SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois Comptroller Susanna Mendoza celebrated five Central Illinois leaders in honor of Black History Month. 

The honorees include: 

  • Shamika Madison, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Decatur
  • Robert Frazier, the Operations Manager of All in One Laundry and Executive Director of Clean Slates Advocates
  • Rickey Williams Jr., the Mayor of Danville
  • Carolin Harvey, the Mayor of Carbondale
  • Dr. Ed Hightower, the Former Executive Director of the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities Foundation  and the Former Superintendent Edwardsville Community School District

"Each February, we turn our attention to the impact that Black Americans have made as inventors and scientists, activists, educators over the years, all while facing the very real struggles of racism, injustice and inequality," said Kim Howard, the Deputy Director of Communications for the Illinois Comptroller. 

Williams Jr. was recognized as the first black mayor of Danville. He celebrated the decreased violent crime rate and new jobs in the city.

"If we're going to make it in this world, if we're going to create a better life for everyone, then we must be a good steward of our greatest resources, which are our people and our money," said Williams Jr. "I'm proud in Danville, that we're doing that and we're making good strides." 

Comptroller Mendoza celebrated Madison for being the first woman in her position, as well as creating a free after-school program. 

"Black History Month means a lot to us in our community, we do a lot of celebrations, but to have this platform, and to honor all these amazing leaders in the room is just amazing," said Madison.

Robert Frazier is the Executive Director of Clean Slates Advocates. His non-profit helps people do laundry when they can't afford it, or don't have a reliable place to do so. 

"It aims to normalize the conversation around the importance of personal hygiene and break barriers through emphasizing that dignity through cleanliness is a universal right, not a privilege," said Frazier. "It is a community issue that we're dealing with, as we think of ways to bridge the gap for those that do not have enough resources, which is actually widening." 

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