The 35th Annual Profiles in Excellence program honors African-American history makers, both past and present, on Sunday, February 11, from 2–4 pm, at the Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 Green Bay Road in North Chicago. Sponsored by the Lake County Forest Preserves, the event commemorates Black History Month by recognizing notable African-Americans in the area who will be remembered for their contributions to their community and society for years to come. The event is free and open to all ages. 
 
 This year’s honorees include: 

• Sam Cunningham–the 40th mayor of Waukegan and first African-American. 
• Lamarr Lark–founding pastor of Connection Church and franchisee owner/operator of Chick-fil-A in Gurnee. 
• Ron McAllister–local publisher of What’s Happening Magazine.
• Joshua Randolph–local pastor of Salvation Praise Ministries.
• Dr. Michele Vaughn–founder and CEO of the Teen & Single Mother Resource Center. 

In recognition of the bicentennial of Illinois in 2018, this year’s event also will honor African-Americans from the past who have helped establish Lake County as it’s known today.
 
The program includes a presentation from Gregory Gordon, associate professor of history at the College of Lake County, as well as a performance from a local choir.

About Profiles in Excellence
Established in 1983, the annual Profiles in Excellence program honors the history and achievements of Lake County African-Americans. The goal of the program is to further an appreciation of the heritage and achievements of the local African-American community and help improve the quality of life for future generations. 

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