Governor Quinn Celebrates Women's History Month

CHICAGO - March 27, 2009.  In honor of Women's History Month, Governor Pat Quinn proclaimed March 27, 2009 to be Jackie Taylor Day in Illinois. Jackie Taylor is the founder and executive director of the 32-year-old Black Ensemble Theater Company located on Chicago's north side.



"I am honored to be here today with Jackie Taylor, who has contributed so much to the arts and to our greater Illinois' community," Governor Quinn said. "Jackie has given so much back not only through her own performances, but through her countless hours as a teacher and mentor. I am proud to proclaim today Jackie Taylor Day in Illinois."



A native Chicagoan raised in the Cabrini Green housing project, Taylor is a noted actress, singer, director and playwright. She founded the Black Ensemble Theater in 1976 with a $1200 loan and over the years has grown the organization into a $1.7 million dollar cultural institution.



"Strengthening the School through the Arts," a fifteen-year-old program designed by Taylor, educates teachers on how to use theaters to enhance curriculum and classroom management. She has also taught in public schools and worked on special projects with the Illinois Arts Council and Urban Gateways, an organization dedicated to bringing visual, literary, media and performing arts to children in school-based and community settings.



Governor Quinn was joined by Senator Toi Hutchinson (D-Chicago); Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago); Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester); Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago); Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago); Cook County Board Commissioner Earlean Collins; and Alderman Carrie Austin (34th Ward).