On Saturday February 25th some of Chicago’s finest gathered to celebrate at A. Phillip Randolph Porter Museum Foundation’s 28th Annual Gentle Warrior Awards Gala. This event honors those within our communities that strengthen others, display leadership and trail-blaze legacies. As during the time A. Phillip Randolph did with founding The Brotherhood of Sleeping Porters, this years Honorees are creating their own historic narratives. 2023 Gentle Warrior Award Honorees are:
President of National AFL-CIO, Elizabeth Shuler
As the first woman elected on June 13, 2022, this was not her first feat within the AFL-CIO. In 2009, she was the first woman elected at Secretary-Treasurer position along with being the youngest (woman) ever on federation’s Executive Council. Her mission is to continue busting labors myths and lead with AFL-CIO’s initiatives of empowering women and young workers thru workforce development and retirement security (to name a few).
Secretary/Treasurer ALF-CIO, Fred Redmond
Unanimously elected on June 13, 2022, he became the highest ranking African American officer in America’s labor movement history. He has served on federation’s Executive Council since 2008. First stint at leadership was in early 70s at Reynolds Metals Co. as shop steward and eventually vice president.
In addition to celebrating Gentle Warriors, three dynamic ladies received the distinction of being names Change Agent Award. A Change Agent is considered one that constantly set an example of greatness and assistance for those they encounter with growth, wisdom and opportunities. This year’s beneficiaries are:
Retired Honorable Arnette Hubbard of Illinois State Court
Appointed to the bench in 1997 and elected 1998, Honorable Hubbard defines trail-brazing. As graduating from John Marshall Law School in 1969, she passed the bar exam on her first try. Through out her stellar career, her passion remains in educating those about civil rights, particular voting rights.
President of Chicago Teachers Union Stacy Davis Gates
Dealing with the politics of people and children within education, Stacy Davis Gates has been her calling. In fall of 2019, she negotiated a contract that provides smaller classrooms, ensures a nurse and social worker for every school, homeless family assistance, sanctuary protections for immigrant families and supportive students’ services for all CPS.
CEO of Phalanx Family Services Tina Sanders
Family is the core of Tina Sanders’ organization. Starting her journey as a Headquarter Executive at The Boys’ & Girls’ Club, genesis of Phalanx in the 1990s as a pilot program Office of Employment Services for club members and parents. Now, it has expanded to serving hundreds thru Illinois Department of Human Services workforce programs.
The atmosphere was led by legendary WLS 7 Chicago Anchor Hosea Sanders. His hilarious commentary and witty jokes kept the audience intrigued. As an Emmy Award Winning host, he made sure to genuinely interact with not only the event’s Honorees but also audience as well as the servers and bartenders. Musical stylings filled the air by The Ken Davis Project. All enjoyed the various tunes and dance, bopped to the beat. Those well versed selections had people making room to display their moves. Importance of A. Phillip Randolph’s mission of The Brotherhood of The Sleeping Car Porters was constantly spoken in the evening. As Founder of National A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, Dr Lyn Hughes emphasizes that our legacies that Randolph (and others) need to preserved and taught for our future generations to come. And President of NAPRPPM David A Peterson, Jr added this instills that future leaders, especially within our communities, realizes that regardless of social status, obstacles or educational level anything can be accomplished (due to achievements of Randolph with others during turbulent times of racism where blacks has almost no voice or choice). Many dignitaries offered their congratulations either thru video or via the lovely Ad Book. Among the most notables were The Offices of Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot with House of Representatives Member Robin L Kelly. For more information about The National A. Phillip Randolph Museum Foundation please visit: https://aprpullmanportermuseum.org/
