2027 Developing Our Youth Black History Gala

4th Annual Celebration of Black Excellence, Community Legacy

Saturday, February 27, 2027 6:00–10:00 PM

Serbian Social Center

18550 Stony Island Avenue

Lansing, Illinois 60438

Individual Tickets: $125

Celebrate Legacy

That Continues to Inspire

Past Honorees:

🏆 Former Secretary of State Jesse White

🏆 Congressman Danny Davis

🏆 Former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr

🏆 Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch.

🏆 Senator Napoleon Harris.

These distinguished public servants are among the past honorees of the Developing Our Youth Black History Gala, alongside State Representatives Will Davis and Debbie Meyers-Martin, Cook County Commissioners Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill and William A. “Bill” Lowry, and extraordinary leaders whose service has strengthened Chicagoland.

2027 Developing Our Youth Black History Gala honorees:

🌟 Legacy Award Honoree - Dr. Jacqueline L. Jackson

Dr. Mica Battle

Sean Howard

Jack Lynch

Dr. Lyn Hughes

Dr. Twin Green

Reverend Cierra Bates Chamberlain

Prophetess LaMeka Davis

Dr. Sharon Latiker

Anthony McCaskill

Now entering its 4th year, the Gala invites you to become part of that tradition—an evening celebrating the people who have opened doors for others and supporting the young people ready to walk through them.

Your Presence Helps Carry the Legacy Forward

Developing Our Youth has reached more than 30,000 people in Cook County and helped facilitate more than $250 million in scholarship opportunities.

Behind that work are students pursuing education, young people discovering career paths, and families connecting with guidance and resources. The Gala helps sustain education, mentorship, career preparation, mental health services, and family support throughout the Chicago Southland.

When you attend, you celebrate achievement and help create the conditions for the next generation to succeed.

An Elegant Evening With a Meaningful Purpose

Join community supporters, civic leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and business professionals for a night of celebration and connection.

Your evening includes:

- Dinner and an open bar

- Live entertainment

- A live DJ and dancing

- Award presentations honoring outstanding community service

- Raffles, giveaways, and memorable moments

The Gala recognizes individuals with 20 or more years of service to youth and communities. Their stories remind us of what committed leadership can accomplish—and why it deserves to be celebrated.

Come with friends, bring your colleagues, or make it a special evening out. Enjoy the celebration while supporting work that continues long after the final award is presented.

2027 honorees and additional event announcements will be shared as the Gala approaches.

Building on a Remarkable Tradition

The 2026 honorees included:

- Cook County Commissioner William A. “Bill” Lowry

- Blevian Moore

- Dr. Reverend Lavellel Faulkner

- Ray Banks

- Illinois State Representative Will Davis

- Dr. Annie P. Hurt

- Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin

- Tee Foxx

- Dr. Rickey Vivrett — OG Mr. Rick

- Irma Ratliff-Holloway

- Dr. Aldophus Kindle

- Legacy Award Honoree: Akua Njeri

Additional past honorees include Mayor Terry Wells; Aeria Charles; Tony Ratlif; Monica Foxx; Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha E. McCaskill; Pastor Robin Hood; Dr. Maureen Forte; Sir Chief Apostle Dr. William McCoy; Reverend Dr. Wallace “Gator” Bradley; Dr. Dorothy Jean Tilman II; Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch; U.S. Congressman Danny Davis; former Illinois Senate President Emil Jones Jr.; Senator Napoleon Harris; former Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; Judge Michael Stuttley; Janet Rogers; Dr. Eric Kellogg; Nina Gram; Dewayne Bearden; Laveal Applewhite; Diane Latiker; Dr. Nykoa Farmer, LHD; and John Witcher.

"Experience highlights from the 2025 Gala" https://youtu.be/B62DN9WKlzE?is=nXsyl-nimJLhZV_i

Put Your Organization Behind the Next Chapter

Sponsorship and business advertising opportunities range from $100 to $20,000. Corporate sponsorship is available also upon request.

Packages offer opportunities for program booklet advertisements, independent business radio commercials on Rejoice 102.3 FM and Soul 106.3 FM Chicago, digital promotion, Gala tickets, and stage-screen recognition.

12 named award sponsorship opportunities connect a sponsoring company with an honoree’s recognition. Legacy and Leadership Award partnerships offer premium visibility, while 1 exclusive presenting sponsorship provides leading recognition throughout the celebration.

Request the full sponsorship package:

1-844-4-DOYNFP

Developingouryouth@gmail.com

Reserve Your Place in the Celebration

Four years of celebrating legacy. A continuing commitment to opportunity. An evening you can help make meaningful.

Purchase your ticket, invite someone to join you, or support the mission with a donation. Proceeds support youth programming in the Chicago Southland.

Join us February 27, 2027—and help carry the legacy forward.

"DevelopingOurYouth.org" (https://www.developingouryouth.org)

4th Annual DOY Black History GALA - Celebration of Black Excellence, Community Legacy

2027 Developing Our Youth Black History Gala