AP Randolph Pullman Porter Museum to Present Gentle Warrior Award to Congresswoman Kelly/City Treasurer Kurt Summers

The historic AP Randolph Pullman Porter Museum will honor two of Chicago’s dynamic leaders with the A Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Award. The honorees are Congresswoman Robin Kelly of the Second Congressional District and City Treasurer Kurt Summers. The presentations will take place during the Museum’s 20th anniversary celebration: The “A Philip Randolph Gentle Awards Gala.” The event takes place Saturday, February 28 at the Historic Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S. King Drive from 5:30 to 9PM.

In making the announcement, David Peterson, president, said that the A. Philip Randolph Gentle Warrior Awards are bestowed upon deserving African Americans who “push gently, yet forcefully, against the boundaries of conventionality with a warrior spirit, in much the same manner as A. Philip Randolph did throughout his career.”

Congresswoman Kelly and City Treasurer Summers, said Peterson, reflect the spirit of the award because they have heroically worked to advance the mission they are charged to lead. He added that their records of advocacy, their commitment to serve and their accomplishments make them ideal recipients of the award.

Congresswoman Robin Kelly has devoted her life to advocacy and warrior-style leadership. As a member of Congress, she brings this passion to the five bodies on which she serves: The Oversight and Government Reform Committee, the Economic Growth, Job Creation, and Regulatory Affairs Committees, National Security Subcommittees, the Science, Space and Technology Committee and the Research and Technology Subcommittee. As part of her responsibilities and as part of her lifelong commitment to create a better world, she has worked tirelessly to promote national safety and expand economic opportunity, sponsoring numerous bills to generate job growth and end senseless gun violence. Kelly’s first legislation, Improving Gun Safety Standards would allow the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue safety standards for guns and ammunition that will help reduce gun-related deaths. Prior to being elected to Congress, she was known for her dedication. As a former Illinois state representative and government administrator, Kelly successfully sponsored bills to protect consumers from fraud, support economic development and increase the minimum wage. She also led the fight for landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and improve public safety. Kelly also served as chief administrative officer of Cook County and served as chief of staff of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, becoming the first African-American woman to hold that position in a constitutional office in Illinois. During her term as chief of staff, Kelly pursued a progressive agenda rooted in promoting small business job creation, investment strategy innovation, and advancing financial literacy in underserved areas. She also helped transform the Treasurer’s Office – an agency that managed as much as $17 billion in state funds – by improving efficiencies, streamlining expenses and demanding stronger ethical guidelines.

Kurt SummersCity Treasurer Kurt Summers is also the ideal honoree. Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Summers as City Treasurer on the strength of his work ethic, which was matched only by his commitment to service. He served as Emanuel’s Chief of Staff where he confronted the County’s deficit and led the effort that resulted in a balanced budget being passed unanimously. Under his leadership at the County, Summers reformed the way the County does business, saving taxpayers over $400 million annually from the 1% sales tax reduction. He also implemented countywide performance management and strengthened the County’s procurement rules. He won praise from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle for his vigilance in addressing and correcting the County’s problems. Mr. Summers most recently served as senior vice-president at GCM Grosvenor. Before taking his first position in public service with Cook County, he was Managing Director at Ryan Specialty Group, a specialty insurance services firm. In addition, he previously served as Director, chief financial officer, and head of business development at the Balton Corporation. Mr. Summers also gained financial expertise as a member of the Industrials Group of the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs.

“We are honored and humbled to be saluting Congresswoman Kelly and City Treasurer Summers,” declared Dr. Lyn Hughes, founder of the Museum. “They are forces who have impacted the nation, the county and the city through their excellence, commitment, passion and resolve. In setting to their mission, they have achieved excellence in a quiet – yet effective manner befitting that of A. Philip Randolph. Based on their achievements, it is our privilege to be presenting them with this prestigious honor.”

In addition to honoring these leaders, the banquet will provide a platform for communicating the Museum’s message, chronicling its progress, and showcasing its history.

Proceeds from the celebration will go continuing the Museum’s mission as the only cultural institution worldwide dedicated to showcasing the black union movement and the achievements of A. Philip Randolph.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the event, log on to http://www.aphiliprandolphmuseum.com/special-events.html