global philanthropic group. He is a director with the Hindu Temple of Bloomington-Normal.

Other 2015 nominees include Grant Anderson, Merlin Anderson, Frank Beck, Bruce Bergethon, Anand Bhende, Robert Bosquez, Kevin Bradley, Hank Campbell, Phil Eaton, John Evans,  George Gordon, Paul Harmon, Jim Howard, Craig Luchtefeld, Mike McCurdy, Michael Predmore, Larry Taylor, Bill Tolone, and Doan Winkel.