State Senator Mattie Hunter was honored recently for her efforts toward establishing equality for all in regards to business and employment opportunities. Hunter was named the 2013 recipient of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce's Parren J. Mitchell Outstanding Service Award.

"I am honored to have been given the Mitchell Award because of what this award and its namesake represent," Hunter said. "Having had the pleasure of meeting Congressman Mitchell on numerous occasions as a congressional intern in Washington D.C. for Congressman Ralph H. Metcalfe, I have great admiration for Mr. Mitchell and know firsthand that this award named on his behalf stands for commitment to opening doors for minorities."

State Senator Mattie Hunter received IADDA’s C. Vincent Bakeman Memorial Award on September 5 for her outstanding work as a certified licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor and consistent advocacy for substance abuse treatment as a public servant.

The late founder and former CEO/President of Human Development Resources, Inc., Dr. C Vincent Bakeman work across a variety of disciplines, including behavioral health, strategic planning, education, research and substance abuse. Dr. Bakeman was committed to his dream of providing equal access to substance abuse treatment and prevention for all.

“I am humbled to receive this award for my work to fight substance abuse. Named after my mentor, Dr. Bakeman, it is a magnificent way of honoring his legacy,” said Hunter.

New law pushed by Sen. Hunter will bring new data to ongoing debate

A newly signed law sponsored by State Sen. Mattie Hunter sets the state on course to begin a comprehensive examination of the race and ethnicity of every person arrested and entering the state’s prison system.

Hunter, a Democrat who represents the 3rd Senate District in Chicago, said the new law will provide a better idea of who is being arrested and allow for statistical analysis in determining whether minorities are unfairly targeted.

“It’s time to bring some solid data to this ongoing debate,” said Hunter. “We can’t solve problems until we know where, how and why they exist.”

To view detials of the programs click here.