African American Advisory Council

A black, woman in graduation cap and gown

The UIC African American Advisory Council was established in 2014 to advise the Chancellor on matters related to:

  1. Recruitment, enrollment, retention, and achievement of African American students.
  2. Recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion of African American faculty and staff.
  3. Participation of African American owned companies in UIC procurement and purchasing opportunities.
  4. UIC engagement and partnership with surrounding African American communities.

Vision Statement

UIC is internationally recognized for its culture where African American students, faculty, and staff excel in their academic and professional pursuits and experience an environment where they are welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

Mission Statement

Act as a key advisor to the University to ensure the necessary access, achievement, inclusion, and engagement of African Americans in all sectors of the UIC community; foster communication and networking among UIC African American students, alumni, faculty, and staff; develop policies and practices that will positively impact the African American experience at UIC; and steward opportunities that lead to sustained and mutually beneficial community engagement and partnerships.

Values and Council Member Expectations

  • Commitment

    Remain dedicated and engaged in advising the University on the development of policies and practices that result in diversity, equity, and inclusion and taking action to support the long-term interests of African Americans interacting with UIC.

  • Competency

    Be curious, ask questions, and employ a data-driven approach to develop policy and recommendations supporting the Council’s vision and mission.

  • Collaboration

    Work together and with the University to achieve the Council’s vision and mission.

Co-Chairs

Director, ABA Section, State and Local Government Law
Tamara Edmonds Askew
Director, ABA Section, State and Local Government Law
Executive Project Manager, Safer Foundation
Malik Nevels
Executive Project Manager, Safer Foundation

Members

Chief Operating Officer, Urban Outreach Foundation
Jonathan M. Banks
Chief Operating Officer, Urban Outreach Foundation
General Partner, Grace Venture Partners
Paul F. Burton
General Partner, Grace Venture Partners
General Counsel, JSS Family Trusts
Nina Fain
General Counsel, JSS Family Trusts
Outreach Coordinator, Council on American Islamic relations
Gerald Hankerson
Outreach Coordinator, Council on American Islamic relations
Pastor, Faith Community Church of Chicago
Randall Wayne Harris Sr.
Pastor, Faith Community Church of Chicago
President, African American Leadership and Policy Institute
G. Sequane Lawrence
President, African American Leadership and Policy Institute
President, Strategies In Site, Inc.
Cecilia Mowatt
President, Strategies In Site, Inc.
President & CEO, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
Carlos Nelson
President & CEO, Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation
President, Ernest R. Sawyer Enterprises Inc.
Ernest Sawyer
President, Ernest R. Sawyer Enterprises Inc.
Managing Partner, Integrating Green Technologies, Inc.
Carl Tutt Jr.
Managing Partner, Integrating Green Technologies, Inc.
National Executive Director, PUSH For Excellence Inc.
Janette C. Wilson
National Executive Director, PUSH For Excellence Inc.

Recommendations to the University Chancellor

The African American Advisory Council submitted this compilation of recommendations to the Chancellor in November 2020 to highlight campus issues and illustrate practical methods of addressing them.

View the Report