The City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, in collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago, will host the inaugural Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship & Fellowship Luncheon on Thursday (June 15) from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at Malcolm X College in Chicago (1900 W. Jackson Boulevard). This event will unveil the first cohort of Timuel D. Black Jr. fellows.
Timuel Dixon Black Jr., an American educator, civil rights activist, historian, and author, played a significant role in the civil rights movement. In 1960, he collaborated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the protests against housing issues faced by West Side residents in Chicago. Dr. Black also contributed to organizing thousands of Chicagoans to participate in the historic March on Washington alongside Dr. King.
With a background as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Black went on to hold various positions at City Colleges over two decades, including dean of Wright College in 1969 and vice president for academic affairs at Olive-Harvey College. He also taught at Loop College, which was later renamed Harold Washington College in recognition of Dr. Black’s influence and advocacy.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in the election of Harold Washington, Chicago’s first Black Mayor. Moreover, Dr. Black provided guidance to community organizer Barack Obama on his journey to becoming President of the United States. Driven by a passion for educating young people about the historical contributions and impact of Black Americans, Dr. Black’s work continues to inspire emerging leaders committed to positive change. The Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship & Fellowship Program was established to honor his legacy and support the development of future leaders in Chicago.
“Dr. Black served as a mentor to some of Chicago’s greatest leaders, including Mayor Harold Washington and President Barack Obama, and now the next generation of leaders will continue his legacy through the Inaugural Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship & Fellowship Program,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “It is a tremendous feeling to know that his memory will forever live in our city, in the spirit of service and community.”
The Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship & Fellowship (TBSF) program empowers City Colleges of Chicago students to become leaders while deepening their understanding of Chicago’s social movements and history. At the luncheon, guests will be introduced to this program, which culminates with an educational trip to Alabama.
This journey to historic sites is inspired by Black’s extraordinary career, lifelong dedication to equity and justice in Chicago, and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of community, history, and activism.
Respected journalist and social justice advocate Laura S. Washington will deliver the keynote address at the 2023 Timuel D. Black Jr. Scholarship & Fellowship Luncheon. With over two decades of expertise in African American affairs, local and national politics, race, and social justice, Laura brings a wealth of experience to the event. The luncheon will be hosted by longtime NBC 5 Reporter, LeeAnn Trotter, who will serve as the emcee.
“We are thrilled to invest in the next generation of community leaders through Timely D. Black Jr. Inaugural Scholarship & Fellowship program, and we thank Zenobia and the entire Black family for the honor and opportunity to carry Timuel’s life legacy to the next generation through it,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “Investing in our home-grown leaders ensures our communities and the entire city of Chicago will continue to grow and strengthen.”
The luncheon will unite individuals from various sectors, including community, business, education, and government. Its purpose is to educate attendees about Timuel D. Black Jr.’s remarkable contributions as an American civil rights activist, historian, author, and educator/administrator at City Colleges of Chicago. The event will also mark the introduction of the inaugural class of Timuel D. Black Jr. scholarships.
For more information, to support the scholarship, or join the lunch by purchasing a ticket ($150.00), click here or visit https://timuelblackluncheon.ccc.edu/. The event begins at 11:30am and program kicks off at 12:30pm. Free event parking also available at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Street in Chicago) with validation.
A special thank you to Chicago’s corporate, philanthropic, and civic community for their support including the following:
Zenobia Johnson-Black*
Dr. Walter & Shirley Massey
Andrea Saenz, The Chicago Community Trust
James Reynold, Jr. Loop Capital
History Makers
Juan Salgado and Leticia Almazan
PepsiCo Foundation
Pritzker Traubert Foundation
Social Justice Activists
Comcast
ITW
Civil Rights Champions
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
The Bluhm Family
Peoples Gas
Oppenheimer Family Foundation
Community Advocates
Teri and Bill Lowry
MK Communications
PFM Asset Management
Wynndalco Enterprises LLC
Host Committee Members
Meredith Bluhm-Wolf and William Wolf
Brian Brady, Youth Engage Consulting
Mary Scott Boria, Youth Engage Consulting
Joseph Harrington*, The Mojo Group
Marilyn Katz, MK Communications
Amanda Klonsky
Susan Klonsky*
Bart Schultz*
Oppenheimer Family Foundation
Fr. Michael Pfleger, St. Sabina Catholic Church
Heather Ireland Robinson
The Jazz Institute of Chicago
Monica Stewart*
Almarie Wagner
Laura S. Washington , ABC 7 Chicago and Chicago Tribune
* Denotes a member of the Fellowship Selection Committee Member
Timuel D. Black Jr. Fellow Selection Committee
Bart Schultz
Joseph Harrington
Susan Klonsky
Monica Stewart
Zenobia Johnson-Black
Geovonnie Bates
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