Eighty-five years of Building Safe and Sustainable Communities was the theme of the Chicago Area Project (CAP) 85th Anniversary Reception and Celebration held on February 21st at Malcolm X College in Chicago. The event, which was emceed by Radio Legend and new CAP Board Member Richard Steele, featured a keynote address by Illinois’ first Black Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton. Attendees were welcomed by young CAP Ambassadors and by Malcolm X President David Sanders. Praise for Chicago Area Project’s dedication to strengthening neighborhoods by helping young people and their families was stressed by other speakers including Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., and CAP Board President Donald Cox Bey. Young people from CAP programs and affiliate organizations were a central focus of the event. Twelve middle school and high school youth served as CAP Ambassadors. Their jobs included welcoming and directing attendees and helping out at registration. The national and international award-winning South Shore Drill Team provided entertainment.
Photo Credit: Chicago Area Project
Photo Caption 1:
Keynote Speaker Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is surrounded by young CAP Ambassadors and CAP Executive Director David E. Whittaker after receiving a Juvenile Justice Leadership Award from Chicago Area Project during CAP’s 85th Anniversary Celebration at Malcolm X College on February 21, 2019. The award featured photos form CAP’s annual Youth Democracy Day event, which is held in Springfield. During her keynote address, Lt. Gov. Stratton stressed the importance of reforming criminal and juvenile justice through the new Justice Equity and Opportunity Initiative that her office will oversee. Also pictured (4th & 6th from left) are CAP Ambassadors Melanie Ramirez and Kiara Martinez from CAP affiliate organization, Cicero Area Project.
Photo Caption 2:
Kiara Martinez and Melanie Ramirez from CAP affiliate organization, Cicero Area Project, served as CAP Ambassadors during Chicago Area Project’s 85th Anniversary Celebration at Malcolm X College on February 21, 2019. Kiara, 13, is a student at St. Francis of Rome and Melanie, 15, goes to Morton East High School. Both young ladies love being part of Cicero Area Project because they are learning top help other people in their neighborhood. They are proud to be CAP Ambassadors because they are meeting other youth and adults who can help them succeed in life.
