THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Lifting these Unsung Heroes to a Level Befitting of Heroes of the Past

Ambassadors of Goodwill describes the Pre 60 Original Harlem Globetrotters as a group of talented basketball players from Chicago who amused the entire world with swift and intricate ball handling, as well as precision drill routines that became the trademark of The Harlem Globetrotters’ routines today. The original team was comprised of Tommy Brookings, William Grant, Inman Jackson, Lester Johnson, Joe Lillard, Randolph Ramsey, William Watson, and Walter Wright, who all attended Wendell Phillips High School on the South Side.

The Pre 60 Original Harlem Globetrotters represented the United States of America in countries around the world, while playing for one of the most recognizable sports teams in American history. While their popular acclaim could not grant them access to major white basketball leagues, the color of their skin made their talent unequal to white basketball players. They drew more attendees at each event than most professional league games of that era. During that time, race was a deciding factor for overt discrimination, and the denial of equality continued after the playing days were over for the Pre 60 Original Harlem Globetrotters.

Despite all the tremendous contributions the Pre 60 Original Harlem Globetrotters made to the game of basketball and the United States, they were never properly credited for their skillful talents or loyalty to America. They were the first organization that brought a warm laughter and pleasurable experience to the game of basketball, and took that wonderful experience around the world. The Pre 60 Original Harlem Globetrotters, “The Forgotten Ones,” was established to help these gentlemen receive the benefits denied after their retirement--financial help in times of sickness, a secured retirement plan, and a pension--which would allow them to live with dignity and a feeling of recognition for the outstanding contribution they made to this country. The Pre 60 Organization will provide cultural activities, sports clubs, and health products, to assist with their health and provide commercial financial services such as insurance and loans. This is also an avenue to establish outreach educational programs for schools and communities nationwide. Basketball athletes, young and old, whoever dreamed of playing professionally, are indebted to the Original Globetrotters for opening doors so they could get the compensation they deserve for playing professional basketball.

HONORABLE GLENDA A. HATCHETT

Juvenile Justice Visionary

Judge Glenda Hatchett is renowned in the legal community for her groundbreaking courtroom style. Best known for her revolutionary “interventions,” she is widely respected for her work with today’s youth. This not only sets her apart from other judges, but also establishes her as a leader in the justice system nationwide.

Judge Hatchett’s most important accomplishment is her ability to have a positive impact on the lives of troubled youth and their families. She is recognized as a compassionate but tough advocate – working to keep families together, promoting reconciled relationships, and showing young people in trouble that they can do better.

Her award-winning show – aptly named Judge Hatchett – attracted viewers in part because of her innovative approach to rehabilitation. This unique approach was drawn from her extensive experience and accomplishments as a judge in Georgia. She became Georgia's first African-American chief presiding judge of a state court and served as the department head of one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country.

After graduating from Emory University School of Law and completing a coveted clerkship in the U.S. Federal Courts, she became the highestranking African-American woman at Delta Air Lines, serving dual roles in both the legal and public relations departments. Judge Hatchett made the difficult decision to leave Delta to accept an appointment as chief presiding judge of the Fulton County, Georgia Juvenile Court. The compassionate mother of two quickly fell in love with her judicial role, and worked tirelessly during her eight-year tenure to reduce recidivism and make a difference in the lives of young people.

Judge Hatchett worked in conjunction with community organizations and businesses, including the Boys and Girls Clubs and Urban League, to design a program where troubled youth were exposed to successful executives and community leaders who would inspire them to make positive changes in their lives. Sentences often included sending troubled youth to one of the participating organizations in an effort to teach them how to take positive steps toward their futures.

Judge Hatchett has authored the national bestseller, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say, based on her extensive professional experiences as a jurist and her own personal experience as a mother. Today, she serves as national spokesperson for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a non-profit volunteer organization that trains volunteers to represent abused and neglected children and help them navigate the court system.

HONORABLE EMIL JONES, JR.

Building Bridges for Politicians to Cross

Emil Jones, Jr., is woven into the fabric of Chicago politics. For more than three decades, he worked relentlessly to ensure people of color had access to resources their communities previously lacked. The native Chicagoan’s political career began in the 1960 presidential election for John F. Kennedy. Seven years later, he went to work as an alderman's assistant. His 30-year career as a city employee included 20 years with the Sewer Department until he retired as an inspector in 1973.

Senator Jones’s ascent in local politics began when he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served from 1973 through 1983. During that time, he served as the chairman of the Insurance Committee and was an assistant democratic leader. In 1982, he was elected to serve in the Illinois Senate. During his 26-year tenure in the State Senate, Senator Jones also served as president of the Illinois State Senate from 2003-2009. In addition to being the president of the Senate, he also served as a member of the Executive Committee. He campaigned for Democratic primary bids for a congressional seat in 1988 and 1995, respectively.

Senator Jones readily advises aspiring African Americans to enter politics from the ground up, where they can learn invaluable lessons. "He says leaders can govern effectively when they learn how parts function. When enacting legislation, politicians’ decisions must always be rooted at that lowest person on the rung."

Throughout his career, Senator Jones has paved the way for aspiring leaders in local and national politics. In fact, Senator Jones played a large part in Barak Obama’s 2004 U.S. Senate win by introducing the then little-known liberal state senator to the right people and giving him the opportunity to spearhead important legislation that raised his political profile. African American members in the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives, and those yet to come, have Emil Jones, Jr. to thank for building bridges for many aspiring black politicians to cross.

TIM KING

Catalytic Urban Education Reformer & Surrogate Father to Hundreds of Young Black Men

Tim King, an urban visionary and national leader in education reform, is unleashing latent potential in the lives of young African- American males throughout Chicago at Urban Prep Academies (Urban Prep). As the president and CEO of Urban Prep Academies, he founded the nation’s first charter high school for boys in the U.S. in 2002. Urban Prep's goal is to tackle abysmal graduation and college completion rates among boys in urban cities. Since Urban Prep first opened its doors in 2005, the academies remained committed to preparing all of its students for college and life at its three campuses in neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago. Urban Prep provides a high quality, comprehensive, college-preparatory educational experience where most students come from economically disadvantaged homes and read three or more years below grade level.

The school’s motto, “We believe,” is a constant reminder that Urban Prep students will not fall into the trap of negative stereotypes and low expectations. With high expectations and support systems in place to catapult Urban Prep students, they believe in their potential and ability excel. Mr. King believes an extended school day, extended school year, double periods of English and math, Saturday school, mentoring, and a positive school culture is what sets Urban Prep apart.

Urban Prep Academies, made national headlines in 2010 with the announcement that 100% of the school's first two graduating classes were admitted to four-year colleges or universities. That same year, Mr. King was named ABC World News Tonight's "Person of the Week" along with the students of Urban Prep Academies. Critically acclaimed in education reform, Mr. King has been named Chicago Magazine’s “Chicagoan of the Year,” People Magazine’s “Hero of the Year” and Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” list. In addition, Mr. King has been featured on Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and recognized by Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton for his work with youth.

Mr. King is shaping boys into future professionals from every walk of life. He became the guardian of one such former student when his mother died in 1996. Beating the odds of being an orphan and homelessness to become a college graduate is the achievement for which Mr. Tim King is most proud.

THE REVEREND JESSE LOUIS JACKSON, SR.

Keeping Hope Alive that Equality Will Prevail

The world has been impacted by the life of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., who has played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice for more than 40 years. His work as one of America’s preeminent civil rights, religious, and political leaders has garnered him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, by President Bill Clinton in 2000. He has also received the prestigious NAACP Spingarn Award, in addition to honors from hundreds of grassroots, civic and community organizations from coast to coast. For his lifelong work in human and civil rights and nonviolent social change, Reverend Jackson has received more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees and he frequently lectures at major colleges and universities.

The founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Reverend Jackson has been called the "Conscience of the Nation" and "the Great Unifier." Lauded for bringing people together on common ground across lines of race, culture, class, gender, and belief, Reverend Jackson challenges America to be inclusive and just for all Americans. Activism was birthed in Reverend Jackson in 1960 as he sought to desegregate the local public library while a student in his hometown, Greenville, South Carolina. From there, he became a leader in the sit-in movement and full-time organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He was soon appointed by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to direct the Operation Breadbasket program.

In 1971, Reverend Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) in Chicago, Illinois, to expand educational, business, and employment opportunities for the disadvantaged and people of color. Thirteen years later, he founded the National Rainbow Coalition, a social justice organization based in Washington, D.C., which is devoted to political empowerment, education, and changing public policy. In 1996, both organizations merged to form the Rainbow PUSH Coalition to maximize resources.

He broke new ground in U.S. politics in the 1980s, with his two presidential campaigns that garnered millions of votes and inspired millions to enter the political process. Whether marching for nonviolent social change or meeting with world leaders on social justice, Reverend Jackson is a respected senior statesman, politician, and well-known spokesman for millions. His career and life mission have pricked the conscience of America on countless issues affecting the disenfranchised.

• Hannah Hawkins — District of Columbia
• Justin Spiller, esq. — Florida
• Frank M. Clark — Illinois
• Honorable Ray Miller — Ohio
• Kathy Sledge — Pennsylvania
• Honorable Daniel Brown — Tennessee