The Chicago Defender Charities Inc., which also produces the Bud Billiken Day Parade, handed out $250,000 in scholarships to new and continuing college students at its 5th annual gala July 31. In addition to the 50 students who received $5,000 each, CDC made special presentations to six standout individuals from various industries.
Adedayo Laoye received the Dr. Marjorie Steward Joyner Award for Community Service/Art & Culture.
The artist is currently working on a series of paintings inspired by the political process in America today. The series is entitled "The People's Choice."
Mother Betty Price received the Robert S. Abbott award for Community Organizations/Family Service Award. The Yazoo City, Miss. native says, “If I can help somebody, then I know it's going to be a good day.” Price is the founder and CEO of Feed, Clothe and Help the Needy Program Inc. that she said has provided for over 200,000 people since its inception 20 years ago.
Greg Brown was honored with the Frederick D. Sengstacke Community Service/Finance Award for his work at Southside Community Federal Credit Union. Brown is president and CEO of the financial institution, which is the first and only community development credit union in the owned and managed by African Americans.
The John H. Sengstacke Award for Community Service/ Extraordinary Youth Program was presented to Sgt. Major Peter Thomas.
Thomas brings over 30 years of service in the U.S. Army to his position as Director of Lincoln's Challenge Academy in Rantoul, Ill. “Every youth deserves a chance at life,” Thomas believes.
Sun-Times columnist, Mary Mitchell, took home the Col. Eugene F. Scott award for Community Service/Media. The award-winning journalist was also inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame this year.
The Chicago Transit Authority's Ron Huberman received the Chicago Defender Charities Inc., Corporate Citizen Award. Appointed CTA president in May 2007, Huberman oversees the dayto- day operations of the second largest transit agency in the nation.
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