Obama Presidential Center, Chicago IL | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 6:30 PM
55 Years of Building Self-Reliant Families & Thriving Communities
For 55 years, Centers for New Horizons has been a cornerstone of transformation on Chicago’s South Side by providing early childhood education, advancing youth development, and workforce readiness.
This milestone celebration is a powerful gathering of civic leaders, corporate partners, philanthropists, and changemakers committed to investing in the future of our communities. Together, we will honor a 55-year legacy of service while recognizing the people, partnerships, and leadership that have shaped our organization’s impact across generations. As one of Chicago’s oldest Black-founded and Black-led nonprofit organizations, Centers has remained steadfast in its commitment to expanding opportunity and advancing equitable outcomes for children, youth, families, and communities.
Hosted in the Nelson Mandela Sky Room at the Obama Presidential Center, this historic evening comes at a defining moment for Chicago’s South Side. As new investment and opportunity continue to transform our community, Centers is committed to ensuring that the communities we have served for 55 years are a part of that future. This historic evening will celebrate our shared accomplishments while advancing a bold vision for the next chapter of our work.
Guests will enjoy an inspiring program honoring our founder, Dr. Sokoni T. Karanja, recognizing 55 years of community impact, and celebrating the partnerships that make our mission possible. The evening will conclude with a reception as we look ahead to the opportunities that lie before us and reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening the South Side for generations to come.
We invite you to join us as we celebrate our legacy, invest in our future, and continue building stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger South Side.
55 years strong. And still doing it for the South Side.
From its beginnings to the work happening today, Centers’ story is one of growth, resilience and connection to Chicago’s South Side. Explore five stories that trace where Centers began, how the community has changed, the generations we’ve served, the impact we’re making today and the future we’re building together.
55 Years. Five Stories. One Continuing Legacy.
01 — Why Was Centers Created?
Every story has a beginning. Discover the vision and community needs that led to the creation of Centers for New Horizons and set the foundation for the work that continues today.
Explore the Series
02 — How Centers Grew With the Community
As the South Side changed, Centers changed with it. Explore the evolution of the community and how Centers continued to adapt, grow and respond to the needs of the people it serves.
The impact of Centers reaches across generations. Hear stories of the children, families and community members who have been part of the Centers journey and discover how its legacy continues from one generation to the next.
03 — From One Generation to the Next
04 — Centers Is More Than Childcare
Centers has grown far beyond its beginnings in early childhood education. Discover the programs, people and partnerships that make Centers a vital part of the South Side community today.
05 — The Future
Premieres exclusively at the 55th Anniversary Celebration
The story doesn't end here. Join us on October 8 for the premiere of The Future, the final chapter in this five-part series, and a look at where Centers is headed next.
Get Your Tickets Now
Join us as we celebrate 55 years of impact, honor the legacy of Centers, and look ahead to the future. Celebrate with us at the Obama Presidential Center and be part of this special evening on Chicago’s South Side.
Your Ticket Includes:
Admission to the Obama Presidential Center Museum
All guests will receive admission to the Obama Presidential Center Museum as part of the evening’s experience.
VIP Guests Receive a Special Commemorative Gift
VIP guests will receive a special commissioned art piece by Chicago South Side artist Paul Branton, created exclusively in honor of Centers’ 55th Anniversary.
Meet Our Host Committee Chair
Pastor Chris Harris, Sr.
Senior Pastor, Bright Star C.O.G.I.C. & St. James C.O.G.I.C. Chicago
Founder & CEO, Bright Star Community Outreach & Bright Star Community Development Corporation
Affectionately known as “PCH,” Pastor Chris Harris, Sr. is a visionary pastor, community leader, and bridge-builder whose work spans ministry, leadership, and community transformation.
As the founder of Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Community Development Corporation, Pastor Harris has helped create pathways to opportunity and address critical needs across Chicago. His leadership through The Urban Resilience Network has helped secure more than $40 million in investment, serve more than 70,000 Chicagoans, and expand access to critical community services, including shelter and support for individuals and families experiencing housing instability.
A respected leader in Chicago and beyond, Pastor Harris is committed to developing leaders, strengthening communities, building bridges across faith and civic communities, and creating lasting impact.
In Pastor Harris's words:
“The truth is, my vision for community service was mandated by God, but mentored by Dr. K and Centers for New Horizons. The work this organization has been doing for decades in Bronzeville and beyond was the blueprint, and is still a very necessary and essential asset to our community. I am humbled and honored to be connected to such a great legacy.”
We are grateful to have Pastor Chris Harris, Sr. serving as Chair of the Host Committee for Centers’ 55th Anniversary Celebration.
Our Host Committee
We are grateful to the distinguished leaders who are helping us celebrate 55 years of impact and community.
Anurima Bhargava
Kevin Conlon
Fr. Brendan Curran
Aarti Dhupelia
Linda Diamond Shapiro
Ald. Pat Dowell
James Floyd
Christa Hamilton
Teena Lorie Harris
Sen. Mattie Hunter
Kristina Kaupa
Libby Massey
Cody McSellers-McCray
Comm. Donna Miller
Lydia Murray
Michelle Nasser
Meera Raja
Ald. Mike Rodriguez
Jamie Simone
Leon Walker
Roopa Webber
We’re proud to celebrate 55 years of impact alongside the organizations and partners who make our work possible. Thank you to our generous sponsors for helping us honor our past, celebrate our present, and invest in the future.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
OneDigital
Porte Brown Accountants & Advisors
TrueNorth
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to align yourself or your brand with impact, leadership, and legacy.
Your partnership directly fuels:
Workforce development and economic mobility
Youth leadership and education programs
Early childhood education initiatives across the South Side
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• Exclusive naming rights: “55th Anniversary Celebration presented by [Sponsor]”
• On-stage recognition aligned with a signature program moment
• Opportunity to co-brand VIP pre-reception
• 2-minute speaking opportunity or branded video feature
• Twenty (20) VIP event tickets with priority program placement
• Full-page premium ad (inside front/back cover)
• Top-tier logo placement across all platforms and materials
• Featured sponsor spotlight across digital campaigns
• Dedicated email feature to CNH network
• VIP pre-reception access + curated guest experience
• Private photo opportunity with dignitaries (as available)
• Inclusion in press releases and media outreach
• Demonstrate authentic commitment to community impact
• Gain high-visibility brand positioning tied to purpose
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• Prominent logo placement on event materials and signage
• Full-page ad in program book
• Ten (10) VIP event tickets
• Verbal recognition during program
• Logo and link on website with enhanced placement
• Multi-post social media recognition (3–4 features)
• VIP pre-reception access
• Opportunity to align with a key program segment
• Inclusion in select media and post-event communications
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• Logo on event signage and materials
• Half-page ad in program book
• Eight (8) event tickets
• Logo on website
• Verbal recognition during program
• Social media recognition (2 posts)
• Recognition tied to a CNH impact area
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• Logo on select event signage
• Quarter-page ad in program book
• Six (6) event tickets
• Name/logo on website
• Verbal recognition during program
• Social media recognition (1 post)
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• Name listed on event signage and program
• Four (4) event tickets
• Name listed on website
• Collective recognition during program