More than 300 guests gathered at the Garfield Park Conservatory for Habilitative Systems, Inc.'s 5th Annual Race & Health Equity Awards, an event celebrating education leaders whose work has advanced equity and opportunity across Chicago and beyond. HSI, a leading behavioral health and human services organization serving 17 Chicago communities, recognized seven honorees for their long-standing commitment to educational excellence, achievement, and access, with some dedicating more than 50 years to this cause.
Donald J. Dew, HSI President and CEO, emphasized the interconnected nature of race, health equity, and education. He stated that when communities of color face barriers to quality education, these inequities ripple into health outcomes, economic stability, and overall well-being. This perspective underscores the broader implications of educational disparities, positioning the awards as a recognition of efforts that address systemic challenges affecting multiple facets of community life.
The 2025 Race & Health Equity Awards honorees include Paul J. Adams, III, Executive Chairman and Founder of Providence St. Mel School; Bernard Clay, Executive Director and Founding Member of Introspect Youth Services, Inc.; Creasie Finney Hairston, Ph.D., Professor and Dean at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago; Haki Madhubuti, MFA, Ph.D., Award Winning Poet, Founder and Publisher of Third World Press, and University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Chicago State University; Carol D. Lee (Safisha Madhubuti), Edwina S. Tarry Professor Emerita at the School of Education and Social Policy, Northwestern University; Lisa W. Rollins, Regional Development Director for the Chicago Region at the United Negro College Fund (UNCF); and David Sanders, President of Malcolm X College.
Chairman Lester Barclay, Esq., Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Chicago, delivered special remarks of thanks during the program. A portion of the proceeds from the event supports Jamaican Hurricane relief efforts, student stipends, and HSI's community health initiatives, extending the impact of the celebration beyond recognition to tangible community support.
While headquartered in Chicago, Dew and HSI maintain a strong national presence. Dew recently launched the concept of Historically Black Community Based Organizations (HBCBOs), a national movement calling for increased support and recognition for the crucial role these organizations play in bridging gaps in the social safety-net. By sharing strategies and resources, the movement unites organizations to strengthen local communities. More information can be found at https://www.historicallyblackcbo.org/.
Dew is also the first African-American to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an international accrediting agency. Elected in 2022 to a one-year term, he has been re-elected and continues to serve as Chair. In 1991, Dew helped HSI become one of the first African-American led organizations to achieve international CARF accreditation, a standard it has maintained annually since. For additional information, visit http://www.habiitative.org.
The awards highlight the importance of recognizing leaders who work at the intersection of education and equity, as their efforts can influence health outcomes and economic stability in underserved communities. By honoring these individuals, HSI not only celebrates past achievements but also reinforces the ongoing need for initiatives that address racial and health disparities through educational access. This event serves as a reminder of the broader societal impact that dedicated educators and advocates can have, fostering a more equitable future for communities in Chicago and beyond.
