Illinois e-News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Feb. 18, 2025

Eric Krol  312.814.1252       

Adriana Colindres   217.558.1920

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community.

The event, held at the Marine Bank Building at 1 E. Old State Capitol Plaza, was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight honorees included a businessman and director of vocational services at a Springfield nonprofit, a former Illinois secretary of state, a former Metro East mayor, a retired Edwardsville school superintendent and college basketball referee, a state senator, a Marion community leader, a Peoria school administrator and former professional basketball player, and a sculptor and art educator.

“We acknowledge the great achievements and contributions of African Americans every day, not only during the month of February,” Frerichs said. “These leaders are making a difference in the lives of our youth, fighting for a more equitable Illinois, and educating students for a bright future. We applaud their dedication to making our communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Black History Month is a national effort started in 1926 by University of Chicago graduate, author and educator Carter G. Woodson. In 1976, the annual celebration was expanded to a month. This year’s Black History Month theme is “African Americans and Labor.”

Treasurer Frerichs honored the following individuals for their outstanding commitment to the community:

Co-Owner | Bells’ Finest BBQ, Springfield, and Director of Vocational Services at Sparc

Former Illinois Secretary of State | Founder, Jesse White Tumblers

Vice Chair | Southern Illinois University System Board of Trustees, Retired Superintendent for Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7, Retired NCAA Basketball Referee

Former Mayor | City of Centreville

Illinois State Senator | 48th District

Chair | Southern Illinois Workforce Development Board

Retired NBA Player | Director of Athletics for Peoria Public Schools District 150

Sculptor, Art Educator, Gallery Owner | Professor Emeritus, School of the Art Institute

Earlier this month, Frerichs held a celebration in Chicago honoring Chicago-area Black leaders.

The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'iks) is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $60 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school; workers save for a dignified retirement; and local governments process bill payments more efficiently so they can pass along the savings to taxpayers. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state’s largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-Cash program, which has returned a record-breaking $2.2 billion since Frerichs was elected.

For more news about the State Treasurer’s Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and Facebook at Invested in You – Treasurer Michael Frerichs. You can find our weekly newsletter here.