Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. Resigns as Chamber President (Alsip, IL) — The Southland Black Chamber of Commerce and Industry held their annual Juneteenth awards ceremony this past Sunday. During the awards ceremony, Dr. Darden dropped a bombshell on the crowd, announcing his resignation as president of the organization.
The event coupled the Juneteenth and Father’s Day holidays with awards given to many local business owners, elected officials, community leaders, and exemplary fathers. Dr. Darden presented the various awards and dropped the stunning announcement.
“I stepped down as President and CEO of the Southland Black Chamber tonight. A new president will be announced soon, and I am confident in the abilities of our Vice Presidents, Ms. Kierra Jones and Ms. Nona Wilson, to continue to manage and grow the organization” said Darden. “They have been huge assets to the organization and the community, and the great works of the Southland Black Chamber will continue through their leadership and planning. Tonight’s event came together through their hard work and dedication. You can see that through the caliber of the people in this room tonight.”
The event’s awards ceremony honored several area leaders such as Mayor Keith Ogle (Frankfort), State Representative Nick Smith (34th District), Alderwoman Pat Dowell (Chicago-Ward 3), Board President Walter Mosby (School District 163), County Board Member Steve Balich (Will County), Trustee Tiffany Robinson (Robbins), Mayor Fred Bilotto (Blue Island), State Representative Jackie Haas (79th District), Attorney Meridth Hammer (The Hammer Legal Group), and many more. Other notable event attendees included Senator Patrick Joyce (40th District) and Mayor Jon Vanderbilt (Park Forest).
At the conclusion of the event, Vice President Kierra Jones said, “The gala was amazing. I am so thankful for our various sponsors and guests who came out to celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day with us. Our members and local leaders work hard throughout the year and this is our way of celebrating all they do. These people exemplify the mission of the Southland Black Chamber and emulate what Freedom Day is all about.”
The event also boasted live music by A Soulful Experience, comedy by local comedian Marvin Phipps, and a keynote address by Marcus Jefferson.
Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. Resigns as Chamber President
