Phil Jackson Celebration

During its 25th Anniversary Celebration, The Black Star Project honored the life and legacy of its founder, Phillip Jackson. There was also a street renaming 35th Street and King Drive to "Phillip Jackson Parkway."

The event started with African drumming and the traditional pouring of libation to acknowledge our ancestors. After welcoming everyone to the festivities, Herb Howard acknowledged 25 years of collective service and dedication. He also appreciates being chosen as the voice for The Black Star Project in recent years.

During a brief stop at the event, Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle stated, "I am very grateful for the good work that The Black Star Project has done to support our young men and women as they pursue an education." She said that Phillip Jackson was instrumental in improving the quality of education for young people in the 4th ward during her time as the alderman. 

Father Jim Heneghan read a piece he wrote to honor Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable and acknowledge the land he discovered, now known as Chicago. Mama Edie of the ASE Storytellers, accompanied by African drummers, followed with a song by Tite Curet Alonso titled "Las Caras Lindas" that "reflects on the Pan-African history of our people as a result of the transatlantic slave trade. It celebrates the beauty in all of us."

Phillip Jackson empowered countless young people, including the Williams triplets, to achieve greatness. Herb Howard stressed the importance of combining wisdom and experience with youthful exuberance to maximize our potential. Generations must stop placing blame and learn to work together.

Gloria Smith, Executive Director of The Black Star Project, recognized State Senator Kimberly Lightford. On behalf of the Illinois Senate, she submitted a proclamation thanking "The Black Star Project for serving low-income Black communities to increase academic achievement and make lives better for the next generation."

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