Chicago Defender legacy to graduate from Governors State University
Myiti Sengstacke-Rice leads historic Bud Billiken Parade
Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, a descendant of the family that founded the historic Chicago Defender newspaper will receive her doctorate degree in Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship (NSPE) from Governors State University (GovState) on Saturday, May 17 at Tinley Park Convention Center.
On Thursday May 15, Sengstacke-Rice received a ceremonial hood in an intimate annual hooding ceremony at GovState.
“Finally!” she exclaimed after crossing the stage.
Sengstacke-Rice, CEO of Chicago Defender Charities, is a national figure who leads the historic Bud Billiken Parade, the nation’s longest running African American parade, an end-of summer staple on Chicago’s South Side, to help students get excited about returning to school.
Driven by the Charities’ mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly in the Chicago area, through a variety of programs focused on education, arts, health, wellness, and community engagement, Sengstacke-Rice plans to use her degree to identify strategies to advance the more than 100-year-old mission.
“What I appreciate about the NPSE program is that it’s a true community that helps me cultivate the skills I need to carry on the legacy of the Chicago Defender Charities franchise and the Bud Billiken Parade,” she said.
Who: Myiti Sengstacke-Rice, Sengstacke-Rice, CEO of Chicago Defender Charities, leads the historic Bud Billiken Parade, the nation’s longest running African American parade, an end-of summer staple on Chicago’s South Side, to help students get excited about returning to school.
What: Sengstacke-Rice will receive a doctorate degree in Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship (NSPE) during Governors State University's 2025 Commencement ceremony.
When: 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Contact:
Zion Banks
630-842-6427