February 25, 2026 -The superintendent of Decatur Public Schools was among eight Downstate leaders recognized Tuesday during a Black History Month celebration hosted by Michael Frerichs.
Dr. Rochelle Clark received the Outstanding Commitment to Education award at a ceremony held at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in downtown Springfield. The event honored leaders across central and southern Illinois for their service and contributions to their communities.
Frerichs said the celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Black leaders and recognize individuals making a difference across the state.
“We celebrate and acknowledge the great achievements and contributions of African Americans every day, not just in February,” Frerichs said. “Today, we make a special point of honoring eight leaders who are dedicated to making our communities better places to live, work, and raise a family.”
In addition to Clark, honorees included Dr. Sean Crawford of Crawford Dental Clinic in Springfield; Dr. Marcus Johnson, president and CEO of the Springfield Urban League; Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey; James Franklin of Teamsters Local 916; Doug Collins, head girls basketball coach at Lanphier High School; Katie Otey, publisher and author from O’Fallon; and Pastor Marvin Hightower, president of NAACP Peoria, who received the Jesse White Leadership Award.
Black History Month began in 1926 as a weeklong observance founded by historian Carter G. Woodson and was expanded to a month in 1976.
