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.

State Senator Mattie Hunter honored a group of students and administrators from Urban Prep Academies at the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 17.
 
For the fourth consecutive year, 100 percent of the Urban Prep Englewood campus’ senior class and the inaugural graduating class from Urban Prep's West campus has been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.
 
“I am impressed with these young men, their drive and commitment to scholarship,” Senator Hunter said. “I was proud to support and acknowledge the gentlemen of Urban Prep when they visited the General Assembly and wish them the best in their futures of continued dedication to academic excellence.”
 
Urban Prep Academies operates a network of all-boys public schools in Chicago, including the country’s first charter high school for boys. Urban Prep’s mission is to provide a high-quality and comprehensive college-preparatory educational experience to young men that results in graduates being prepared for attending and succeeding in college.

State Senator Mattie Hunter saw her legislation opening up greater opportunity for minority women and their business enterprises pass the Senate Friday.

“Why should we deny minority women the ability to classify their business as a woman-owned and a minority-owned business if both these titles define them?” Hunter said. “I maintain that if a business is owned by someone who is a racial minority and female, how that enterprise is classified and marketed should be allowed to reflect that.” 

Senate Bill 2320 allows minority women entrepreneurs to elect to participate as both a minority-owned and woman-owned business in Central Management Services’ Business Enterprise Program.

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.