the black united fund of illinois Welcomes Alvin Boutte Jr.

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 The Black United Fund of Illinois welcomes Alvin Boutte Jr. as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors. We look forward to his leadership as BUFI continues its mission of “Helping People Help Themselves” through education, economic opportunity, community partnerships and support for Black communities throughout Chicago and Illinois.

We extend our sincere thanks to Carl West for his service as Board Chairman and his dedication to BUFI’s mission. Carl remains a member of the Board of Directors, continuing to contribute his experience, community relationships and commitment to the organization’s future.

 Alvin Boutte Jr. brings experience in investment banking, corporate and municipal finance, entrepreneurship and education advocacy. His work includes helping educational institutions address governance, financing and organizational challenges. He also serves as treasurer of the Betty Shabazz International Charter School board. His background connects financial expertise with a commitment to educational access and community advancement.

 Dr. Carolyn Day is an accomplished nonprofit executive, educator, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, educational advancement, economic empowerment, and community development.

As Executive Director of the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI), Dr. Day oversees the organization's daily operations, strategic partnerships, grantmaking initiatives, and programs supporting financial literacy, youth development, workforce opportunities, and community investment. Her previous leadership experience includes serving as Executive Director of nonprofit literacy organizations and holding leadership positions within Chicago Public Schools.

Dr. Day holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders from Lincoln University in Missouri. Her educational background complements her longstanding commitment to improving opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

Her extensive civic involvement includes service on the boards of Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV), the historic South Side Community Art Center, and the National Nonprofit Insurance Alliance, where she serves on the Audit Committee. Appointed by the Governor of Illinois to the African American Employment Policy Council, Dr. Day also advocates for equitable employment opportunities and greater representation in state government. Her community involvement extends to The Links, Incorporated, Windy City Chapter, and the Trustee Ministry of Trinity United Church of Christ.

Under her leadership, BUFI continues to expand partnerships with civic, corporate, philanthropic, and faith-based organizations while supporting grassroots initiatives, cultural preservation, educational equity, and economic opportunity.

Through her commitment to strengthening community institutions and creating pathways to self-sufficiency, Dr. Carolyn Day advances BUFI's mission of “Helping People Help Themselves,” ensuring that individuals, families, and community organizations have greater access to the resources, education, and opportunities needed to build stronger futures.

 Dr. Robert T. Starks is a distinguished Chicago educator, political scientist, author, and community activist whose career spans more than five decades of leadership in African American education, political empowerment, and social justice.

Dr. Starks served as the founding director of the Center for Black Studies at Northern Illinois University, where he helped establish academic programs focused on African American history and culture. He later became Professor of Political Science and Inner City Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, where he founded the Harold Washington Institute for Research and Policy Studies in 2001. He earned degrees from Loyola University Chicago and a doctorate from the University of Chicago.

A prominent voice in Chicago's political history, Dr. Starks served as an advisor to Reverend Jesse L. Jackson and Chicago Mayor Harold Washington. He was founding chairman of the Task Force for Black Political Empowerment and Chicago chairman of the Free South Africa Movement, advocating for political representation, civil rights, and racial equality.

Dr. Starks has also contributed extensively to public discourse through his writings for N'DIGO, appearances on WVON Radio, and national television programs including CNN, C-SPAN, and ABC's Nightline. His research and writing have examined African American political leadership, including the historic legacy of Mayor Harold Washington.

A longtime member and former Chairman of the Black United Fund of Illinois Board of Directors, Dr. Robert T. Starks exemplifies BUFI's mission of “Helping People Help Themselves” through education, civic participation, leadership development, and strengthening the institutions that empower African American communities.

 Mr. Lafayette Ford Sr. is a longtime Chicago civic leader, education advocate, and community organizer with decades of experience advancing public school reform, neighborhood development, and community empowerment.

Lafayette has held significant leadership positions in Chicago education, including Chairman of the Chicago School Board Nominating Commission and Executive Director of the CityWide Coalition for School Reform. He also participated in the Chicago Annenberg Challenge's school reform initiatives and has advocated for greater accountability, community participation, and improved educational opportunities for Chicago students.

His commitment to neighborhood preservation includes serving as President of the South Shore Preservation and Planning Coalition and as a board member of South Shore Works. Through these organizations, Lafayette has championed responsible neighborhood development, resident involvement in planning decisions, and protecting established communities from displacement.

Lafayette continues to contribute to discussions about Chicago public education, including school-board governance, educational accountability, and the importance of community representation in decisions affecting students and families.

As Vice Chairman of the Black United Fund of Illinois Board of Directors, Lafayette Ford Sr. advances BUFI’s mission of “Helping People Help Themselves” through educational advocacy, civic engagement, neighborhood preservation, and empowering residents to shape the future of their communities.

 Mr. Vincent S. Williams is a Chicago-based film and television professional, educator, and founder of VSW Creative Media Group. Vincent has worked on more than 100 television shows, films, commercials, and music videos, serving as a producer, director, cinematographer, and editor. His production credits include Chicago Med (NBC), The Chi (Showtime), The Exorcist (FOX), Burning Sands (Netflix), and Political Capital (Bloomberg TV).

Vincent is also an experienced educator and educational administrator. He has taught at Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., and at the collegiate level. He currently serves as Co-Executive Director of Hunter Lab Academy, a Chicago-based high school diploma completion program. Vincent holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film from Howard University.

His current documentary, Reimagining Aunt Jemima, explores the life and legacy of Nancy Green, a pioneering African American woman who lived and worked in Chicago.

As a member of the Black United Fund of Illinois Board of Directors, Vincent S. Williams supports BUFI’s mission of “Helping People Help Themselves” through education, creative expression, cultural awareness, and community empowerment.

 Ms. Diane Dinkins-Carr is the founder and president of DDC Consulting Group, an art appraisal and consulting firm specializing in African American art. Diane has extensive experience curating exhibitions, developing educational programs, and helping individuals and institutions build, manage, and preserve valuable art collections.

A graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in art and design, Diane has also served as president and board chair of the historic South Side Community Art Center, promoting African American artistic expression, cultural education, and preservation.

As a member of the Black United Fund of Illinois Board of Directors, Diane Dinkins-Carr supports BUFI’s mission of “Helping People Help Themselves” by advancing arts education, preserving African American cultural heritage, and empowering communities through greater access to artistic and cultural opportunities.

Ms. Felicia Fortenberry is an accomplished media executive, business strategist, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience in advertising, corporate sales, strategic partnerships, and business development. Throughout her career, Felicia has generated more than half a billion dollare in media revenue, demonstrating her expertise in building relationships, expanding business opportunities, and developing successful marketing strategies.

Her professional background includes leadership roles with prominent media and entertainment organizations, including BET Networks, Viacom, TikTok, Spotify, Essence Communications, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Felicia has also worked with OMNIA Strategy Group, contributing her experience in business strategy, marketing, and relationship development.

A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising, Felicia is committed to education, mentorship, and professional advancement. She has served as a mentor with LINK Unlimited Scholars since 2012, helping young African Americans pursue educational and career opportunities. Her community involvement also includes mentoring through She Runs It, an organization supporting women's professional development and leadership, and participation in the Chicago Advertising Federation's Diversity Thought Leadership Council.

Felicia has served on the Black United Fund of Illinois Board of Directors since 2021, contributing her expertise in communications, corporate partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement. She has actively supported BUFI's public outreach and fundraising initiatives, including its annual WVON radiothon.

Through her commitment to mentorship, educational opportunity, economic advancement, and developing future leaders, Felicia Fortenberry advances BUFI's mission of “Helping People Help Themselves,” connecting individuals and communities with the relationships, resources, and opportunities needed for lasting success.

Mr. Carl D. West is a Chicago media entrepreneur, author, publisher, and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in media, publishing, marketing, and youth development. Carl is the CEO of MG Media and founder and publisher of Truth Be Told News Service (TBTNews), a media platform dedicated to informing, engaging, and amplifying community voices.

Carl is the author of The Power of Mentoring, a book drawing on more than 30 years of experience to explore how guidance, encouragement, and community support can transform young lives. His commitment to developing future leaders is further demonstrated through his founding of the EHWG Leadership Initiative and TRUTH 4 Literacy, programs emphasizing mentorship, education, critical thinking, and leadership development among Chicago youth.

Carl became Chairman of the Black United Fund of Illinois Board of Directors in 2019, helping strengthen BUFI’s community relationships, organizational visibility, and public voice. He continues to serve as a board member, contributing his experience in communications, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Through his longstanding dedication to mentorship, leadership development, and economic opportunity, Carl D. West exemplifies BUFI’s mission of “Helping People Help Themselves,” empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to build stronger futures.

Henry L. English — Founder and President
Henry L. English founded and led the Black United Fund of Illinois, helping establish a lasting institution dedicated to community empowerment and self-help. A community organizer, mentor and philanthropic leader, he worked to connect resources with organizations and people addressing the needs of Black communities. His vision continues to guide BUFI’s mission and service.

Dr. Conrad Worrill — Emeritus, In Memoriam
Dr. Conrad Worrill was an educator, writer and activist whose work advanced African-centered education, racial justice and self-determination. He taught at Northeastern Illinois University for more than 40 years and directed its Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies. BUFI honors his enduring contributions to education, community leadership and the empowerment of people of African descent.

Greg Hinton — Emeritus, In Memoriam
Greg Hinton served as BUFI’s board chairman and built a distinguished career in corporate diversity leadership. His experience included executive roles with major organizations and service as the Democratic National Committee’s first diversity officer. He is remembered for his community service, mentorship and commitment to expanding opportunities for others.