Description
Background
Since 2000 the African American Leadership Roundtable Inc. (AALR), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, has worked to promote the collective interests and overall well-being of stakeholders in the counties of DuPage, Kane, Will, and Kendall, Illinois. We do this through informing, engaging, and empowering African Americans by way of various initiatives, e.g.:
*History and Cultural Preservation;
*Educational Achievement,
*Advocacy;
*Leadership;
*Mentoring;
*Youth and Adolescents;
*Health and Wellbeing;
*Strengthening Families;
*Economic Empowerment;
*and others
Why is there a need for the AALR?
Census data indicated that in recent decades, African Americans have been rapidly moving into the suburbs of Chicago. This migration represents a vast array of talent, resources and expertise. It also presented an urgent need to marshal the various levels of expertise and resources to promote and sustain the common good of all African Americans. To be the best stewards of the resources invested in our communities, the founders of the roundtable thought it was imperative that African American leaders collaborate in key areas of interest or need.
Since those earlier years, the AALR has cultivated numerous successful collaborations, coalitions, and partnerships with organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, sororities and fraternities, businesses, and faith based organizations designed to inform, engage, and empower stakeholders.
Examples of Accomplishments
In April 2010, the AALR partnered with the City of Naperville and North Central College in hosting the first-ever African American Heritage Festival, a two day event highlighting the rich history, art, and music born out of the African American experience. Since 2007 the AALR has been involved in Eliminations of Health Disparities and has presented a series of health awareness programs on cardiovascular health; Stroke preventions, women's and men's health issues.
October, 2006, AALR hosted a conference on Health Disparities at the Holiday Inn in Naprville. The onference focused on key areas of concern regarding African American Health.
Who should become involved?:
The AALR welcomes membership and involvement of all African American stakeholders and community supporters. Members and supporters include professionals in business, medicine, education, clergy, engineering, technology, public health, law enforcement, and more. General meetings are held on first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7 p.m. Special events and forums are held throughout the year. For event details, subscribe to free quarterly e-newsletter, or to obtain additional information, call the AALR 24-Hour InfoLine 630-954-9767 or email: contactaalr@email.com. Website: www.aalroundtable.com.
