55 Years. Many Stories. One Continuing Legacy.
Do It For The South Side: 55 Years of Building Self-Reliant Families and Thriving Communities
On October 8, 2026, community leaders, longtime partners, supporters, and friends gathered at the Obama Presidential Center Museum to celebrate 55 years of Centers for New Horizons. Guided by the theme “Do It For The South Side: 55 Years of Building Self-Reliant Families and Thriving Communities,” the evening offered an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s history, honor the people who helped shape its journey, hear firsthand how its work touches lives, and look ahead to what comes next.
For more than five decades, Centers has worked alongside children, families, and communities to build self-reliance, strengthen families, and create opportunities for South Side communities to thrive. What began with a vision for Bronzeville has continued to evolve in response to the needs, strengths, and aspirations of the people Centers serves.
Honoring a Legacy of Vision and Service
A highlight of the evening was honoring Centers founder Dr. Sokoni T. Karanja, known to many as Dr. K. His vision, tenacity, and deep commitment to Bronzeville and the South Side helped establish a foundation that continues to shape the organization today.
For 55 years, Centers has adapted to meet the changing needs of families while remaining rooted in its purpose: helping children thrive, strengthening families, and building communities where people have the resources and opportunities to move forward.
The celebration was an opportunity to recognize Dr. K’s lasting contributions and the many people who have carried that work forward.
The Power of a Personal Story
The impact of Centers is best understood through the people whose lives have been touched by its work.
Featured speaker Capria Berry shared a personal connection to the organization that began when their mother found Centers at its location on 37th and Rhodes in the early 1990s. Years later, Capria returned to share their story at the celebration, bringing the organization’s history to life through the experience of one family.
Their story was a reminder that the work of Centers extends beyond any single program or moment. Its impact can continue across generations, shaping experiences and creating opportunities long after a family first walks through its doors.
Building on the Legacy, Looking to the Future
As Centers looks toward its next chapter, CEO and Executive Director Lakisha McFadden continues to lead the organization’s work alongside its staff, board members, partners, and community.
The evening also welcomed Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, whose presence underscored the importance of continued investment in the people and communities of the South Side.
Another memorable moment was the unveiling of a commissioned artwork by artist Paul Branton, created for the 55th Anniversary Celebration. The artwork added a meaningful creative tribute to an evening centered on legacy, community, and the future.
Together, these moments reflected a central message of the celebration: honoring the past means continuing to do the work that will create a stronger future.
A Celebration at a Place of History
The Obama Presidential Center Museum provided a meaningful setting for the anniversary. Guests had the opportunity to explore the museum through self-guided tours before gathering for the evening’s formal program and celebration.
The setting offered space to reflect on history, community, and the power of people working toward a shared vision. It was a fitting backdrop for an organization whose own history is deeply connected to the people and neighborhoods of Chicago’s South Side.
A Community at the Heart of the Story
For 55 years, the story of Centers has been shaped by the children and families it serves, the staff who carry out its mission, the community members who champion its work, and the partners and supporters who help make its programs possible.
The anniversary celebration brought many of those people together in one room. From longtime supporters to newer partners, each represents a part of the broader community that has helped Centers grow and continue serving South Side families.
Pastor Chris Harris Sr., chair of the 55th Anniversary Celebration Host Committee, helped bring the evening to life as its emcee. Throughout the program, he introduced speakers, energized the room, encouraged guests to give in support of Centers’ mission, and kept the celebration moving with warmth and enthusiasm. His leadership helped connect the evening’s reflections on Centers’ legacy with the shared commitment to carrying its work forward.
That collective commitment was visible throughout the evening, from the voices on stage to the people working behind the scenes. Centers extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, supported, planned, sponsored, and contributed to the celebration. The evening would not have been possible without this collective effort.
Thank You to Our Host Committee
Centers is grateful to the members of the 55th Anniversary Celebration Host Committee for lending their leadership, time, and support to this important occasion.
Host Committee Chair: Pastor Chris Harris Sr.
Host Committee Members:
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, Commr. Donna Miller, Lydia Murray, Michelle Nasser, Meera Raja, Ald. Mike Rodriguez, Jamie Simone, Leon Walker, Roopa Webber
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful to the organizations and individuals whose generosity supports the work of Centers and helped make this celebration possible.
Leadership Sponsor: Continuserve
Impact Sponsor: Micro-Tech USA
Community Champion Sponsors:
Bright Star Community Development Corporation
Porte Brown Accountants & Advisors
Neighborhood Builder Sponsors:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Ginsberg Jacobs LLC
Habilitative Systems, Inc.
Lydia and Tom Murray
McGuire Engineers, Inc.
The Monk Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
OneDigital
TrueNorth Companies
Wintrust Bank, N.A.
Thank you for investing in Centers, the families we serve, and the future of the South Side.
Thank You to Our Event Partners
An evening like this comes together through the time, talent, and care of many people and organizations. We extend our thanks to the event partners who helped bring the 55th Anniversary Celebration to life.
Venue: Obama Presidential Center
Event Planning and Staffing: Strategic Events Solutions
Catering: BAMJoy
Audio/Visual Production and Lighting: Frost Chicago
Event Décor: Brittney Kee Floral
Event Rentals: Windy City Rentals
Photography: TK Photography
Creative Communications and Project Support: causeFX
Public Relations and Media: Len Gar Media Consultants
Printing and Signage: EF Design Group
Graphic Design: CBD Graphics
Commissioned Anniversary Artwork: Paul Branton
Award: William Bigham Galleries
Thank you to each partner for contributing your expertise and helping create an evening that honored the legacy of Centers and the people who continue to shape its future.
Do It For The South Side. The Work Continues.
The 55th Anniversary Celebration honored the people, partnerships, and community commitment that have shaped Centers for New Horizons over the past five decades. As Centers looks ahead, that same commitment will continue to guide its work: helping children thrive, supporting families as they build stability and self-reliance, and strengthening South Side communities.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Centers story, from the families and staff at the heart of its work to the partners, supporters, and donors who help make it possible. The next chapter is still being written, and Centers will continue working alongside the community to build a stronger future for the South Side.
Relive the Celebration
Explore moments from the 55th Anniversary Celebration in our event photo gallery and revisit the stories that reflect the history, people, and continuing impact of Centers for New Horizons.
Be Part of What Comes Next
Our 55-year history is a testament to what a community can accomplish when people come together around a shared purpose. Your support helps Centers continue building self-reliant families and thriving communities across the South Side.
