Leadership and Service Earn Christopher Clark Annual Living Black History Award
The Harvey Illinois Library District honored Christopher J. Clark at the 28th Annual Living Black History Awards Ceremony on April 26, 2009, for his personal contributions to the Harvey community, his selfless helping of others and his leadership through service. The Living Black History Award is given in recognition of outstanding personal contributions to the Illinois communities of Harvey, Phoenix and Dixmoor.
The Award Committee honored Clark, a 2009 graduate, for his passion for justice as a union activist and worker advocate, the profound impact of his many years of community service in the areas of education, economic development, law, his knowledge and professionalism as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner and for his personal achievement of graduating from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
Over the years, Clark served as mentor to several children and implemented programs to help them succeed. As a parent volunteer at Maya Angelou Elementary School during the school year, in the summer, Clark opened his home to teach children in English and math. He was also a member of the Parents as First Teacher organization, which is a group focused on parental involvement in education at home and school.
In addition, Clark continues to work with the Chicago Area Health and Medical Career Professionals (CHAMPS) as a volunteer teacher and assistant CPR instructor. In 2007, he founded the Law Is For Everyone (L.I.F.E.) and Minority Opportunity and Excellence in Law (M.O.D.E.L.) organizations. These organizations promote equality in legal representation and education. In 2009, Clark created the Turlington Times, a news website he started because the city no longer had a local news media.
His achievements in economic development include his appointment to the Zoning and Planning Board of Appeals by the Mayor of Harvey in 2003. While serving on the Board, Clark has chaired committees enabling development of the Thornton Township Food Pantry, Dialysis Center, Family Christian Healthcare Center, businesses and affordable housing. During law school, Clark commuted from Minneapolis to Harvey in order to attend meetings.
While attending law school, Clark spent time volunteering for HomeLine, Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and worked on cases dealing with home foreclosure and predatory lending. He has also served as Assistant to the Fifth Ward Alderman and Little League baseball coach.
Clark graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in May and will take the Illinois Bar exam this summer.
