NBA Legend Tim Hardaway to be inducted in Illinois Black Hall of Fame June 7

Four others, including Dr. Cheryl Green, will also be honored

University Park, Illinois — NBA Basketball Legend Tim Hardaway, Sr., will be inducted into the Illinois Black Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in partnership with Governors State University (GovState) Foundation on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the GovState Center for Performing Arts.

Hardaway, who hails from Chicago's South Side, played with five NBA teams and won a gold medal as part of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team. His signature "killer cross-over” helped earn Hardaway a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and his contributions to his community are being honored with the IBHOF induction, which also is a celebration of Juneteenth.

"Tim's commitment to uplifting communities, mentoring youth and giving back reflects the values Juneteenth honors. His induction reminds us that greatness is not only measured in championships, but in the lives we empower along the way,” said Richard Boykin, IBHOF General Chair.

Other 2025 Class of Inductees include Immediate Past GovState President Dr. Cheryl Green, who passed in April following a long illness. Others are:

Dr. Ceola Barnes, founder of Illinois Black Hall of Fame, Non-profit
Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till, (posthumously), mother-son who fueled the Civil Rights struggle in the 50s, Activism/Civil Liberties
Hardaway, 2022 NBA Hall of Famer, Sports

The night will also feature the recognition of two trailblazers as Black Women of First Distinction.

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:

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: 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

zbanks@govst.edu

630-842-6427

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.