More than 300 guests gathered at the Garfield Park Conservatory for Habilitative Systems, Inc.'s 5th Annual Race & Health Equity Awards, an evening recognizing seven education leaders for advancing equity and opportunity. HSI, a behavioral health and human services organization serving 17 Chicago communities, honored individuals with decades of commitment to educational excellence, achievement, and access. Donald J. Dew, HSI President and CEO, emphasized the interconnected nature of these issues, stating, "We must recognize the relationship between race, health equity and education. When communities of color face barriers to quality education, those inequities ripple into health outcomes, economic stability, and overall well-being."
The honorees included Paul J. Adams, III of Providence St. Mel School; Bernard Clay of Introspect Youth Services, Inc.; Creasie Finney Hairston, Ph.D. of the University of Illinois Chicago; Haki Madhubuti, founder of Third World Press; Carol D. Lee of Northwestern University; Lisa W. Rollins of the United Negro College Fund; and David Sanders of Malcolm X College. The event also featured special remarks from Chairman Lester Barclay, Esq., Honorary Consul of Jamaica, Chicago. A portion of the proceeds support Jamaican Hurricane relief efforts in addition to student stipends and HSI's community health initiatives.
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 organizations bridging gaps in the social safety-net. By sharing strategies and resources, the movement unites organizations to strengthen local communities. More information is available at https://www.historicallyblackcbo.org/. Dew's leadership extends to his role as 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, Dew has been re-elected and continues to serve as Chair. In 1991, he helped HSI become one of the first African-American led organizations to achieve international CARF accreditation, which it has maintained annually since.
The awards ceremony underscores HSI's ongoing commitment to linking educational equity with broader health and community outcomes, highlighting how sustained investment in education leaders can catalyze systemic change. The recognition of these seven individuals serves as a tangible example of how dedicated work in education directly influences the health and stability of communities, particularly those of color. This event reinforces the principle that equitable access to quality education is not an isolated goal but a foundational component of public health and economic resilience. The gathering at the Garfield Park Conservatory symbolized a growing consensus that addressing disparities requires a multifaceted approach, where honoring educational pioneers is a strategic step toward building healthier, more just societies.
