Annual Event: October 30, 2024
Thank you to all who attended our 2024 Annual Event! It was an inspiring evening led by the voices of those who have experienced incarceration and those who are fighting to improve the system. Together, we fight for a system that is equitable, reduces harm, and respects people’s humanity.
Our exciting program included:
Spoken word performances by two system-impacted individuals: Marquis Chapman and Maria Moon
Remarks from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois
A fireside chat with Arne Duncan, William Brown, and Billy Moore from Chicago CRED
Recognition of our 2024 Annual Award winners:
Leadership Award: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois
Advocate of the Year: Maria Garza
Legacy Award: Jon Mills and the Mills Family
Outstanding Dedication Award: Don Stemen, Loyola University Center for Criminal Justice
It’s not too late to donate to JHA in support of this event!
Keynote speakers: Arne Duncan, William Brown and Billy Moore from Chicago CRED
JHA was thrilled to welcome Arne Duncan to our event. Duncan served as U.S. Secretary of Education from January 2009 through December 2015 as part of the Obama Administration. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Duncan served as chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools. He currently leads Chicago CRED, a nonprofit trying to achieve a transformative reduction in gun violence in Chicago. Through partnerships with local business leaders, community organizers, and nonprofit groups, Duncan aims to provide outreach, therapy, education, and employment opportunities for the young men most likely to be engaged in gun violence. He is also the managing partner at Emerson Collective, an organization dedicated to removing barriers so people can live to their full potential. Secretary Duncan graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 1987, majoring in sociology. At Harvard he served as co-captain of the basketball team and was named a first team Academic All-American.
William Brown, Chicago CRED Life Coach: William is Chicago CRED’s newest Life Coach and the epitome of a CRED success story. He started off as a CRED participant in October 2021 and quickly assumed leadership roles as a Peer Leader, Junior Peer Counselor, and Junior Life Coach. In addition, he took advantage of all the resources that CRED’s partners offer and became a published author and licensed in multiple certifications including forklift driving, food service, custodial maintenance, OSHA-10, and as a Preservation and Literacy Coach. However, the accomplishment that makes him most proud is being a loving father and family man. He is the protector and provider, best known as Juju.
William “Billy” Moore: At 16 yrs old, Billy went to jail and served 20 years for the tragic death of Ben Wilson, a revered high school basketball player in Chicago. After being released, he turned his life around and has helped returning citizens by mentoring, obtaining employment and transforming young men's lives who are at most risk for being shot and shooting someone in Chicago. Billy recently received his Bachelor's Degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
We thank our generous event sponsors
Presenting Sponsorhip:
Warrior Sponsorship: Brian Massengill and Mayer Brown LLP; Parole Illinois; Paul & Sarah Jane Titterton and GATX
Protector Sponsorship: Ariel Investments; Exelon; Terry & Annette Faulk; Amanda Penabad & Stephen Brokaw; Regenia Stein & Roland Roaches; Anne & Bob Sullivan; Pat Unsinn
Torchbearer Sponsorship: Rick Artwick; Jane Addams College of Social Work; John & Bozena McLees; Sidley Austin LLP; Dick Sullivan; Wintrust
Advocate Sponsorship: Chicago Community Trust; Arthur, Colleen, & Arlene Don; Illinois Department of Corrections; Loyola University Chicago’s Center for Criminal Justice; SAFER Foundation; Winston & Strawn LLP
Piano music during the reception was provided by Kai on the Keys; photography provided by Jaime Campanelli