Illinois Black Hall of Fame Gala set for June 7 at Governors State
Dr. Cheryl Green to be inducted posthumously
University Park, Illinois — The Illinois Black Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in partnership with Governors State University (GovState) Foundation proudly announces the Juneteenth Celebration of Black Achievers on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the GovState Center for Performing Arts.
Among the 2025 Class of Inductees will be Immediate Past GovState President Dr. Cheryl Green, who passed in April following a long illness. The Black Achievers showcase will be dedicated in her honor during a special ceremony.
IBHOF Founder Dr. Ceola Barnes said Dr. Green is the reason the showcase exists in the Southland.
“The Illinois Black Hall of Fame is part of Dr. Green’s legacy to keep Illinois Black Hall of Fame’s mission alive: Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Inspire the Future. Dr. Green decided early in her tenure to establish the museum on campus in 2021,’’ Dr. Barnes said.
The night will also feature the recognition of two trailblazers as Black Women of First Distinction.
Dr. Green, the University's first African American President, will be recognized posthumously for Education. In addition, four others will be inducted during the June 7 ceremony for their remarkable contributions to their respective fields:
- Dr. Ceola Barnes, founder of Illinois Black Hall of Fame, Non-profit
- Tim Hardaway, 2022 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Sports
- Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till, (posthumously), mother-son who fueled the Civil Rights struggle in the 50s, Activism/Civil Liberties
Black Women of First Distinction Class of 2025 Inductees
- Justice Cynthia Cobbs, First Black Woman Director of Illinois Courts
- Dr. Donna Spencer Leak, First Black Woman/Vice President Illinois State Board
Event Highlights:
The Juneteenth Celebration of Black Achievers evening highlights include the following:
- IBHOF Museum Dedication in honor of Dr. Cheryl Green
- Red Carpet Interviews with the Honorees
- Networking Reception with Past and Present Honorees
- Award Ceremonies
- Dinner/Live Entertainment
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
- Time: 4:30pm IBHOF Museum Dedication: 5:00 Network Reception
- Venue: Governors State University Center for Performing Arts, University Park, IL
- Tickets: Purchase at https://ibhof.org/
Past IBHOF and Black Women of First Distinction Honorees
The Illinois Black Hall of Fame Museum celebrates notable African Americans who made contributions to the state, region and world. Past IBHOF honorees include U.S. Representatives Robin Kelly and Danny K. Davis; John W. Rogers Jr., Blondean Davis, Ed.D.; Emil Jones; Dr. Timuel Black (posthumously), Jesse L. Jackson Sr.; Bessie Coleman; Harold Washington (both posthumously). Past Black Women of First Distinction honorees include 38th District Illinois State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin; Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and Dr. Cheryl Green.
About the Illinois Black Hall of Fame
MISSION: The mission of the Illinois Black Hall of Fame is to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. We are writing and preserving our own historical narratives. Individuals inducted into the Illinois Black Hall of Fame are featured in a one-of-a-kind Illinois Black Hall of Fame located at Governors State University.
For additional information, please reference the IBHOF website at https://ibhof.org/
Zion Banks
Governors State University
Director of Communications
630-842-6427