Discover qualified Black professionals in Illinois across all industries and specialties. Connect with lawyers, doctors, accountants, real estate agents, therapists, and other service providers who understand your cultural background, speak your language, and are dedicated to serving the Black community with excellence and cultural sensitivity.
Dedrick L. Gordon is the owner of Gordon Injury Lawyers, a law firm conveniently located in downtown Chicago and the Art District of New Orleans. He concentrates his legal practice in several areas primarily involving a trial practice in cases involving serious personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
Mr. Gordon is an Illinois and Louisiana licensed trial lawyer. Mr. Gordon grew up in Chicago, but maintains strong New Orleans roots. His father was born and raised in New Orleans, and his grandfather owned and operated a produce company in the French Quarters for many years.
Mr. Gordon has successfully recovered hundreds of substantial settlements and jury verdicts on behalf of injury victims and their families. Recently, Mr. Gordon obtained a $3.125 million dollar settlement due to a hospital's negligence. Mr. Gordon has gained a reputation for his aggressive approach to helping his clients obtain the justice they deserve.
Mr. Gordon was named a 2022 and 2021 Illinois Rising Star Super Lawyer, an honor bestowed on only 2.5% of the lawyers in Illinois each year, and was featured in Chicago Magazine. This is the second year in a row Mr. Gordon has been named an Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star for his outstanding work in personal injury litigation.
Mr. Gordon is a former associate of Nilson, Stookal, Gleason & Caputo, Ltd., a Chicago-based law firm with 30-plus years of representing individuals in serious injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death and workers compensation matters; that has successfully recovered several millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of its clients.
Mr. Gordon served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cook County Bar Association and member of the Membership Committee of the Cook County Bar Association.
Mr. Gordon is an active member of the Chicago Bar Association, Cook County Bar Association, DuPage County Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, and New Orleans Bar Association.
Mr. Gordon is a graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Mr. Gordon worked for the Consumer Protection Unit and Homeowner Protection Unit of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, and clerked for the Securities Division for the Indiana Secretary of State.
A former prosecutor, Attorney Uche specializes in criminal/DUI and personal injury cases in Chicago, Cook County and in and around Illinois. As a criminal defense attorney, Attorney Uche has successfully obtained 'NOT GUILTY' verdicts in numerous criminal and DUI jury and bench trials. During cases that require plea bargaining. Attorney Uche has successfully negotiated great deals for clients, ultimately ensuring that his clients are exposed to the least damage.
Within the area of personal injury, Attorney Uche also specializes in personal injury cases securing favorable financial compensation for clients including amounts in the millions of dollars.
As a former prosecutor, Gbenga Longe has an extensive background in criminal law and knows how to get results. Throughout her legal career, Gbenga has handled thousands of DUI and criminal cases in Chicago as well as the surrounding suburbs. She carries an inside knowledge to winning cases. Gbenga is highly skilled in advocating for her clients and she will carefully analyze her clients' cases to determine the best course of action.
The purpose of this annual lecture is to help all people appreciate the distinctive theological and spiritual contributions that African American followers of Jesus have made to the church and the world. Central to the lecture series is the conviction that one does not have to choose between a high view of Scripture, deep commitment to Jesus, and a concern for justice. These elements—personal piety, concern for justice, and love for God’s word—have always been hallmarks of the central stream of the Black Christian tradition.
About our Guest: Reverend Dr. Charlie Dates
The Reverend Dr. Charlie Edward Dates is a dynamic and visionary preacher, scholar, and civic leader. His ministry unites people longing for change across generational and racial divides through the clear and compelling proclamation of the Gospel.
Dr. Dates serves as the Senior Pastor of both Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago and the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago—a unique calling that places him at the helm of two of the most storied and influential Black churches in the nation. Under his leadership, both congregations are experiencing vibrant renewal—spiritually, structurally, and socially—as they strengthen their prophetic witness to the city and the world.
Using various musical forms, including hip-hop and jazz, this dynamic musical production commemorates the struggles, recognizes the heroes, and celebrates the story of America’s African sons and daughters.Using various musical forms, including hip-hop and jazz, this dynamic musical production commemorates the struggles, recognizes the heroes, and celebrates the story of America’s African sons and daughters.From the beginning of American slavery to the Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Era and modern movements for justice,1619 packs generations of history into a two-hour musical theater experience that traces the African-American journey towards freedom and equality.
Prevention doesn’t have to feel clinical—it can feel like joy.
Join Lace 2 Liberation Inc. as we celebrate 3 years with The Blaque Effect, commemorating National Black HIV & AIDS Awareness Day while uplifting long-acting PrEP education and access.
🖤 Open Bar All Night
Lite Bites
All-Black. All Purpose. Tickets live
Black Law Students Association at DePaul University in Chicago, IL represents a cornerstone student organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the experiences of Black law students within the university community. This student-led organization creates a welcoming environment where members can build lasting friendships, share experiences, and support one another through the rigorous demands of legal education. Located at DePaul University's Chicago campus, the association serves as a vital resource for students seeking community, mentorship, and a sense of belonging within the law school.
The organization's mission centers on fostering connection and engagement among Black law students while contributing to a more inclusive and equitable legal profession. Members participate in curated events and activities designed to celebrate their identities, explore critical issues affecting their communities, and develop professionally in supportive spaces. Through participation in DePaul's campus engagement platform, the association maintains an active presence in university life and ensures that members remain connected to organizational activities and opportunities.
Serving the Chicago, Illinois area and the broader DePaul community, this student organization reflects the university's dedication to creating diverse, supportive campus environments. The association empowers its members to excel academically and professionally while building networks that will sustain them throughout their legal careers. By fostering meaningful relationships and providing spaces for authentic engagement, the Black Law Students Association contributes significantly to the overall well-being and success of its members within DePaul's law school community.
Chicago-Kent's Black Law Students Association represents a cornerstone student organization at the Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Law, located in Chicago, IL. This student-led group is dedicated to creating an inclusive, supportive community for Black law students pursuing their legal education and professional aspirations in one of America's most prominent legal markets.
Founded on principles of solidarity, mentorship, and mutual advancement, the association brings together students who share a commitment to excellence and community service. Members engage in meaningful conversations about diversity in the legal profession, participate in professional development activities, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond their time at Chicago-Kent.
As part of Chicago-Kent's broader student organization landscape, which includes prestigious law journals and academic publications, the Black Law Students Association contributes to the institution's culture of intellectual rigor and social responsibility. The organization recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives that Black law students bring to legal education and the profession.
Operating within Chicago's dynamic legal environment, the association connects students with mentors, career opportunities, and community partnerships that advance their personal and professional growth. Through collaborative programming and active engagement with Chicago-Kent's student community, members develop the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to make meaningful contributions to the legal field and their communities. The organization's transition to the new 312 Community Hubs platform reflects its commitment to evolving with student needs while maintaining its foundational mission of supporting Black law students' success.
The Black Law Students Association at Loyola University Chicago represents a vital community within the School of Law, dedicated to creating pathways for African-American legal professionals and advancing social justice. This student-led organization serves the Chicago, IL area with a mission rooted in national purpose: increasing African-American representation in the judiciary and legal profession while championing issues of critical importance to African-American communities.
At its core, BLSA embodies the legacy of civil rights advocacy, particularly honoring the pioneering work of Donald L. Hollowell, a 1951 Loyola alumnus who became one of the Civil Rights Movement's most influential attorneys. This historical connection shapes the organization's commitment to excellence and social responsibility. BLSA members work collaboratively to build a supportive community where African-American law students thrive academically and professionally.
The organization fosters meaningful relationships between current students and African-American legal professionals through structured mentorship and networking activities. BLSA recognizes that success in law requires both academic achievement and professional connections, and the organization deliberately creates spaces where these connections flourish. Members benefit from exposure to diverse legal careers and practice areas through guest speakers, panel discussions, and professional events.
Under the guidance of Faculty Advisor Neil Williams, BLSA cultivates a culture of mutual support and shared purpose. The organization's programming—from the Race and the Law Symposium to the annual distinguished service award ceremony—reflects a commitment to intellectual rigor, professional development, and community impact. BLSA members attending the Welcome Picnic and alumni brunch represent a connected network spanning generations, united by their dedication to advancing African-American excellence in law and service to their communities.
