In 50 years, Chicago has witnessed a number of things. Martin Luther King Jr. brought the Civil Rights Movement to Chicago in the mid-1960s. In 1968, the Democratic National Convention was held in Chicago. The Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1973. Harold Washington became the first African American mayor in 1983. Barrack Obama not only became the first African American President, but was also elected for a second term.

Through all this one radio station was, and continues to be, the voice for African Americans in Chicago. WVON 1690 AM, the only Black-owned and operated radio station in the city, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Annually, the United States and Illinois recognize a variety of commemorative dates and awareness celebrations. There are specially designated months and days every year to foster greater understanding and appreciation of important individuals, unique heritages, distinct health conditions and issues and other unique holidays. Below is a list detailing some of these important events and awareness celebrations for your convenience. Please take the time to learn about some of these special commemorative dates and join Sen. Mattie Hunter and the 3rd Legislative District in honoring these celebrations.

CPS Will Hold Two Community Meetings on Each Consolidation Proposal for Underutilized Schools

Today Chicago Public Schools (CPS) CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett announced that the third phase of community engagement around the District’s utilization crisis will begin this Saturday, April 6, focusing on her recommendation to consolidate underutilized and under-resourced schools. CPS will hold two community meetings for each school, providing parents and community members the ability to ask questions, provide feedback to the District, and receive more information.

State Senator Mattie Hunter responded to Chicago Public Schools’ announcement yesterday regarding the proposed closure, co-location or turn-around of 53 schools, 15 of which lie within the boundaries of the 3rd  Legislative District.

“Although I am not completely in opposition to what CPS has decided, I am concerned that this decision has been made without the guidance of solid criteria and adequate investigation of all facets of the issue,” Hunter said. “Even though I remain hopeful we will see positive outcomes from this proposal, I cannot ignore that this judgment was reached without the consideration of CPS’ master facilities plan, which I look forward to seeing soon.”

Earlier this week Hunter became a chief co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1571, a measure which calls for a school closings moratorium that would prevent CPS from realizing any school closures before the end of the 2014 -15 school year.