Manley Attends National Hook-Up of Black Women, Joliet Chapter Legacy of Service Event;

JOLIET, Ill. – State Representative Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, attended the National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW) Founders Day Celebration Saturday. Rep Manley has been a longtime supporter and friend of the Joliet chapter for many years.

“This organization is dedicated to promoting an active and collective voice on women’s issues,” said Manley. “For over three decades they have worked toward collective change to improve the quality of life for people in our community. It’s been an honor to be a part of this vital organization.”

This event, called “Legacy of Service: 34 Years of Denim & Diamonds in Our Community,” honored six members of the community: Uxmar Torres for arts; Denise Duncan for community service (adult); Clifford Isiah Jackson for community service (youth); Christopher Parker for education; Michael Mutterer for health; and the 2025 Icon was Betty Mahone, Joliet Area Black College & Career Fair.

The National Hook-Up of Black Women Inc, Joliet Chapter, is a non-profit 501 ©3 charitable community service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and their families through support of the arts, culture, education, health and wellness, and human service programs. 

The group provides free health and wellness screenings and seminars, as well as free leadership and life skills programs for both girls and boys. The group also provides free empowerment seminars for parents in the community, and free books.

“Literacy is one of their most impactful programs and is what drew me to the organization when I heard about it,” said Manley.

“Membership reflects a diversity of women from varied businesses, professions and community disciplines crossing all economic, social and educational levels,” according to the organization’s website, www.nhbwjoliet.com.

In January 2025, Rep. Manley was honored to be a guest speaker and panelist at the NHBW’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr celebration event.

The Legacy of Service event was held last weekend at the Joliet Renaissance Center.

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