2 0 0 9 A N N U A L R E P O R T __________________________________________________________________ 11
ANNUAL REPORT
IDOC FY09
Director Walker, Chief Hansbro address offenders in recognition
of Black History Month at Decatur Correctional Center
In recognition of Black History Month, IDOC
Director Roger E. Walker Jr. and Chief of Commu-nity
Outreach Shelith Hansbro addressed female
offenders at Decatur Correctional Center on Feb. 6,
2009. The theme of Walker’s speech focused on the
many achievements of African Americans throughout
history, both then and now, highlighting on Martin
Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama.
“Today, the dream is still alive,” Walker said, reflect-ing
on King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. In that
speech, King dreamed of a nation where people ‘will
not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the
content of their character.’
“Today, there is still hope and promise,” said Walker.
“I have seen it personally. If you are determined,
committed and demonstrate good character, you can
accomplish many things. In my own life, I am proud
and honored to become the first African American
sheriff in Illinois.”
In his remarks, Walker talked about the strength of
faith and quoted Martin Luther King noting that
‘faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see
the whole staircase.’
“Today, you can take that first step,” Walker said to
the female offenders. “I couldn’t see that entire
staircase 37 years ago in my career, but I took that
first step. And through faith and the love of God, it
has taken me to great heights.”
Walker also reflected on Barack Obama, the nation’s
first African American president, who was sworn in
to office Jan. 20, 2009.
“Today, the nation has seen the dream become a
reality,” Walker added. “That reality is President
Barack Obama.”
Walker pointed out that the dream is shared through-out
America.
“We are the generation for change, hope and peace,”
he said. “During this generation, we can make a
better life for ourselves and our children.”
Hansbro also mirrored those words as she spoke to
the female offenders. Hansbro and her family wit-nessed
President Obama’s inauguration in Washing-ton,
D.C.
“I wanted my children to see that people of all races
can achieve great things,” she said. “My children may
be too young now to realize the importance of that
historical day. But as they become older, I know it
will be quite significant to them.”
Hansbro stressed to the female offenders that they
and their children have the opportunity to also rise
and achieve their dreams through hard work, determi-nation
and making the right choices.
“Your journey is just beginning,” she said. “It’s not
just about race. You can all strive to make a better life
for yourself and your children. All of us want you to
be successful as you reenter society.”
Director Walker and Chief of Community Outreach
Shelith Hansbro addressed female offenders at Decatur
Correctional Center in recognition of Black History
Month. Featured are (left) Chief Hansbro, Deputy
Director of Women and Family Services Debbie Den-ning,
Director Walker, Decatur Warden Christine Boyd
and Confidential Assistant to the Director Brigitte Smith.
