IL SR1070

Born and raised in Chicago; attended Harper High School and earned bachelor's degree in religion and philosophy from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas

Served as Pastor at Salem Baptist Church in Chicago, growing the congregation to over 22,000 members, and established Salem Christian Academy School serving preschool through 8th grade

Elected to Illinois Senate in 2003; chief architect of legislation to shift school funding from property taxes to income taxes to eliminate funding disparity between wealthy and poor communities

Sponsored legislation establishing camera grant fund for police squad cars to reduce racial profiling and supported bills to decrease recidivism by encouraging employer hiring of ex-offenders

Currently serves as Executive Vice President of the National Rainbow-PUSH Coalition; received awards from Better Funding for Better Schools Coalition, Illinois Association of School Administrators, and Illinois Farm Bureau