More than 200 members of the International Ministers Community Alliance traveled to Springfield to meet with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and state legislators demanding jobs, grants, and contracts. They said, “Our churches’ collection plates are getting smaller and our taxes are getting higher.”
The ministers and community leaders told the Governor, “We come to get your support as we gave you our support in the last election.”
The group was led by West Side businessman and philanthropist Willie L. Wilson, founder and CEO of Omar, Inc. Joining him were Pastor Johnny L. Miller of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Shani S.P. Smith of the Association of Block Clubs, Ziff A. Sistrunk, Kirby Puckett Boys Club, Inc., Dr. Sidney E. Grandberry of Gospel Temple COGIC, Mozo Construction, Inc., Michael Carruthers of Carruthers Construction & Safety Company, and more than 200 Chicago ministers.
The Governor appointed Darryl Harris, Director of Diversity Enhancement, and Andre B. Ashmore to meet monthly with the group and to report to the Governor on how the group is achieving its goals.
Early in the day, the group met with House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senator Mattie Hunter, Senator James Meeks, and Senator Jacqueline Collins, who offered their support for the group’s principles. The Governor answered questions from the group for more than an hour.
The next meeting of the group is Monday, March 28, 10:00 AM, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard.
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