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The Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s PUSH FOR EXCELLENCE, INC. (PUSH Excel) hosted its 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, themed "The Journey of Hope and Healing." This year's event was held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the iconic Soldier Field in Chicago, marking a day of reflection, renewal, and action inspired by Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
The day began with a press conference where Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, Il House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch and Chicago Urban League President, Karen Freeman-Wilson addressed critical issues surrounding non-violence, equal rights, and justice. The press conference was followed by the press breakfast and program which serves as a fundraiser for college scholarships, supporting the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
This year's keynote address was delivered by Ben Jealous, Executive Director of the Sierra Club and former CEO of the NAACP, known for his tireless advocacy for justice and environmental sustainability.
Honoring Excellence and Leadership PUSH Excel recognized the contributions of prominent leaders, activists, and community advocates, including:
Reverend Martin L. Deppe, founding pastor of Operation Breadbasket.
President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board.
Mark Goeden, Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest.
Ali Malekzadeh, President of Roosevelt University.
Dr. Jo Ann Roberts, retired educator.