For 34 years, the National Hook-Up of Black Women, (NHBW) Joliet Chapter has impacted public policy and legislation for the betterment of the marginalize community in general, and the economic and political empowerment of women in particular.
On Saturday December 6, 2025, the Joliet Chapter celebrated a Legacy of Service of 34 years during a brunch to celebrate the community at its annual Founders Day event, themed “Denim & Diamonds in Our Community” at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet.
To nearly 300 attendees the Joliet Chapter President Dr. Debra L. Upshaw said the “Legacy of Service” isn’t just a theme, it’s a tribute.
“NHBW Joliet was founded in a vision of equity, empowerment, healing, and hope,” Dr. Upshaw said. “As we stand together in Denim and Diamonds, we honor our past, embrace our present, and invest in our future.”
Guest Speaker Ernest Crim III, a modern-day Griot, educator and cultural competency specialist, addressed the need to use overlooked historical narratives as a catalyst for healing, justice and transformation.
“As a product of the South Side of Chicago in a ‘red line’ district,’ I came to understand how illuminating it was to find out about the heroes and heroines of the past, and how their struggles paved the way for me and others like me. As a former high school history teacher, it became important for me to pass that on to my students. In the same vein, I now use social media to reach a mass audience with that same message of empowerment.”
U.S. Representative Robin Kelly of Illinois ‘ 2nd Cong. District and currently a candidate for the U.S. Senate stopped by to congratulate the organization and offer words of encouragement. Kelly is running for the US Senate seat Dick Durbin is retiring from after 30 years. The district includes the South Side of Chicago and the Southland suburbs, including portions of Will County. During her comments Rep. Kelly emphasized the importance for legislators to find common ground to advance the cause of Democracy. “It’s important to connect with people and recognize their struggles. As professional women, we are called upon to be caregivers as well as active members of our community. None of these duties is mutually exclusive but woven together in a single tapestry of service.”
Honorees who received 2025 NHBW Awards included Uxmar Torres for The Arts. He became Joliet’s first Poet Laureate in 2024 and is the first Poet Laureate of Mexican descent in the State of Illinois.
The 2025 Award for Adult Community Service was presented to Denise Duncan, owner of Divinity Salon and Suites. Ms. Duncan was recognized for her outstanding work with Guardian Angels domestic violence program and her latest initiative, Re-Dress the Dress which provides free prom dresses to area high schoolers.
The 2025 Youth Community Service Award went to Christopher Isaiah Jackson, a Senior at Plainfield North High School. He is an Honor Roll student whose exceptional academic achievement earned him membership in the National Society of High School Scholars. He is also a founding member of the Black Student Union and an active member of the Byte Computer Science Club and the Plainfield Northside Crew, which mentor’s freshman students. He is also a player on both Plainfield North’s Basketball and Football teams.
NHBW 2025 Education Awardee was Christopher Parker, Vice President and Senior Regional Manager for Zero Barriers to Business Banking at BMO Bank. He helps entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable growth. In addition, he serves as President of the African American Business Association of Will County (AABA).
The 2025 Health Award went to Michael Mutterer, President and Chief Financial Officer of Silver Cross Hospital. Joining Silver Cross during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was instrumental in guiding the hospital’s nursing and clinical teams through that unprecedented time. As a tireless advocate for excellent patient care, he is dedicated to improving nursing processes and providing effective leadership.
Nationally, NHBW, INC. was founded in 1974 by Dr. Arnita Young-Boswell and 13 spirited women during the Fourth Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Forum. Their expressed mission was to act as a national forum to articulate the needs and concerns of Black Women and children. For more on the work of NHBW, visit NHBWJoliet.com
