Clifford "Cliff" Aberson (August 28, 1921-1973) - Cliff played football with the Greenbay Packers in 1946 before joining the Chicago Cubs for three seasons 1947-1949.

Franklin P. Adams (November 15, 1881 - 1960) – Adams (FPA to his readers) first published poems in the Chicago Journal, then in 1903 became a columnist for the Chicago Tribune. He moved to New York shortly after and worked for several papers, including: the New York Evening Mail, New York Tribune, New York World, and New York Post. His popular column was called The Conning Tower. FPA was also a regular on the radio show “Information Please.”

Mel Agee (November 22, 1968-2008) - Agee played in the NFL for five years with the Colts and Atlanta Falcons. Agee attended the University of Illinois and was recently named one of the 10 Greatest Defensive Lineman in Illini's history. He was first-team All-Big Ten in 1989 and 1990 and an honorable mention All-America selection in 1990.

Gene Ammons (April 14, 1925-1974) - Ammons was the son of Jazz pianist Albert Ammons. He grew up playing around the country with his father and went on to accompany many legendary musicians including Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. He is remembered for his unique sound and the ease with which he switched styles.

Born June 13th, 1954 in Corozal, Puerto Rico. Attended Pulaski Elementary School and Tuley High School (now Roberto Clemente High School) in Chicago. Member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers and a Chicago municipal employee since 1985. Married (Maribel) with three adult children (Luis Jr., Denise & Alberto), and two grandchildren (Jocelyn & Jaylen).

Sharif Atkins was born January 29, 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and grew up in Chicago, IL. He is an actor who gained fame for his role as Dr. Michael Gallant, in the eighth season of the NBC medical drama ER. He earned his bachelor's degree in theatre/speech from Northwestern University in 1997. Atkins is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Tracy Baim - Baim is the publisher and managing editor of Chicago’s largest chain of gay and lesbian publications, Windy City Media Group. The WCMG’s properties include the Windy City Times, Nightspots, OUT!, the radio program Windy City Queercast, and QueerTVNetwork.com. Baim is the author of Half Life, Where the World Meets: Gay Games VII, and edited the first history book of Chicago’s gay community, Out and Proud in Chicago. She recently launched www.ChicagoGayHistory.org and served as executive producer of the film, Hannah Free, due out in Summer 2009. Baim is founding co-chair of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, vice co-chair of Gay Games VII. Her honors include Crain’s Chicago Business 40-Under-40 leaders, 2005 Studs Terkel Award, and being an inductee into Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

Michael Baisden (June 27, 1963-present) - Baisden first earned recognition for his books on contemporary relationships between men and women. In 2003, he was given the afternoon show on 98.7 KISS FM in New York. In six months he had the number 1 rated show. He parlayed that success into a nationally syndicated program The Michael Baisden Show (WSRB in Chicago) and a television talk show on TV One entitled Baisden After Dark.

Timuel Black - In 2003, the first edition of Black's Bridges of Memory was published. The second in the series came out in 2008 and the third is due anytime. The series tells the history of black migration from the south to Chicago. In addition to writing, Black has been an educator for CPS and the city colleges of Chicago and a civic leader helping to organize and lead Dr. Martin Luther King's march on Washington, as well as, voter regsitration for Mayor Washington's campaign.

CHEF DAVID R. BLACKMON  

Chef David Blackmon's first love is the passion for cooking and the excitement in the kitchen. With 19 years of food service experience, and 12 years as a professional Chef, his food testimonials are bar-none. Chef Blackmon sharpened his skills working under top chefs in some of the finest restaurants around Chicago.

David’s career started with a family owned catering company where he was quickly promoted to on-site kitchen manager while attending high school. After graduating, he worked a year for a popular cruise line out of Miami. He put the love of his art on the “back burner” to work for a well-known Chicago newspaper upon receiving his BA in Speech Communications from Chicago State University. With a need to fill a hole in his food loving heart, David left his post at the paper to lend his culinary talents to various area restaurants and catering companies over the years.

Chef Blackmon’s culinary approach has a Southwestern, Italian, Southern, and Asian flair. He tries to incorporate these flavors into several of his dishes. Having a chance to work with so many different types of foods and ingredients that the city has to offer, David enjoys Chicago’s vast cultural and culinary differences, and tries to bring them all to a happy medium in each of his dishes. Never forgetting his family’s deep roots in soul food, David does updated dishes using some of the same soulful ingredients but with a healthy twist. He refers to it as “Neo Soul Food”. 

In 2004, David started his company Culinary Solutions as an umbrella to his future restaurant and personal chef endeavors. Until recent, David was the Executive Chef for Blu 47 Restaurant. Opened since fall of 2004, Blu 47 was a premiere restaurant in the Bronzeville/Hyde Park area on Chicago's South Side. Under David’s leadership, his dishes were recognized and featured in a variety of television and printed articles with high marks.  In 2007, Chef David’s Blu 47 booth was highlighted at the Taste of Chicago. Although it was the first time he participated in the Taste, Blu 47 was selected one of the best booths by food critics Phil Vettel and Monica Eng of the Chicago Tribune. Currently, David is working on bringing more innovative food ideas to the public and is looking forward to opening his own restaurant on the near south side of Chicago.

With the ability to feed and please the taste buds of so many people on a weekly basis, David feels that his culinary talent is truly a gift from God. To give thanks, he volunteers as a chef instructor with Near North Clinic and their program “Operation Front Line”. Through the Share our Strength (SOS) program, David enjoys teaching parents and children with diabetes, recipes and better eating habits through his live cooking and nutrition demonstrations. As a food columnist of “Chef D’s Kitchen”, David offers recipes and cooking tips found weekly in the pages of the Chicago Defender Newspaper. David is currently working on becoming a Certified Sommelier with a desire to bring more knowledge and appreciation of wine to the south side of Chicago. 

Chef Dave has worked as a mentor, career day guest speaker and culinary judge for several “Careers through Culinary Arts Programs” in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Over the years, he has enjoyed working with and employing dozens of CPS-culinary students. Currently David is the Career Cluster Manager of the Hospitality & Culinary Arts Program with CPS and the Department of College & Career Preparation. With the opportunity to help mold and groom future chefs, he is excited for the impact they will make on the restaurant scene in Chicago and worldwide.

During his down time, David enjoys spending it with his wife, Onshelle and their twin children, son David II and daughter Maya. He is currently working on his first cookbook entitled, “Food: The Great Equalizer”. David enjoys playing golf and is an avid SCUBA Diver. And yes, he does cook occasionally at home.

Ronnie Boykins (December 17, 1935-1980) - Boykins is best known as a member of Sun Ra's band, the Arkestra. He was also a key player on recordings by Muddy Waters, Sarah Vaughan and Sam Rivers, among others.

Richard T. Bradley (May 18, 1955 - present) - Bradley has served as the IL 40th District State Representative since 1997. His resume includes time as the Assistant General Superintendent for Department of Streets and Sanitation; before that, Richards earned his B.A. in political science at Concordia Teachers College. He is a member of the Logan Square Lions Club, Portage Park Chamber of Commerce, Independence Park Library, and Friends of the Library.

Jamie Foster Brown - Dr. Brown is owner and publisher of Sister 2 Sister, a magazine that launched in 1988 and covers the entertainment industry. Prior to Sister 2 Sister, Dr. Brown founded the Washington Theater Group, and worked for Black Entertainment Television as a producer for BET’s flagship shows, "Video Soul" and "Video LP." Dr. Brown was selected by Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Institute of Politics to be its keynote speaker on the effect of popular music on American culture. She has been honored by the Midwest Radio & Music Association and The Support Network for her contributions to society and is a recipient of the Anheuser Busch Eagle Award, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Award for Outstanding African-American Women in the ’90s.

A Chicago native, Ms. Brown made her professional acting and singing debut at the Body Politic Theater. She studied music, theater and voice at Columbia College and has since taken her polished vocal style on the road. Ms. Brown describes what she does as "edutainment", using her gifts to not only entertain, but educate as well. Through her own business; The Legacy and Company and her family's company BrownHouse Edutianment, Brown provides quality edutainment. Since 1991, Ms. Brown has toured Chicago-area schools and nationally on the college circuit, performing her one-woman show: LEGACY: Our Wealth Of Music. "LEGACY" is a musical demonstration/lecture about the history and evolution of African American music. In 1997, Maggie helped the Chicago House Of Blues develop their Blues Schoolhouse student outreach program. In addition to performing, Ms. Brown runs an independent music label: Mag Pie Records. In 1996, Browns album “From My Window” was nominated by the Chicago Music Awards for Best Jazz CD. The following year she was nominated for Best Jazz Performer (1997). An appearance at the Schomberg Library Center in New York with her legendary father, Oscar Brown, Jr., led to a collaboration with acclaimed singer/songwriter: Abbey Lincoln on her album Wholly Earth which was released January 1999 on the Verve label. The Chicago Tribune declares Maggie is: "sublime" on her duets in which she "maintains her musical identity. . . pointing to her depth as an interpretive artist." Ms. Brown is well known in Chicago for her appearances at Millennium Park, Chicago Jazz Festival, Symphony Center and at colleges, schools, museums and libraries.

Walter Roger Brown (1950-present) - Brown played in the ABA and NBA for the Lakers, Bulls, Spurs and Pistons, among others.

Michelle Brown-Larks (June 10, 1976 - present) South Shore High School, class of 1973 alumni, Michelle Brown-Larks was born and raised in Chicago. She currently resides in the western suburbs of Chicago. Michelle has been writing professionally since 2003. She has written six books, three of which she self-published. Her latest work, The Legacies will be released in the summer of 2008 by Urban Christian/Kensington Books. Visit Michelle on the web at www.MichelleLarks.com or at myspace, www.myspace.com/michellelarks.

Hal Bruno - Bruno served as the Political Director of ABC News for 19 years and spent 18 years with Newsweek, before that, serving as a reporter, foreign correspondent, bureau chief, News Editor and Chief Political Correspondent. His early career included stops at the Chicago City News Bureau and Chicago American. Bruno's honors include the Illini Achievement Award from the University of Illinois, the Lowell Thomas Award for Public Speaking by the International Platform Association, and Press Veteran of the Year by the Chicago Press Veterans Association. Active in the firefighting community, Bruno has written extensively about fire safety and is a director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Chevy Chase (Maryland) Fire Department. He was named Fire Service Person of the Year by the Congressional Fire Services Institute and received the President’s Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Currently, Bruno is the political analyst for Politics.com.

Thomas Campana (1947-2004) - Campana was a prolific inventor with over 50 patents to his credit, including one for push email. It was this latter patten that made Campana well known among BlackBerry users. Campana and his company NTP would go on to sue Rhythm in Motion, maker of the BlackBerry for patent infringment, a case they won, but which continues in the appeals process. One of Campana's other well known inventions won 1st prize at the Consumer Electronics Show in 1996, an electronic device that helps parents find their kids.

Louis Carr (May 3, 1956-present) - In addition to running his own real estate company and serving as Chairman of the Louis Carr Internship Foundation, which provides paid internships to student of color, Carr is also President of Media Sales for BET. He serves on the board of the Advertising Council, The American Advertising Federation and the Cable Advertising Bureau.

Ana Castillo - Castillo’s books include the novel, The Mixquiahuala Letters (Bilingual Review Press, 1986; Doubleday, 1992), for which she received the Before Columbia Foundation’s American Book Award in 1987.  Sapogonia (Bilingual Review Press, 1990), is a complex and engaging novel and a literary triumph, according to the renowned Chicano novelist Rudolfo Anaya who calls Castillo “one of our finest Chicana novelists.”  Her more recent books include the novel So Far From God (Norton, 1993), which earned her both the Carl Sandburg Literary Award in Fiction of 1993 and the Mountains and Plains Bookseller Award of 1994, and a work of non-fiction, Massacre of the Dreamers: Reflections on Mexican-Indian Women in the United States 500 Years After the Conquest (University of New Mexico, 1992). www.anacastillo.com

A 1945 graduate of Farragut High School and a 1955 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law, Cerda was appointed a Cook County magistrate in 1965 and an associate judge in 1966. He was appointed to the circuit court in 1972 and elected in 1976. Assigned to the Appellate Court in 1989, Justice Cerda was elected chair of the 1st District executive committee in 1996. He received a DePaul Law Alumni Service Award in 1997. The founding president of the Mexican American Lawyers Association and a charter member of its scholarship fund, Cerda was on hand for the merger that created the Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois in 1996. Its first president was his son, Chicago attorney David A. Cerda.

Wesley Polk Chamberlain (1966 - present) is a former MLB player. The pittsburgh Pirates drafted him in 1987. He later played for the Philadelphia Phillies (1990-95) and Boston Red Sox (1995). After his MLB career, Chamberlain decided to play in the Northern League for the Gary Railcats and Winnipeg Goldeyes. He was elected as a Northern League All-Star in 2000 and 2003. In 2006, he signed with Japan' Chiba Lotte Marines.

Scott Childers - Currently afternoon drive personality at WSSR Star 96.7, Scott has been in the Chicago broadcasting for 20 years. Most notably, delivering traffic reports on WMAQ-TV and Fox 32 on Bob Sirott's Fox Thing In the Morning. Scott also provided traffic on WBBM-AM & FM, WMAQ and WLS, among others. He also spent time as an air personality at Windy 100, 101.9 The Mix and most recently with Dean Richards on Sunday mornings at WGN. He has been involved with WLS' Memorial Day "Big 89 Rewind" specials as a producer and Lead Historical Consultant. Scott has recently authored a book on the stations 85 year history entitled "Chicago's WLS Radio 1924-2007,".. He is also the webmaster and creator of the online museum WLSHistory.com. www.scottchilders.com.

Annazette Collins - Former administrator for the Chicago school board, Collins has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Northern Illinois University, and an M.S. in criminal justice and further graduate work in counseling from Chicago State University. She previously served in the Department of Children and Family Services, in the Cook County probation department, and as a prison correctional officer. Her committee assignments include Committee of the Whole; Public Utilities (Chairperson); State Government Administration; Human Services; Judiciary II - Criminal Law (Vice-Chairperson); Appropriations-General Service; Adoption Reform; Juvenile Justice Reform (Chairperson).

Chesterfield Commodore (August 22, 1914 - April 10, 2004), Editorial Cartoonist for The Chicago Defender for more than 50 years, received 12 Pulitzer Prize nominations.

Martin Cooper (December 26, 1926-present) - In 1973, inspired by Star Trek, Cooper invented the world's first mobile phone as part of Motorola's R&D department. Today, Cooper is CEO and founder of ArrayComm, a leading wireless technology company. Cooper earned both his undergrad and graduate degrees from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Lucky Cordell (July 28, 1928-present) - Dubbed the Baron of Bounce, Cordell gained fame as the host of the House of Hits in Gary, Indiana. His star continued to rise when he moved to Chicago an eventually to WVON. Owned by Chess Records at the time, Cordell helped the station gain national prominence with its much-copied R&B format. Cordell ascended to the general managers position, taking the station to new heights.

Don Cornelius (September 27, 1936-Present) - After originally airing in Chicago in 1970, Soul Train went on to become one of televisions most influential shows and has enjoyed one of television's longest runs with over 1100 episodes. Cornelius served as host of the show until 1993 and continues today as the show's producer.

Ellis Cose (February 20, 1951-present) -Cose began his professional career at the age 19 as "...the youngest editorial page columnist ever employed by a major Chicago daily." [from Cose's Newsweek bio] and is currently a contributing editor for Newsweek Magazine. He was the managing editor of the New York Daily News and has authored several books on race in America. In 2004 Cose was named the first recipient of the newly inaugurated annual Vision Award from the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. In 2006 he won a Unity award for commentary and also shared in a first place award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Sasha Daltonn. While working for the City of Chicago Ms. Daltonn organized the city’s first Gospel Festival. She also hosted the Sunday Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues and co-hosted the Spirit Express Morning Show with Richard Steele on WGRB. Currently Sasha Daltonn hosts Sasha Daltonn’s Gospel Hour, broadcast around the world on radio station WWCR and performs in “Sasha Sings Dinah” her one-woman tribute to fellow CPS alumus, Dinah Washington.

Andrew Davis (November 21, 1947-present) - Davis, son of Nathan Davis the actor, is a writer, director with several popular movies to his credit, including "The Fugitive" starring Harrison Ford (another CPS alum), "Under Seige", and "the Guardian." Davis is known for filming in Chicago and was nominated for a Golden Globe in

Monique D. Davis - Educational administrator; born in Chicago; B.S., elementary education; M.S., worked on doctorate at Roosevelt University, guidance and counseling; received Dollars and Sense award for legislative excellence as one of the 100 best and brightest professionals in the country, 1990; listed in Who's Who in African American Biography, 1988-93. Davis's committees include Public Utilities; Financial Institutions; Elementary & Secondary Education (Vice-Chairperson); State Government Administration; Appropriations-General Service (Chairperson); Gaming; Juvenile Justice Reform; Appropriations-Higher Education; Disparities in Educational Achievement.

Holmes "Daddy-O" Daylie (May 15, 1920-2003) - Daylie's first job out of high school was playing basketball, first as a Harlem Yankee then as a Harlem Globetrotter. He later returned to Chicago and tended bar. He ventured into radio based on the recommendation of a customer who liked his unique patter. Daylie hosted Daddy-O Jazz Patio on WAIT and worked at WMAQ and WAAF before retiring in 1983.

Dennis DeYoung (February 18, 1947 - present) - As a founding member and lead singer of Styx, DeYoung was the driving force behind their numerous multi-platinum albums and chart topping songs, including Babe, Lady, Come Sail Away, and Mr. Roboto. DeYoung went his own way in 1999 and has since released several solo albums and toured with a 50 piece orchestra. Most recently DeYoung has lent his talent to musical theatre, playing Pilate on Broadway and creating a new musical version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Bailiwick Theatre in Chicago.

Felicia Dechter - Dechter writes an award-winning, weekly column focusing on the people, places, and happenings for the Chicago Journal/Skyline, as well as, weekly features and news stories. She is also a real estate columnist and former staff writer for Pioneer Press/Sun-Times.

Merri Dee (October 30, 1936-present) - As the Community Relations Manager at WGN in Chicago since 1984, Dee is able to leverage her experience as a journalist for the benefit of community organizations doing the work that has become her life's focus. Dee started in radio in 1966 and quickly moved to television in 1968. She hosted her own talk show on several stations before moving to WGN where she became one of the first African-American women to anchor a Chicago newscast. In 1984 she moved into her current position of dedicate more time important causes. She is frequently honored for her dedication and success in promoting adoption and child welfare issues.

Ral Donner (February 10, 1943-1984)- Donner enjoyed success with a string of hits in the late 50's early 60's, the biggest one being "You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It) which reached #4 on the charts. Singing in a style that was often compared to Elvis, Donner took advantage of the comparisons, even doing voice over on a film about Elvis' life.

Michael Clark Duncan (December 10, 1957 - Present) - Duncan began his acting career in earnest in the mid 1990’s. Most famous for his Oscar nominated turn in the Green Mile, Duncan has been a steady presences on television and the big screen ever since. Credits include, The Whole Nine Yards, The Scorpion King, Daredevil, Sin City, Talladega Nights, Kung Fu Panda, and Street Fighter.

Kenneth Dunkin - Raised in the Cabrini Green Housing Development of Chicago, Dunkin attended Lincoln Park High School and went on to earn his associate’s degree from Harold Washington College. Dunkin continued his education at Morehouse College where he earned his bachelors degree in Political Science and later his masters degree in social welfare from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago. Dunkin worked as social worker for many years. Most recently, he was the Director of the Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, where he managed over $2.5 million in program services. He also worked as a consultant for the City of Chicago Department of Health and Department on Aging. He interned with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Care Financing Administration, and United States Senator Paul Simon. Dunkin is currently a member of the Attorney Registration Disciplinary Commission (appointed by Illinois Supreme Court), Board of the Chicago International Film Festival, Lawson YMCA, Near North Health Services Corp, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc. and the Governor’s Film Task Force.

Amelia Earhart (July 24, 1897-present) - First woman to fly across the Atlantic (1928). First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic (1932). First woman to fly solo across the Pacific (California to Hawaii) and many other records. Earhart was celebrated around the world for her daring feats. She disappeared in 1937 while trying to become the first woman to fly around the world.

Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert - A former trial lawyer, Ebert is currently the Vice President of Ebert Productions and serves on the boards of After School Matters - a Chicago organization that provides out of school opportunities for students, Family Focus, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. More accostomed to working behind the scenes, Ebert has been more visible as late, hosting events like Ebertfest for her husband, film critic Roger Ebert and blogging from the Cannes Film Festival in a series of popular reports featured in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Walter Eckersall (June 17, 1886 - March 24, 1930) Eckersall led Hyde Park High School to a National Championship in 1903. He also set the IL record for the 100 yard dash at 10 seconds, a record which stood for 25 years. Heavily recruited by colleges, Eckersall attended the University of Chicago and led them to a Championship with a legendary win over undefeated University of Michigan. The final score was 2-0. After college, Eckersall remained a football icon as a ref and sports writer for the Chicago Tribune. Knute Rockne was especially fond of Eckersall.

Ralph D Erickson (June 25, 1922-2006) graduated from Lane in 1940 and went on to found PADI, an international association of scuba diving instructors which has trained the most scuba divers in the United States. Ralph attended USC on a swimming scholarship after being a member of state championship swimming teams at Lane. He enlisted in the Army Rangers during WWII and was a parachute instructor. He fought in the Battle of Remagen and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his services. Ralph graduated from Northwestern University after the war and coached swimming and water polo at Loyola University of Chicago for 20 years. Erickson was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ted Erickson - Made 3 Lake Michigan crossings, an English Channel single and double, a still-standing Farallone Island to Golden Gate crossing. Erickson also pioneered his dog Umbra into the Guinness Books with several swims, most notable being her swim from Asia to Europe across the Bosporous in 1997 covered by Nationjal Geographic Explorer Television (and the Dardanelles!). See web site at www.SdogV.com. Some of SdogV's work is on You Tube, go there and search "SdogV".

Jeremih Felton - In 2008, while a student at Columbia College, Jeremih, a largely self taugh musician, recorded a demo and took it to Power 92, a radio station in Chicago.  The first song was a catchy car-centric song called “My Ride”. Fast forward one year and Jeremih is the newest addition to the famed Def Jam label and his recently released self-titled album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and sold 59,000 copies in its first week.

(Dr.) Jerry J. Field - A veteran Chicago journalist, Fields career highlights include Chicago Sun-Times, copy boy 1954-1956, and several return assignments with Herman Kogan(features) Lou Spear (Circulation)and Mel Barker (Promotion) and many years with Irv Kupcinet Productions. Nine years with WFLD-TV when the Sun-Times owned the station.(1965-1974). Lerner Newspapers, Radio TV Columnist.(1974-1998) Former president Chicago Press Club, (1985) and co-founder of Chicago Journalist Hall of Fame (1985)and co-founder of the International Press Club of Chicago. Present Director Professional Learning-Special Programs at the Center for Professional Development and Adj. Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Industrial Management and Technology department.(1998 to present) And a Korean Veteran and currently a senior staff member of the National Student Veterans Association, and member of the Mayor Veterans Affairs Council.

Felicia P Fields - Nominated for a Tony Award for her portrayal of Sofia in the Broadway production of The Color Purple, Fields has long been a favorite of Chicago theater audiences. Fields, a Jeff Award winner, has been nominated for 7 Jeff's and starred in productions throughout Chicago. In addition to film and television work, Fields is featured on the Second City Diva's CD.

Fiorentino was all-city and all-conference in football and captain of the 1976 7-1 Section Champs. Currently, Fiorentino is one of the nations best Mixed Martial Artist and Grapplers. He was nominated for induction into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and in 2008 was the #1 ranked over 40 grappler in the nation. Other accolades include: 1998 Extreme Martial Arts MMA Winner; 2006 NAGA Chicago Grappling Champion Heavyweight Division; 2007 NAGA Midwest Grappling Champion, 2007 Midwest Jiu-Jitsu Champion; 2008 Arnold Grappling Championships, 2008 NAGA Midwest Grappling Championship  winning  a  championship  belt. Has  been  Featured in  American  police  beat  magazine  2009, Fightsport  magazine 2009, Amici magazine 2008  with  wife  Heidi, Chicago Sun-times 2007, Fightzone Magazine 2007, Ultimate grappling magazine 2006  and  Police  Magazine 2009. A  Cook  County  Deputy  Sheriff. Joe  is  a  member  of  the  Roosevelt  High  School  Sports  Hall  of  Fame  and  a  member  of  the  United  States  Martial  Arts  Hall  of  Fame. Awarded  The  President`s  Volunteer  Service  Award  from  President  Obama given  a  Gold  President`s  Pin. Naga Europa World Grappling Championship 2009 1st place Expert Division winning a Championship Belt. Awarded The  2010  Illinois  State  Bar  Association  Law  Enforcement  Award. Inducted  into  The  Italian  American  National  Hall  of  Fame .

Rep. Flider (October 22, 1957 - present) was trustee of Village of Mt. Zion 1991-1995; member of Decatur Rotary Club; Board of Directors, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, United Way of Decatur and Macon County, Downtown Decatur Council and Seniorama Committee; married (wife, Jean) and has three children.

Mary E. Flowers (1951-Present) - Flowers is Chairperson of the Committee on Health Care Availability Access. She received the Legislator of the Year award from the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association in 1993.

Stella Foster - Foster began her career as a secretary for the venerable Sun-Times columnists Irv Kupcinet. 34 years later, with Kupcinet's passing, Foster was given her own column at the Sun-Times, recognizing the contributions she had played in keep Kup's Column alive and her own considerable talents as a writer. Foster had gained notoriety in her own right as a contributor to Sister 2 Sister, a magazine created and published by her sister Jamie Foster Brown. Foster's honors, for writing and civic leadership, include: the Irv Kupcinet Media Giant Award, “Promises Fulfilled Award” from South Central Community Services; the Torch for Journalism from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, and the A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Award, among others.

Marvin Freeman (April 10, 1963-Present) - Freeman spent ten years in the major leagues, from 1986 to 1996. He pitched for the Phillies, Braves, Rockies, and for a time, the Chicago White Sox.

Sondra Gair (September 1, 1923 - 1994) - As the creator and host of Midday on WBEZ, Gair became a broadcast legend. Starting in 1986, "Midday with Sondra Gair" covered breaking news from around the world. A hallmark of the show was pairing the leading newsmakers of the day with phone calls from listeners. Before journalism, Gair made her mark as a radio actress in the 1040's. The name of the show was changed to Worldview after her death, and is hosted by her former producer.

1920's - The Austin High Gang started with six students from Austin High School who enjoyed playing jazz and are credited with creating the Chicago Jazz Style. Though the Austin High Gang never recorded together, every member of the group went on to become influential jazz musicians in their own right. The original members were Bud Freeman (saxophone), Jim Lanigan (string bass/tuba), Dick McPartland (banjo/guitar), Jimmy McPartland (cornet), Dave North (Piano), Frank Teschemacher - (clarinet.) Dave Tough, of Oak Park, played drums. Chicago musicians, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, and Pee Wee Russel were also connected to the Austin High Gang during this time.

Edward Gardner (February 25, 1925-present) - In 1964 Gardner and his wife, Bettiann, started Soft Sheen Products in their basement and grew it into a multi-million dollar business that was eventually purchased in 1998 by L'Oreal of Paris. Gardner worked for the Chicago Public Schools between 1945-1964 as a teacher and assistant principal. Gardner is an active community leader and is owner of the Chicago landmark, the New Regal Theatre.

Georgie Anne Geyer (April 2, 1935 – present) – Geyer is one of the leading foreign journalists of her time. Over her storied career, her major interviews have included Yasser Arafat, the Ayatollah Khomeini, Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, and American Presidents Carter, Ford, Reagan, and both Bushes. In addition to her internationally syndicated column, Geyer has authored several books including a biography of Fidel Castro, "Guerilla Prince", "Americans No More: The Death of Citizenship,” and "When Cats Reigned Like Kings: On the Trail of the Sacred Cats." Her autobiography, "Buying the Night Flight: The Autobiography of a Woman Foreign Correspondent," is now in its fourth printing. Geyer, who speaks five languages, started her career at the Southtown Economist and Chicago Daily News. She is the recipient of the "Outstanding Illinoisan" award given at the Illinois inaugural ball and was awarded the Stewart Alsop award from the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. She has received 21 Honorary Degrees from universities and colleges, including Northwestern University.

Founding member of the 1960 Rock band, 'The Buckinghams' , known as Chicago's response to the British Invasion of the 1960s. One of theirs hits, 'King of a Drag' reached #1 in 1966. Many of their other hit songs were a part of the soundtrack of our lives in the late 1960s. 'Susan', 'Don't You Care', 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy', 'Hey Baby, They're Playing Our Song' and many others.

Harlem Globetrotters (1926-present) - Originally called the Savoy 5, the Harlem Globetrotters were assembled in 1926 and comprised mostly of players from Wendell Phillips High School. In all, 13 players from Phillips would play for the Globetrotters over the years: Tommy Brookings, Hillary Brown, George Easter, William "Razor" Frazier, Roosevelt Hudson, Inman "Big Jack" Jackson, Lester Johnson, Byron "Fat" Long, William "Kid" Oliver, Al "Runt" Pullins, Randolph Ramsey, Ted Strong, Walter "Toots" Wright

Before her appointment and subsequent election to represent the 6th District, Golar worked as a civilian employee of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and was board secretary of the Neighborhood Housing Services for nine years. Golar received a Back of the Yards Neighborhood Leadership Award and is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.

Ron Gora (March 10, 1933 - Present) One of the best swimmers in Illinois history, Gora won six state titles for Lane. He attended the University of Michigan and competed in the 1958 Olympics where he placed 8th in the 100 meter freestyle.

Shecky Greene (April 8, 1926 - Present) - One of the legendary comedians of his time, Shecky Greene has inspired a generation of comedians. Most known for his 30 plus years headlining in Las Vegas, where his salary reached $150,000 a week, Greene also took film and TV projects along the way. His credits include, Mel Brooks' History of the World, Splash, guest host for the Tonight Show, and Combat.

Dr. Arthur D.Griffin (1929 - 2008)- Dr. Griffin was Pastor Emeritus of the National Historic Landmark First Baptist Congregational Church of Chicago where he served as Pastor for 46 years. He served as President or Chairman for numerous organizations including: the Chicago Baptist Institute, Chicago NAACP, Westside Federation, Interfaith Organizing Project, the Chicago Conference on Religion and Race, Chicago Opportunities Industrialization Center, Illinois Baptist State Convention, Bethany Hospital, and the Midwest Community Council. A lifelong learner, Dr. Griffin earned doctorates in Music, Theology, Humanities, and Divinity. He was a Fellow in the American College of Theologians, President of the Chicago Bible Society, and his book By Your Traditions provides staunch support of women in the ministry. In the 60's, Dr. Griffin was aligned with civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Johnny Griffin (April 24, 1928-July 25, 2008) - Griffin began his professional career at 15 playing with T-Bone Walker. By 16 he was touring with Lionel Hampton. He would go on to play with Thelonious Monk and form his own group. He was renowned for his speed and the length of his phrasing. He spent a good deal of his life in Europe playing jazz with musicians passing through.

Peggy E Gustafson, 1967-present. Former Assistant State's Attorney in Kansas City, MO. Became Head Legal Counsel for the State Auditor of Missouri. Member of Legal Staff for Senator Claire McCaskill. Nominated for Inspector General of SBA by President Obama in June 2009. Confirmed for the position by the Senate September 2009.

Marc Hannah (October 13, 1956-present) - Few people have probably heard of Marc Hannah, though nearly everyone is familiar with his work. Hannah was a founder and Vice President of SGI, the company that makes the computers that are used to create special effects for movies like Batman, Jurassic Park, and Beauty and the Beast. Hannah now applies his experience with a number of companies doing innovative work.

Timothy Duane "Tim" Hardaway (1966-present) - Hardaway was a five time All Star and played most notably for the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. Only Oscar Robinson recorded 5000 points and 2500 steals faster.

Larry Henderson - In 2007, Henderson became the first Illinois National Guard soldier to graduate from drill Sergeant School and one of the first African-American drill sergeants in the history of the National Guard.

Senator Rickey R. Hendon (1953-Present)-Youngest African American male ever appointed to serve as Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois State Senate.

Burne Hogarth (1911-1996) - Founder, Cartoonists and Illustrators School, later the New York School of Visual Arts. Teacher/Author/Illustrator spanning a 60 year career. Society of Illustrators 2008 Distinguished Educator (Posthumous). Numerous International Exhibitions and Awards.

Fred Holstein (December 9, 1942-2004) - Holstein's music never really made it outside of Chicago; however, to Chicagoans and Folk musicians alike, Holstein for many decades represented the best of Folk music. Over the years, Holstein not only performed around Chicago, he mentored upcoming musicians like John Prine, Steve Goodman and many others through his own bars and clubs and through the Old Town School of Folk Music, an institution to which he became inextricably linked. If his importance and contribution to the people of the Chicago was ever in doubt, his passing in 2004 and the outpouring of affection that followed proved his worth.

Constance A. Howard - B.S. in liberal arts and M.S. in corrections and criminal justice, Chicago State University; Democratic State Central Committeewoman, First District, since 1984; alternate delegate, Democratic National Convention, 1984 and 1988; married (husband, Phillip, Jr.), has one son and five grandchildren.

Juwan Howard (February 7, 1973-Present) - As a member of the University of Michigan's Fab 5, Howard made it to the NCAA Championships in each of his first two seasons. He currently plays in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks.

Mattie Hunter - Full-time state legislator; born June 1 in Chicago; B.A., Government, Monmouth College; M.A., Sociology, Jackson State University; single. Appointments: Co-Chair of Health Policy Task Force, Council of State Governments, Vice Chair of the Commission to Study the Transatlantic Slave Trade and its Past and Present Effects on African-Americans.

Harvey Walden IV (December 21, 1966-present) - Walden joined the Marines at the age of 17 and retired in 2007 after achieving the rank of First Sergeant. As a drill instructor, his platoons set records for fitness and marksmanship. He is best known as the Drill Instructor on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club.

(J. Ivy - born James Ivy Richardson II) - As a poet, spoken word artist and lyricist, J. Ivy has parlayed his art across many mediums including live concerts, HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, spots on ABC, NBC, VHI, B.E.T., FOX, and MTV, TV commercials, print ads and studio sessions for Grammy Award winning projects. His collaborations have included work with Kanye West, John Legend, Lil Mo, Carl Thomas, RZA and penning a rap for Martha Stewart that she performed opposite of Diddy. Ivy has done voiceovers for sports shows like HBO's "Costas Now," "HBO Boxing," or MTV's "Who's Got Game,” and on-camera spots for the "Fed Ex Orange Bowl," and the "NBA Finals,". Ivy supports community arts through his Dream Big Foundation, which encourages young people to explore careers in the arts.

Peter Jacobi - A highly regarded writer and teacher, Jacobi was an associate dean of the Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University, before moving to Indiana University. In addition to teaching, Jacobi has been featured in The New York Times, The Chicago Daily News, and the Herald Times in Bloomington, IN. His books include Writing with style, and the News Story and the Feature.

Creadel "Red" Jones (September 26, 1940-1994) - Jones was one of the founding members of the Chi-Lites, famous for hits like "Oh Girl" and "Have You Seen Her."

Oscar Brown Jr. (October 10, 1926-2005) - Not satisfied harnessing his creative energies in one or two areas, Brown achieved success in multiple arenas, though he may best be remembered for his first critical success Sin and Soul. He composed over 1000 songs, a dozen musicals, and made frequent television appearances. His life and work has been the subject of many programs.

Full-time state legislator; born Oct. 18, 1935, in Chicago; A.A., Chicago Loop Junior College; attended Roosevelt University School of Commerce; strong advocate for funding public education and social justice in Illinois; has received numerous legislative awards; is the parent of four children with his late wife, Patricia.

William Maxwell, Jr. (1908 - 2000) - In addition to being a widely respected novelist in his own right and nominee for the Pulitzer, Maxwell served as the fiction editor of The New Yorker magazine for forty years. His novel, So Long, See You Tomorrow won the American Book Award and was partially inspired by his time at Senn High.

Emilie Kaim has been teaching first grade in the Regional Gifted Program at A.G. Bell Elementary School for over fifteen years. She has guided hundreds of students on the road to academic success. Many of her students are attending or have attended some of the finest high schools and post secondary institutions in the United States. Ms. Kaim is an exceptional teacher.

Morris Kaplan, founder of the Sealy Mattress Company is a graduate of Cleveland School. The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Family Foundation supports Cleveland School financially in its endeavor to produce successful productive members of society. With the help of Mr. Kaplan the school's auditorium has been refurbished to its original state and arts and academic programs have been enhanced.

Cliff Kelley - Host of the Cliff Kelley Show on WVON Radio, Kelly first gained recognition as an outspoken and influential Chicago Alderman. In addition to his own program, Kelly is a much sought after guest for local media outlets like Chicago Tonight on Channel 11.

Kelly, Jerry BobE (1942- present) - Kelly served in United States Army from 1964-67 and earned his accounting degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago in1968. His long and varied resume includes working as a licensed real estate salesman, an accountant, a programmer for Morton Salt Co, WestSide Branch Manager for Chicago Economic Development Corp, a partner for Smith Distributors, a manager in finance & administration for Suburban Cook County Area Agency on Aging, executive director of the Lawndale Business & Local Development Corp, finance director, Northern Cook County Private Industry Council, controller, Howard Area Community Center, Board of Directors, North Side Community Federal Credit Union, Treasurer, Day Care Crisis Council Metropolitan Chicago,1st Vice President, West Side Health Planning Organization, Treasurer, Metropolitan Chicago Chapter National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Treasurer, Board of Directors of St. Leonard's Ministries. He served on the Cook County State Attorney, African-American Advisory Council, Treasurer, North Lawndale Small Grants Human Development Corporation. Finally, Kelly has served the John Marshall High Scholl Alumni Association as President, Vice President, Financial Secreatary and Treasurer.

Herb Kent (October 5, 1928-present) - An inductee of the Radio Hall of Fame, Herb Kent's influence on music and the radio business is indisputable. He is also beloved for his community activism and leadership. In recognition of his achievements and good works, Kent had a street named after him on Chicago's South Side and was named the Honorary Mayor of Bronzeville. He currently hosts a popular weekend show on V103 in Chicago and recently published a biography called, The Cool Gent: The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent. Kent also has the distinction of being the longest running radio personality in the world.

Kiratiana Freelon graduated cum laude with a degree in Economics from Harvard University in 2002. While at Harvard, she was the co-executive editor of the Black Guide to Life at Harvard. At the end of her senior year, she was awarded the John H. Finley fellowship for travel around the world. She has traveled to West Africa (Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Guinea-Conakry, Burkina Faso, and Ghana), Brazil, and Paris. Currently, Freelon is working for the Chicago2016, including writing a popular blog that follows the progress of the Chicago bid.

Charles Kocoras - A graduate of Parker High School, now Robeson, Kocoras earned his law degree from DePaul's College of Law, and went on serve as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Dept. of Justice. He was appointed to the United States District Court in 1980.

Herman Kogan (November 6, 1914 - 1989) - Kogan was a popular author and journalist who spent time at The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Daily News during his 50 year career, serving as a reporter, features writer, editorial writer, and editor. Additionally, Kogan authored 16 books, with Chicago as his primary subject. His most popular titles included ''Give the Lady What She Wants,'' about Marshall Field and Company, the Chicago department store; ''The Great EB: The Story of the Encyclopaedia Britannica,'' and, with Lloyd Wendt, ''Big Bill of Chicago." Every year, the Chicago Bar Association honors journalists and legal affairs reporting with the Herman Kogan Media Awards. His son Rick Kogan is a respected Chicago journalist in his own right.

Rick Kogan, the host of WGN's Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan is the son of legendary newspaperman and author Herman Kogan. He wrote his first story for the Sun-Times at 16. He was later on the staff of the Chicago Daily News and the Sun-Times. There he began a weekly column on the city's night club scene, later collected in a book, Dr. Night Life's Chicago. In the 1980s, he joined the Chicago Tribune where he was TV critic for five years and later the editor of Tempo, the paper's daily feature section. He is now a senior writer and Sidewalks columnist for the paper's Sunday magazine, a frequent guest on national radio and television shows and creator/host of The Sunday Papers. He has written eight books, including, in collaboration with his father, Yesterday's Chicago. His latest book, America's Mom: The Life, Lessons and Legacy of Ann Landers, a personal portrait of his friend and colleague, was published in the fall of 2003 by William Morrow.

Frankie Laine (March 30, 1913-2007) - Born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio, Laine's musical career spanned 70 years and included 70 charted records, 21 of which went Gold. He sold over 250 million albums and topped the U.S. Billboard charts several times.

Anna Langford (October 27, 1917-2008) - The first woman to serve on the Chicago City Council, Langford began her career as a typist for several state and federal agencies. Then in 1956, Langford graduated from the John Marshall Law School at Roosevelt University and began a new career as a civil rights lawyer. Langford was first elected to the city council in 1971 and served again from 1983-1991.

At age 13  was youngest news anchor on Chicago radio having a regular news shift on WVON in 1966 While still in elementary school at Beale.
First African American Staff Announcer at WBBM TV  (1973)
Founded Langford Broadcasting in 1986.
Field Communications Coordinator for the SCLC Poor Peoples Campaign to Washington DC in 1968
Midwest Corespondent for ABC radio news in 1977
Police and Fire reporter for WMAQ Chicago 1988-2000
Peter Lisagor award for news coverage at WMAQ

Born In Chicago, at Provident Hospital to Anna Langford. Raised and still lives in the Englewood community. Attended Copernicus Elementary where he took second place in the 1964 city wide Science fair for an exhibit on long distance radio communications. Was among the youngest consulting radio engineers in the Midwest having redesigned and repaired broadcast stations when as young as 14.

Had an exceptionally long radio career in the same market, on air in Chicago as a news reporter or news anchor from 1966 till 2000. Then as a second career  became  a media spokesperson for the City of Chicago first at the 911 center then and currently as the Director of Media and Communications at the Chicago Fire Department.

Divorced with three children.

Louis Lason attended Plamondon Elementary School (class of 1935) and Harrison High School (class of 1939). At Harrison, Louis was 1st chair saxaphone in the band. He went on to become the first and only Conductor of the Chicago Fire Department Band, during it's 20-year life-- a position for which he was hand-picked by Mayor Richard Daley, and proudly led that band to three U.S. Presidential Inauguration's. Lason also conducted a band at the University of Chicago. After serving in the U.S. Army and attending college, Mr. Lason taught at Calumet and Steinmetz High Schools where he was the Director of Bands where he impacted so many lives -- giving subsequent generations of CPS students a taste of his passion for music. After a lifelong career in the Chicago Public Schools, Louis Lason retired in 1985. Mr. Lason continued his musical career as the first Director of the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band. Mr. Lason passed in 2002 and is missed by many.

Victor Lawson (September 9, 1850-1925) - Lawson started his career in the paper business at the Chicago Journal as a student. In 1872, he inherited a Norwegian language newspaper called the Skandinaven where he met Melville E. Stone, founder of the Chicago Daily News. In 1876 Lawson bought the Daily News and retained Stone as editor, starting a long friendship. During his 29 years at the Chicago Daily News, Lawson created a powerful foreign news service and advanced the concept of syndication. He was president of the Associated Press, a member of the Chicago Commission on Race Relations, a major donor to the Fresh Air Fund and the YMCA, and a prominent member of Chicago’s New England Church.

Leo Lerner (1907-1965) - Lerner was an American newspaper editor and publisher. His first jobs out of college included editorial positions on the Morton Grove News, the Lincoln Belmont Booster and the North Side Sunday Citizen. He was the only neighborhood newspaperman accredited by the State Department to cover the United Nations Conference at San Francisco in 1945. By 1958 Lerner was President, Editor, and Publisher, controlling the Myers Publishing Co., the Lincoln Belmont Publishing Co., the Times Home Newspapers (J. L. Johnson Publishing Co.) and the Neighbor Press of Chicago. Additionally, Lerner served on many boards, often as chair, including: the Chicago Public Library, Chicago Better Business Bureau, Citizens Advisory Board of the Community Relations Service, and Illinois Parole and Pardon Board. He helped found Roosevelt University, and served as president of its Board of Trustees. Awards and honors include; the Decalogue Society of Lawyers' Annual Award of Merit. the Chicago Medal of Merit, the first Editorial Award presented by the Illinois Press Association, and the Publisher of the Year Award in 1953. Lerner authored four books in addition to being a frequent speaker and commentator.

Max Levchin (1975-present) - As one of the founders and Chief Technology Officer of PayPal, Levchin helped navigate the e-commerce company to the top spot on the Internet. They were purchased by eBay after PayPal secured over 50% of the daily transactions on eBay's site. Levchin is currently working on his newest venture, Slide.

Ramonski Luv - Currently hosting the Real Show with CPS alum Joe Soto on V103, Luv is a twenty four year veteran of the Chicago radio scene. One boasts the distinction of having hosted Rap Down, the first show in Chicago to feature rap.

Born in 1903 in Galicia, Austria. Graduated Carpenter school in 1914. Graduated Waller High school in 1917. Dr. Guttman received his M.D. in 1927 from the Chicago Medical School. He took his internship at Columbus Hospital in Chicago. He took his post graduate training at the University of Hamburg in Germany. Introduced the anesthetic avertin into the United States in 1929.

Born in 1901 in Galicia, Austria. Graduated from Carpenter school in 1911. Graduated Lane Technical High in 1915. B.S. from the University of Illinois in 1922. MD from the University of Illinois MD 1924. Numerous contributions to medical literature. Internship at Barnes Hospitam in St. Louis. Practiced medical specialty of Otolaryngology at 30 N. Michigan. Professor of Otolaryngology at Loyola University School of Medicine. Passed away in 1997. First medical talking picture. Numerous scientific medical literature contributions regarding surgery of the head and neck. Professor of Otolaryngology at Loyola University School of Medicine.

Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffery McCollough (October 5, 1957-2008) - Mac started his career doing standup in Chicago. From 2001 to 2006, Mac had his own sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show, for which he received numerous awards and nominations: 4 Image Awards, 2 Emmy Nominations, 2 Golden Globe Nominations

Justina Machado (September 6, 1972-present) - Machado is probably best known for her work on HBO's Six Feet Under. Her career, however, has been a mix of film and television roles. Other television credits include spots on NYPD Blue, Grey's Anatomy, and Ugly Betty.

Blanche M. Manning (December 12, 1934-present) - Manning started her legal career as a Cook County Prosecutor. In 1979 she was promoted to the Cook County Circuit Court and then elected to Illinois Appellate Court in 1987, (becoming the first African-American woman elected to that court.) President Clinton appointed her to Northern District Court in 1994.

Fred Marsh (February 5, 1924-2006) - Marsh was an American infielder in Major League Baseball who played from 1949 to 1956 for the Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, primarily as a third baseman. Born in Valley Falls, Kansas, Marsh was signed originally by the Chicago Cubs in 1942 after graduating from Chicago's Steinmetz High School in 1941. Marsh joined the Navy during World War II and was discharged in 1945. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Marsh

Iris Martinez - Born February 25, 1956, in Chicago; attended Northeastern University and the University of Illinois at Chicago; State Central Committeewoman of the 4th Congressional District for the State Democratic Party; received the Hillary Rodham Clinton Leadership Award in 2004; has one daughter

Kevin A. McCarthy - Senior Territory Manager; born Dec. 5, 1950, in Chicago; B.A., Chicago State University, 1972; M.A., education administration & supervision, DePaul University, 1976; U.S. Army Reserves, 1971-77; married (wife, Judy), has two children. McCarthy taught at both Austin Middle School and Clarke Middle School before starting his public service.

Leanita McClain (1951-1984) - McClain was a groundbreaking journalist who worked her way up the Chicago Tribune ladder. She began her career as a reporter, a copy editor, a picture editor and Perspective editor before going on to become the first African American and second woman appointed to The Tribune's editorial board. McClain was also a frequent contributor to other publications like the Washington Post and Newsweek. McClain was known as a champion of solving the "problems of race relations in this nation with fairness and compassion..."(Monroe Anderson).

Anthony McGill - McGill is the principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and former associate principal clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Highlights of McGill's career include winning the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, studying at the Curtis Institute with Donald Montanato and at the Interlochen Arts Academy with Richard Hawkins, performing at the Marlboro Music Festival, Sarasota Festival, and the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Menlo, Italy and appearing with with pianist Mitsuko Uchida and members of the Brentano Quartet, and in concert with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. McGill was a member of the quartet with Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman that played during President Obama's inauguration.  Listen to McGill play Debussy's Rhapsody No. 1. Brother of Demarre McGill.

Demarre McGill - McGill is the Principal Flute of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and founding member of the chamber ensembel "Art of Elan." In addition to performing with the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, The Florida Orchestra, Winston-Salem Symphony, Toledo Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Harrisburg Symphony, in 2003 McGill won the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. He has been featured on a PBS “Live From Lincoln Center” broadcast with the Chamber Music Society the A&E Network Series “The Gifted Ones,” and was special guest on the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood television program. McGill's brother is Anthony McGill.

Tom McNamee - McNamee arrived at the Chicago Sun-Times as an intern in 1982, and has been Editorial Page Editor since February, 2008. Prior to that, he was a co-creator and editor of the Sun-Times' now-defunct Sunday Controversy section, and he served for several years as the paper's Sunday Editor. For three years, McNamee also wrote a weekly column called "The Chicago Way." McNamee is co-author, along with Sun-Times Managing Editor Don Hayner, of three books with Chicago themes. They are "Streetwise Chicago," which tells the stories behind the city's street names; "The Stadium," a history of the old Chicago Stadium; and "The Metro Chicago Almanac." He and Hayner hosted a Saturday morning talk show on WLS radio for five years. McNamee was editor of North Shore magazine for several years, and he is an adjunct professor of journalism at Loyola University. In 2008, in recognition of his years of work as a reporter covering Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, he was honored with the prestigious Studs Terkel Award by the Community Media Workshop.

Mike Mealer, currently the Police Commander of District 17, started his law enforcement career in 1983. His tour of duty has included serving as Commanding officer of the in-service training section of the training academy; commanding officer of special investigations in the internal affairs division; CAPS lieutenant, watch commander, liaison to the mental health community while serving in the patrol administration.

Senator Meeks (August 4, 1956 - present)  is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 15th district since 2003. He is also the pastor of Salem Baptist Church and the executive vice president ot the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Senator Meeks is married (wife Jamell), has four children.

Richard Melman - Melman oversees one of the most popular and profitable restaurant businesses in the world. He began his career working for the family restaurant, however, when his father refused to let him enter the business, Melman struck out on his own starting R.J. Grunts, now a venerable Chicago institution. Other successes include Shaw's Crab House, Big Bowl, Wildfire, and Maggiano's. Preferring to work collaboratively, Melman currently has 37 business partners and 70 restaurants nationwide.

World-renowned beauty authority, author and speaker, Marilyn Miglin is among the nation's top-500 women business owners. Her signature fragrance, Pheromone, is one of the top-10 fragrances sold in luxury department stores nationwide and each month, more than 65-million television viewers invite her into their homes to purchase her products. - Schurzhs.org

Howard Miller (1912-1994) - For nearly two decades on WIND, Howard Miller was the number one radio personality in Chicago. In 1957, Time Magazine claimed Miller had the largest local audience in the nation with nearly two million audience members a week, and was "probably the single biggest influence on record sales." He would go on to own several stations of his own in Illinois and elsewhere.

Barbara Minkus (August 15, 1943 - present) - Minkus has been a Broadway and off-Broadway darling since the start of her career and her New York credits include originating Lucy in the recording and off-Broadway production of You're A Goodman Charlie Brown and starring in The Education of Hyman Kaplan. Minkus is also a star of screen and television, she was a regular on Love American Style for six years and was a favorite guest on The Tonight Show and Merv Griffin Show. Most recently, Minkus has been performing all over the country in a variety roles, both on stage and in concert. She will be returning to off-broadway this summer in the musical Saturday Night at Grossingers.

Mary Mitchell (May 23, 1949 - Present) - Mitchell worked 20 years as a legal secretary before returning to school to earn a degree in journalism from Columbia College. She parlayed an internship at the Chicago Sun-Times into a full time job at the times in 1991. Her award-winning series on Chicago Vocational High School and her reporting on Operation Silver Shovel earned Mitchell her own column in 1996. Mitchell is currently an editorial board member and her many honors include the Award of Excellence from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Studs Terkel Award, and the Peter Lisagor Award.

Sylvester Monroe ( August 5, 1951 – Present) – Monroe started his journalism career with Newsweek serving in Boston and Chicago before landing at Newsweek's Washington bureau. His acclaimed reports include "Why Johnny Can't Write", "American Innovation", and the three part series "Why Public Schools are Flunking".
His story on seven friends from Chicago’s housing projects was turned into a best selling book: Brothers: Black and Poor—A True Story of Courage and Survival. In 1989, Monroe joined Time’s L.A. Bureau and in 2001 became the Atlanta Journal – Constitution’s Sunday editor for the National /Foreign Desk. Currently, Monroe is the senior editor of Ebony Magazine and much sought after speaker.

Clayton Moore (September 14, 1914-1999) - Born Jack Carlton Moore, Clayton started show biz at a young age as a circus performer, even performing at the 1934 Worlds Fair.  After modeling and working as a stuntman for B movies, Moore donned the Lone Ranger mask when the show made the move from radio to television. He continued with the show for its entire run, save one year because of a contract dispute. Even after the show ended, Moore continued make appearances as the Lone Ranger saying "I will continue wearing the white hat and black mask until I ride up into the big ranch in the sky." Photo Credit: Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger.” 1940s ca., Arcade card, #2002.203.2.1188, John Zeransky Collection, Dickinson Research Center, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK.

Barton Moy – Appointed by Mayor Daley to serve as the Director of the Advisory Council on Asian Affairs for the Chicago Commission on Human Relations in 1989, Moy later joined the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program where he currently serves as an Area Coordinator. Prior to serving the city, Moy worked at the Vietnamese Association of Illinois as the Coordinator for Economic Development and as an owner/operator of a Baskin Robbins franchise. Additionally, Moy has served or chaired on several boards including the Asian American Institute, James Jordan Foundation and the Board of the Chinese Mutual Aid Association. Moy’s honors include the Community Impact Award from the Chinese Mutual Aid Association and being named a Crain’s Chicago Business “40 under 40”. In 2000 Moy represented Illinois as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Eliot Ness (April 19, 1903-1957) - As leader of the Untouchables, Ness helped to take down Chicago crime boss, Al Capone.

Charles Nicodemus (January 14, 1931 - 2008) - Nicodemus started his career at the City News Bureau and moved onto the Chicago Daily News, where he was known for his fierce style. When the Daily News Closed, Nicodemus moved to the Chicago Sun-Times. Nicodemus, who taught journalism at Roosevelt University, was honored with the Peter Lisagor Award, and induction into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame.

Ken Nordine (1920-Present) - One of the most distinguished voice artists in the world, Nordine's career includes numerous recordings, commericials and radio programs. Perhpas best known for his Word Jazz recordings and radio show, Nordine is a poet and frequent collaborator with artists of other mediums. His best known collaborations include work with The Grateful Dead, Fred Astaire and Chico Hamilton. His newest work can be found at www.wordjazz.com.

Kim Novak (February 13, 1933-present) - Born Marilyn Pauline Novak, Ms. Novak starred in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo with Jimmy Stewart. Other screen legends she has worked with included Jack Lemmon, Fran Sinatra, and Rita Hayworth.

Michelle Robinson Obama (January 17, 1964 - Present) Following law school, Obaman was an associate at the Chicago branch of the law firm Sidley Austin. She held public sector positions in the Chicago city government as an Assistant to the Mayor and Assistant Commissioner of Planning and Development. In 1993 she became Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a non-profit organization encouraging young people to work on social issues in nonprofit groups and government agencies. In 2002,she became the executive director for community affairs and in May, 2005, became Vice President for Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals. On January 20, 2009, when her husband was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, Michelle Obama became the First Lady. 

Sue Ontiveros - Ontiveros has been in the Newspaper business for 29 years, including 23 years with the Sun-Times as a reporter, copy editor and editor. Currently, she writes a column on the Saturday editorial pages and is the editor of the Sun-Times' Food section, and a regular contributor to the She Said columns in the paper's Lifestyle section.

Roosevelt High School grad 1968

Ehtel L. Payne (August 14, 1911 -1991) - The "First Lady of the Black Press", Payne was the first female African-American to receive accreditation as a White House correspondent and the first to serve as a commentator for a national network. CBS hired her in 1972 after Payne distinguished herself as a journalist for the Chicago Defender. Most notably, Payne is remembered for her coverage of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and and Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger's, tour of Africa. In 2002, Payne was selected as one of four journalists to be featured on a U.S. Stamp series - Women in Journalism. Payne's many accolades include: Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, World Understanding Award, 1956; Newsman's Newsman award, 1954, 1967; honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 1973; Fisk University, first recipient of Ida B. Wells Distinguished Journalism Chair, 1973; National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, named "Woman of Action" for achievement in journalism, 1980; Johnson's Publishing Company, Gertrude Johnson-Williams Award, 1982; Coalition of 100 Women, Candace Award, 1988; Hampton University, Kappa Tau Alpha award, 1990.

Richard Pegue (July 29, 1944 - 2009) - A staple of Chicago Radio, Pegue started his career performing and writing songs. In 1968, he became the music director at WVON then moved to WOPA and WGCI. After brief stops elsewhere, Pegue returned to WGCI , moving it in the direction of oldies where he enjoyed a thirteen year run. Today, Pegue can be heard back at WVON. Chicago named a street after Pegue in recognition of his contributions to his hometown.

Michael Pena (January 13, 1976-Present) - A rising star in Hollywood, Pena has made a name for himself in movies like Crash, Million Dollar Baby, and World Trade Center. Pena got his start in To Sir With Love (2) after a friend of his mother's encouraged him to audition.

Sandra Pesmen - Pesmen graduated from the University of ILL, Urbana , Journalism College in 1952 and is a member of the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame and the U of I Media Hall of Fame. Other honors include a Peter Lisagor Award, an IL State Medical Journalism Award and the Chicago Newspaper Guild’s Stick o’ Type award. She was a features writer and reporter for Lerner Newspapers, then for The Chicago Daily News, and was first features editor of Crain's Chicago Business. Pesmen then became Crain's Corporate Features Editor. She wrote the Executive Woman column for North Shore magazine for 20 years. Her “retirement” consists of hosting the blog www.widowslist.com, a Web Site she developed after the death of her husband, Harold W. Pesmen, a graduate of De Witt Clinton Elementary and Nicholas Senn High Schools.

Irna Phillips (1902-1973) - Credited with creating the "first daytime serial specifically targeted for women," Phillips is best known for creating radio and TV soap operas. Her first show was called Painted Dreams. Her second show was entitled Today's Children. Phillips went on to create or co-created the most popular soaps of all time, including: Another World, As the World Turns, Days of our Lives, The Brighter Day, The Road of Life, These Are My Children, Guiding Light, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, and Our Private World. Phillips is also widely noted for mentoring two other bright stars in the world of soaps, Agnes Nixon and William J. Bell.

John Podesta (January 15, 1949-present) - Podesta served as President Clinton's Chief of Staff from 1998-2001. Currently, he is President of the Center for American Progress.

Keith Preston (September 29, 1884 - 1927) - Preston began his post collegiate career as a professor but left after a few years to work as a columnist at the Chicago Daily News. For years he had published poems in the Chicago Tribune under the pseudonym “Pan,” in “A Line O’ Type or Two,” a popular column in the Chicago Tribune. Preston wrote five books, including “Pot Shots from Pegasus” and “Splinters.”

Sterling “Red” Quinlan (1916 - 2007) – Quinlan started his media career as a columnist for the The Southend Reporter and doing radio reports on WMAQ about his travels out west. After World War II, Quinlan began his career in television, working his way up from crew member to general manager. His career highlights include serving as general manager of Chicago’s ABC affiliate, WBKB (which later became WLS-Ch. 7), and the first general manager of WFLD-TV. Known as a maverick, Quinlan is credited with starting the careers of Lee Phillip Bell, director William Friedkin, comedian Bob Newhart, and news anchor Frank Reynolds. Quinlan was a founding member of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and wrote several books over his lifetime.

Nathan Rabin - Rabin is the Head Writer of The Onion’s entertainment section, The A.V. Club, and author of the popular column "My Year of Flops." He was a regular critic on AMC’s Movie Club With John Ridley in 2004-2005 and co-wrote the interview collection "Tenacity Of The Cockroach." His memoir, published in 2009, is titled "The Big Rewind: A Memoir Brought To You By Pop Culture"

Harold Ramis (November 21, 1944 - Present) - Ramis started out at Second City and graduated to feature films as one of the screenwriters of Animal House. His writing and directing credits include Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, and Groundhog Day.

John C. Reilly (May 24, 1965-Present) - Soon after graduating from The Goodman School of Drama (now the Theatre School at DePaul) Reilly joined Steppenwolf for their landmark production of The Grapes of Wrath. Not long after, he made Casualties of War with Sean Penn and Brian DePalma. In 2002, Reilly was in three Oscar nominated films, and even earned a supporting actor Oscar nomination for Chicago. Reilly's success in over 50 films and on Broadway, where he earned a Tony nomination for True West, has earned him leading man status in more recent films.

Philip Revzin is a Senior Editor at St. Martin’s Press, one of the largest book publishers in the United States. Prior to joining St. Martin’s Press Mr. Revzin worked at the Wall Street Journal for over 30 years. While still a college student he began his career as a journalist, quickly working his way up from summer intern to London Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal. In 1991 Phil Revzin became Editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe. For several years he lived in Hong Kong where he was the Editor and Publisher of Far Eastern Economic Review and The Wall Street Journal Asia. Mr. Revzin holds a bachelor's degree in English from Stanford University and a master's degree in English from Columbia University.

Dean Richards is the entertainment reporter and critic for WGN-TV and a familiar voice on WGN Radio where he hosts "Dean Richards' Sunday Morning" and is the primary fill-in host for WGN Radio's other shows. Richards’ work has won him over 30 awards, including the Peter Lisagor Award for Outstanding Journalism, the Associated Press Best Feature of the Year, Illinois Broadcasters Association, UPI, Chicago A.I.R. Awards, and Promax International Promotion and Marketing awards. Additionally, Richards actively supports many health and social issues in his free time. The New York Times called him the "Tribune Company's Man of Many Hats."

Quentin L. Richardson (April 13, 1980 - present), nicknamed “Q”, is the youngest of five children. He led Whitney Young High School to a 30-1 record and Chicago Public League Championship and Illinois Class AA state championship in 1997-98. Richardson was enrolled in College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at DePaul University. He has played in the NBA for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. He is currently a Forward/Guard for the New York Knicks.

Al Riley (1953 - ) - An urban planner and statistician by profession; Riley held executive positions in education, government, medical research and the private sector; B.A., Economic Geography/Secondary Education, Chicago State University; Masters, Urban Planning and Policy Analysis and Doctoral study in Economic Policy Analysis, University of Illinois at Chicago; Adjunct Professor, Business and Public Administration, Governors State University (1997-2007); Trustee, Village of Olympia Fields (1994-2005); Trustee, Rich Township (2005); Supervisor, Rich Township (2006-present), member, American Institute of Certified Planners; Executive Board, Calumet Council, Boy Scouts of America; Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Board, U.S. Army Reserve (Psyops, Civil Affairs - 1972-1978).

Minnie Riperton (November 8, 1947-1979)- Riperton was best known for her song "Lovin' You", but she sang with the popular group, the Gems and alongside artists like Bo Diddley and Muddy Waters. Her promising solo career was cut short when she died at the age of 31. Her daughter, Maya Rudolph, made a name for herself on Saturday Night Live.

Craig Robinson (October 25, 1971 - present) - 2007 was a breakout year for Robinson, he earned more screentime on NBC's hit comedy The Office and had a standout cameo in the movie Knocked Up.

Knute Rockne (March 4, 1888-1931) - By the age of 43, Rockne had established himself as one of the greatest coaches of all time. At Notre Dame, Rockne compiled an .881 winning percentage, tops for college or pro football, and won 6 national championships, along with 5 undefeated seasons. More than a coach, Rockne was an innovator who championed the forward pass and made equipment improvements during his tenure. Perhaps Rockne is best known as the coach of the Four Horsemen and the Gipper, the latter being the inspiration of Rockne's famous "Win One For the Gipper" speech.

Freddy Rodriguez (January 17, 1975 -present) - A rising star in Hollywood, Rodriguez first gained wide spread notoriety as a cast member of HBO's hit series Six Feet Under. His film and television credits include, A Walk in the Clouds, Dead Presidents, Ugly Betty and Humboldt Park (currently filming). Rodriguez has been nominated for an Emmy and has won several Imagen and SAG awards.

William Roetzheim was a national gymnastics champion in both college and the AAU. He first attended Fenger High and then moved to Lindblom to get coaching under legendary Coach Henry Smidl. He took the Public League title in 1944 and 1945 with unheard-of high scores, and helped regained the team championship for Lindblom from Senn. Roetzheim later participated in two Olympic Games and won multiple national championships in both the NCAA (for University of Illinois (Navy Pier) and Florida State) and the AAU. He coached state championship gymnastic teams at Proviso East and later coached the sport at University of Illinois (Chicago). He became one of the nation's most respected authorities on gymnastics, an international official in the sport, and an Olympic Games judge.

Derrick Rose (October 4, 1988 - Present) - After taking his college team, the Memphis Tigers to NCAA Championships as a Freshman, Rose was selected #1 in the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. Rose attended Simeon High School, leading them to back-to-back state championships, the first for any Public League Team.

Harold Lee Rush - Rush has worked in radio, television, theatre and as an educator for over 25 years. His extensive resume includes working as an executive producer and co-host at WGCI AM/FM Radio, serving as morning show host at WLNR FM radio and announcer for “Ebony-Jet Showcase” TV show for the Johnson Publishing Company. He hosted shows for WVON radio, CAN-TV (“Rush Street” and “One Step Closer To The Top”, which featured youth talent). He toured nationally with the Robin Hood Players Professional Theatre Company and appeared in the first Black-produced dramatic TV series in the U.S., "Bird of the Iron Feather” on Chicago’s Public Television Station WTTW. His community service has been honored by Outstanding Young Men of America, UNCF, Malcolm X College, Chicago Board of Education, The Chicago Police Department “We Care” Role Model Program, and Xi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Harold returned to Chicago, after time in Atlanta as program manager at WIGO Radio, to help market The Bronzeville Press’ release of ‘KINGS: The True Story of Chicago’s Policy Kings and Numbers Racketeers’, with publisher Nathan Thompson. 2005 brought Rush to WKKC FM, the official radio station of the City Colleges of Chicago as an On-Air Talent and Trainer for students in the Broadcast programs. Learn more at www.HaroldLeeRush.com

Carlos Sadovi - Sadovi is currently a Chicago Tribune reporter who also previously worked for the Chicago Sun-Times. Before returning to Chicago he worked at newspapers on the East Coast including the Christian Science Monitor for about 10 years. He attended Peterson Elementary School in the Hollywood Park Neighborhood before attending Lane Tech High School his freshman year. He attended and graduated from Von Steuben Metropolitan High School in 1981. He attended and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned a Master's in Journalism from New York University. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Maura Sadovi, also a journalist, and their three children.

Chicago Tribune Sports Writer and CLTV Commentator.

A former child actor on radio programs, Sol Saks is the author of “The Craft of Comedy Writing.” Sol Saks co-created the television series “Bewitched” and wrote the screenplay for “Walk, Don’t Run” starring Cary Grant.

Martin Sandoval - Full time state-legislator, born in The Back of the Yards, graduate of Loyola University in Chicago where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. Sandoval resides in the Chicago Southwest Side neighborhood of Gage Park with his wife, Marina, their twins, Martin Jr. and Angie, and their daughter, Jenny.

Tommy Sands (1937-present) - Sands star rose quickly. At 15 he was signed by Colonel Parker. By the age of twenty he had scored big on the billboards and the big screen. His song Teenage Crush had made it to #2 on the charts and his movie Sing Boy Sing was well received. Sands went on to star in Babes in Toyland, The Longest Day and Ensign Pulver and was married to Nancy Sinatra for a time. Sands is recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

Chuck Schaden (June 29, 1934) is a broadcaster/historian who has produced and hosted Those Were The Days since 1970 and has been nationally recognized for his efforts. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1993, the only radio fan to be so honored.A former newspaper editor and marketing executive, he turned his hobby into a vocation and draws from a collection of more than 50,000 vintage broadcasts to prepare his programs.He is the founding editor and publisher of the Nostalgia Digest; author of WBBM Radio: Yesterday and Today, a history of station WBBM, Chicago; and author of Speaking of Radio – Chuck Schaden’s conversations with the stars of the Golden Age of Radio, published by his Nostalgia Digest Press.From October, 2006 thru September, 2007 he hosted the nationally syndicated old-time-radio series When Radio Was, replacing Stan Freberg. The program was heard in more than 200 markets from coast-to-coast.A founding member of the Board of Directors of Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications, he is the Midwest’s leading radio historian and a resource for public libraries, metropolitan daily and community newspapers, and colleges and universities throughout the country. He has provided archive materials to the Library of American Broadcasting at the University of Maryland and is an active member of the First Generation Radio Archives, an organization devoted to preserving radio's past.

Janice Danoff Schakowsky is one of the leading Democrat in the US House of Representatives after serving numerous years in the Illinois Legislature.

Alderman Schulter (November 14, 1947 - present) is a graduate of Audubon and currently serves as the Alderman of the city's 47th ward. Alderman Schulter has been a strong supporter of many CPS schools, not only his alma mater, Audubon. Recently Alderman Schulter worked to provide Coonley with a large grant to refurbish its interior. He is known as an advocate for public schools and an Alderman who places great importance on the community's involvement in and support of our schools.

Eddie Schwartz (May 5, 1946 –2009) - Schwartz was a popular radio host in Chicago for 25 years. He worked at WIND, WGN, and WLUP over the years and was known for his love of the city. His annual food drive "The Good Neighbor Food Drive" was a popular event that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. 

Widely regarded as the “Father” of the financial services for the Deaf in America, Louis J. Schwarz, *QFP, CFP®, RFC®, ChFEBC, paved the way for deaf professionals providing financial services in the private sector by establishing his tax preparation firm in 1971. Prior in obtaining the Certified Financial Planner® license in 1986, he established the first deaf-owned registered investment advisory (RIA) firm in America in 1983. Mr. Schwarz, featured as the first deaf financial professional in Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, holds several designations that qualify him as an outstanding professional in the financial services field. His professional qualifications extend beyond the industry by virtue of his community activism as he has continuously served in the Deaf community, for over 40 years, through many organizations including several organizations that he established, namely, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Entrepreneurs Council, National Deaf Business Institute (NDBI), Montgomery County (MD) Association of Deaf (MDAD). His tireless fundraising and pro bono services for these organizations, including Dee Cee Eyes, American Society for Parents of Deaf Children, Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN) and National Association of the Deaf (NAD), demonstrate his commitment to the Deaf community. Focusing on inaccessibility issues for the Deaf, he currently devotes much of his available time to act as a board member for the following boards: National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Technical and E-911 Committees, National Emergency Numbers Association (NENA)’s Accessibility Committee, the Governor’s Advisory Board on Telecommunication Relay, State of Maryland and Tri-County Association of the Deaf (Florida). *Qualified Financial Planner (QFP), Registered Financial Consultant ® (RFC), Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant™ (ChFEBC) and NASD Series 7/63 Registered Representative

Nicholas R. Shuman (1921-2009) – Shuman began is award winning career in journalism as a copy boy for the Chicago Journal while attending Lane Tech. He went on to serve as a reporter, financial editor, national and foreign editor of the Daily News. When that paper folded, Shuman moved to the Sun-Times. Mr. Shuman finished his career teaching  journalism at Columbia College.

Ira Silverstein - Attorney; Degrees from Loyola University in 1982 and John Marshall Law School in 1985; past President of the Northtown Community Council; board member of the Korean Senior Center; member of the Greek Pan-Hellenic Laconian organization; Director of the Bernard Horwich JCC; married (wife, Debra), has four children.

Bobby Simmons (June 2, 1980-present) played college basketball at DePaul University until he was drafted to the NBA in 2001by the Seattle SuperSonics. He has played for Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers. Simmons currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Cynthia Soto - Administrative Supervisor in the Cook County State's Attorney's office, Child Support Enforcement Division. She was educated at Harper College. She is also a member of the board of the Near North Civic Committee.

Joe Soto hosts The Real Show weekdays on V103 and Back in the Day on Saturdays. He has an Associates degree from Daley College and a Bachelors from Northern Illinois University.

Wesley South (March 23, 1914 - present) - Wesley's first job in news was for the Chicago Defender. He quickly joined the Johnson Publishing Company, where he worked for nearly six years. In 1961, South was asked to host a radio program for what would later become WVON. His popular show Wesley South's Hotline ran for 16 years during which South interviewed many of the leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. He became part owner of WVON in 1979.

In the USA, the name Dave Spector is generally unknown, but if you were to ask a citizen of Japan, they are very likely to identify him immediately as their favorite 'gaijin tarento' (foreign celebrity). He is well known on Japanese television, but also has had appearances on American television, including 'The Tonight Show' and 'Iron Chef'.

Larry Fitgerald - Fitzgerald is a popular and respected sports writer, and radio/television producer, host and commentator serving Minnesota and the Twin Cities. His work includes 20 years as Sports Editor and Columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman Recorder plus a host of popular radio and television programs starting in 1979. In 2003, Fitzgerald was awarded the 2003 Heritage Award by the Minnesota State Baptist Convention for outstanding community service in the field of sports coverage. Fitzgerald had the unique honor of covering his son Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., a receiver with the Arizona Cardinals, in the 2008 Super Bowl.

The Five Stairsteps was comprised primarily of the Burke Family, father and mother, Clarence Sr. and Betty, and their five children Clarence Jr., Alohe, James, Dennis, and Kenneth, all of whom attended Harlan High School. After winning first prize in a competition at the Regal Theatre, Curtis Mayfield signed them to his label and began a five year string of hit records. Their most well known song, Ooh Child, was a hit for them and again for the Jackson 5.

Susan Stamberg (1938-present) - In 1972, on NPR's All Things Considered, Stamberg became the first woman ever to anchor a national nightly news show. Stamberg was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Radio Hall of Fame in 1996. She is currently a special correspondent for NPR and hosts Weekend Edition Saturday.

Charles Vincent Emerson Starrett (October 26, 1886 - 1974) - Starrett began his newspaper career writing for the Chicago Inter-Ocean in 1905, moving on quickly to the Chicago Daily News. Over his career he would work as a crime reporter, features writer and war correspondant; and for 25 years, Starrett wrote a book coloumn for the Chicago Tribune.  A fan of the Sherlock Holmes series, Starrett wrote The Adventure of the Unique Hamlet  and most notably,  The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. Starrett won the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America - the most prestigious award for the genre. Starrett was also a notable poet and short story writer.

Richard Steele (January 6, 1942 - Present) - Born Richard Slaughter, Steele is host of Chicago Public Radios's award-winning program Eight Forty-Eight. Other programs on WBEZ include The Richard Steele Show, A Richard Steele Friday, Page Two and Performance Space. A journeyman in Chicago radio, Steele has also worked for  WVAZ 102.7 FM, WGCI 1390 AM, WBMX 102.7 and WVON 1450 AM, and WGRT (950 AM) AM, and WJPC 950 AM. Steele is vice president of the local AFTRA board and a board member of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists. In addition to Radio, Steele is a frequent contributer to WTTW, especially on the local arts scene.

Dr. Barbara Syndey Stein was considered one of the world's leading feline practitioners and served as president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and was the American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) practitioner of the year. In addition to fielding calls from around the world on feline care, Dr. Stein was a consultant to the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos. The Chicago Cat Clinic was founded by Dr. Stein in 1975.

Ethan Stoller - Stoller is a frequent collaborator with the Wachowski brothers, Andy and Larry, having scored several of their short films, as well as the Chicago Bulls player intro video and the upcoming movie Speed Racer. Stoller is also a sought after music producer and music scorer for commercials.

Melville Elijah Stone (August 22, 1848 – 1929) – Stone began working as a journalist in 1864. In 1875 he founded the Chicago Daily News, the original Chicago penny daily. Victor F. Lawson, became part owner in 1876. In 1888, Stone sold the rest of the Daily News to Lawson. During the 1890’s, Lawson was involved with Globe National Bank, serving as president until it merged with Continental Bank of Chicago. In 1893, Stone became the general manager of the Associated Press of Illinois, which later became the Associated Press. In 25 years with the AP, Stone had strengthened its foreign bureau and made it highly regarded institution. Stone’s autobiography is entitled, Fifty Years a Journalist.

Michaelk Strautmanis - Bell School class of 1983, has been named Chief of Staff to the Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison; in the Obama administration.

Earl Strayhorn (1918-2009) - A respected jourist, Strayhorn served on the Cook County Circuit Court for 28 years. After college, he served as an officer in World War II with the Tuskegee Airman. He went onto law school and the state's attorney's office. In private practice, Strayhorn took on big cases and earned the respect of the legal community.

Lynn Sweet - Sweet is the Washington Bureau Chief for the Chicago Sun-Times, writing a blog and a column for the paper. She is also a columnist for the Huffington Post and The Hill. Sweet is a frequent guest on MSNBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, and NBC and her coverage of Obama and the 2008 presidential election has been widely praised. A trendsetter, Sweet was one of the first journalists in the U.S. to analyze political ads for accuracy and peers have lauded her for her use of technology and speed in reporting. In 2004, Sweet was a fellow at the Harvard University's Institute of Politics (spring '04) at the Kennedy School of Government, and in 2007 she was inducted into Medill's Hall of Achievement and the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame.

Mr. T (May 21, 1952-present) - Born Laurence Tureaud, Mr. T has been a pop culture icon ever since his scene-stealing role Clubber Lang in Rocky III. His fame grew thanks to the TV show the A-Team, where he played B.A. (Bad Attitude). Mr. T has parlayed his showmanship into frequent guest appearances on television shows, commercials and the World Wrestling Federation.

Tafoya has been with WBBM Newsradio 780 since 1986. A general assignment reporter, Tafoya covers everything from education and politics (including Democratic National Conventions 1996, 2000 and 2008) to crime and religion. Tafoya’s work has been honored numerous times over the past 30-plus years. Among them: Best Reporter awards from the Associated Press and United Press International, Peter Lisagor Awards from the Chicago Headline Club, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Boyden Award from the Chicago Journalists Association.

Margaret Taylor-Burroughs (November 1, 1917-present) - Taylor-Burroughs life and work in Chicago is woven tightly into the fabric of the city. She founded the South Side Community Arts Center at the age of 22, and later the DuSable Museum of African-American Art. She taught for 23 years at DuSable High School, and ten years at Kennedy-King College in Chicago. Taylor-Burroughs is also a gifted artist and author and her work has been celebrated around the world.

Deon La velle Thomas (February 24, 1971- present) played for the Fighting Illini and, at the end of his career, was the all-time leading scorer in Illinois’ history. In 1994 he was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks but decided to never play in the NBA. He chose a career in professional basketball in Europe and Israel. Deon Thomas plays for PBC CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria.

Stanley Tigerman (September 20, 1930-present). The winner of more than 130 design awards including the American Institute of Architect, Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architecture Education, Stanley Tigerman is the co-founder of Archeworks, an innovative design school within the University of Illinois at Chicago. He holds degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Chicago Institute of Design, and Yale University. He has designed numerous buildings in the United States, Bangladesh, Germany and Japan. His most recent design, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, opened in Skokie, Illinois in 2009.

LaDonna Tittle – Tittle first jobs in radio were with WBEE in Chicago and WNOV. in Milwaukee. In 1973 she shifted to WBMX in Chicago. Moonlighting as an actress, Tittle is a familiar voiceover, commercial and stage actress. Other radio credits include, WJPC, WWHN, WGCI and satellite radio station WGCR. Awards include the Operation PUSH Woman of the Year Award and the Black Radio Exclusive Air Personality Award.

John Tobias (August 24, 1969-Present) - Tobias was one of the creators of the legendary video game Mortal Kombat, and many of its successors. He got his start as an artist for the Real Ghostbusters comic book series.

Dempsey Travis (February 25, 1920-2009) - As president and founder of the Travis Realty Company, Travis created one of the largest Black owned business in America. As an author and publisher, Travis has produced twenty best selling books on a variety of subjects, including: jazz, Chicago, the Civil Rights Movement, and real estate. In 1960, Travis was instrumental in organizing Martin Luther King Jr's civil rights march in Chicago and since has been a trustee for several organizations, including Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the Chicago Historical Society, and as president of the NAACP Chicago Chapter.

Dawn Turner Trice - Trice is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune. She is the moderator of the Tribune's online project, "Exploring Race," at www.chicagotribune.com/race. Trice has been a regular commentator for WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" show and has written commentary for National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" program. She is the author of two novels, Only Twice I've Wished for Heaven (Random House, 1997), which is being made into a movie, and An Eighth of August (Random House, 2000). She is the recipient of the 2008 Studs Terkel Media award, two Illinois Arts Council awards, an American Library Association Alex award and a 2006 National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. She lives outside Chicago with her husband of nearly 20 years---whom she met at Hyde Park Academy--- and their 14-year-old daughter.

Andy (December 29, 1967 - present) and Larry (June 21, 1965 - present) - The Wachowski Brothers are the creative force behind the blockbuster Matrix film trilogy. Prior to working in the film industry, the Wachowski brothers wrote comic books for Marvel Comics. Their first breakout film was an indie feature called Bound. They also directed big screen version of Speed Racer.

Steve Warmbir- Warmbir joined the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board in March 2008 after working eight years at the newspaper as a reporter. Warmbir started as a general assignment reporter and later went on to cover the federal court system in Chicago. He was one of two Sun-Times reporters who broke the story of the Hired Truck scandal, one of the biggest such scandals in Chicago history. Warmbir went on to write numerous stories regarding municipal corruption and organized crime. His work has won many state and national awards, including a George Polk prize and two gold medals from the Investigative Reporters and Editors group.

Arthur Weber (1926-2008) - Weber started one of the most popular and respected consumer magazines, Consumer Digest, from his home in 1959. By the mid 1990's, Consumers Digest circulation reached 1.5 million.

Dennis Wise - After 35 years of law enforcement, Wise authored "Honor Above All Else.....Removing the Veil of Secrecy,” which details his law enforcement career and brings to light the abuse of power and power of corruption within the agencies he worked for, and also details many personal and humorous stories accumulated throughout his career. Honors include serving as President of the American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens, starting the 'Vests for Life' program, and receiving the J. Edgar Hoover Memorial Award for 'Distinguished Police Service. Wise's, writing, experiences and perspective have made him a sought after guest by many national news outlets.

Robert P Workman - As the first American to have his artwork accepted by the Musee du Louvre of Paris in the 21st Century, Workman established himself as a leading artist on the global stage. His work is also part of the Reagan, Carter Presidential Libraries and in the Smithsonian.

James "JY" Young (November 14, 1949-present) - Young, along with CPS alum Dennis DeYoung, was one of the founding members of the rock band Styx. After a string of hits, the original group splintered, leaving Young, today, as the sole remaining founder still touring.

Jay Noel Yuenger (December 26, 1967-present) - Known simply as "J", Yuenger is best known as the guitarist for White Zombie, a band that went on to sell over 6 million records and earned a Grammy nomination. Since 1997, when the band dissolved, Yuenger has focused on recording and producing albums for other artists, even opening his own studio in New Orleans in 2007.

Adrian Zmed (March 4, 1954-present) - Zmed is best known for his role on T.J. Hooker opposite William Shatner. He has appeared in numerous movies, television shows, and on Broadway and off-Broadway.

Chris Zorich (March 13, 1969-present) - In addition to being a two time All-American linebacker at the University of Notre Dame, Zorich won the Lombardi award given annually to the best linebacker in college football. From 1991 to 1996 he played for the Chicago Bears, but he is probably best known for his foundation, the Christopher Zorich foundation that works with disadvantaged families.

Louis Zorich (February 12, 1924-present) - Zorich is best remembered as Burt Buchman, the father of Paul on "Mad About You;" however, his long career includes numerous film, televisions and stage roles, including a turn on Broadway in 1969 in  "Hadrian VII" that earned him a Tony nomination. Zorich's other credits include Muppets Take Manhattan, City of Hope and Fiddler on the Roof.