Obama Presidential Center, Chicago IL | Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 6:30 PM
55 Years of Building Self-Reliant Families & Thriving Communities
For 55 years, Centers for New Horizons has worked alongside children, families, and communities to build self-reliance, strengthen families, and create opportunities for South Side communities to thrive.
On October 8, 2026, community leaders, longtime partners, supporters, and friends gathered at the Obama Presidential Center Museum to celebrate this legacy and look ahead to the work still to come. The evening honored the people who helped shape Centers’ journey and reaffirmed a shared commitment to building a stronger future for the South Side.
Explore the stories, films, and moments that mark this milestone in Centers’ history, and discover how the work continues.
A Night to Remember
From honoring our founder, Dr. Sokoni T. Karanja, to celebrating the people and partnerships that have shaped our journey, the 55th Anniversary Celebration was an evening to reflect on our legacy and look ahead to the future.
Take a look back at a few moments from the celebration.
LEGACY | VIDEOS | SUPPORTERS
From its beginnings to the work happening today, Centers’ story is one of growth, resilience and connection to Chicago’s South Side. Explore five stories that trace where Centers began, how the community has changed, the generations we’ve served, the impact we’re making today and the future we’re building together.
55 Years. Five Stories. One Continuing Legacy.
01 — Why Was Centers Created?
Every story has a beginning. Discover the vision and community needs that led to the creation of Centers for New Horizons and set the foundation for the work that continues today.
Explore the Series
02 — How Centers Grew With the Community
As the South Side changed, Centers changed with it. Explore the evolution of the community and how Centers continued to adapt, grow and respond to the needs of the people it serves.
The impact of Centers reaches across generations. Hear stories of the children, families and community members who have been part of the Centers journey and discover how its legacy continues from one generation to the next.
03 — From One Generation to the Next
04 — Centers Is More Than Childcare
Centers has grown far beyond its beginnings in early childhood education. Discover the programs, people and partnerships that make Centers a vital part of the South Side community today.
05 — Looking Ahead: The Future
The 55th Anniversary Celebration honored the legacy that brought Centers to this moment and the people who will help shape what comes next. As we look ahead, Centers remains committed to building on that legacy, creating opportunities for children and families, and strengthening communities across the South Side.
Watch the video to hear more about the vision for Centers’ future and the work still to come.
LEGACY | VIDEOS | SUPPORTERS
Meet Our Host Committee Chair
Pastor Chris Harris, Sr.
Senior Pastor, Bright Star C.O.G.I.C. & St. James C.O.G.I.C. Chicago
Founder & CEO, Bright Star Community Outreach & Bright Star Community Development Corporation
Centers for New Horizons extends its sincere thanks to Pastor Chris Harris Sr. for serving as chair of the 55th Anniversary Celebration Host Committee. As a longtime community leader and advocate for the South Side, Pastor Harris helped bring people together in support of Centers’ mission.
Affectionately known as “PCH,” Pastor Chris Harris, Sr. is a visionary pastor, community leader, and bridge-builder whose work spans ministry, leadership, and community transformation.
As the founder of Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Community Development Corporation, Pastor Harris has helped create pathways to opportunity and address critical needs across Chicago. His leadership through The Urban Resilience Network has helped secure more than $40 million in investment, serve more than 70,000 Chicagoans, and expand access to critical community services, including shelter and support for individuals and families experiencing housing instability.
A respected leader in Chicago and beyond, Pastor Harris is committed to developing leaders, strengthening communities, building bridges across faith and civic communities, and creating lasting impact.
In Pastor Harris's words:
“The truth is, my vision for community service was mandated by God, but mentored by Dr. K and Centers for New Horizons. The work this organization has been doing for decades in Bronzeville and beyond was the blueprint, and is still a very necessary and essential asset to our community. I am humbled and honored to be connected to such a great legacy.”
Our Host Committee
Thank you to the members of the 55th Anniversary Celebration Host Committee for their leadership, time, and support in bringing this special evening to life.
Their commitment helped make the celebration possible and honored the people, partnerships, and community that have shaped Centers’ 55-year legacy.
Anurima Bhargava
Kevin Conlon
Fr. Brendan Curran
Aarti Dhupelia
Linda Diamond Shapiro
Ald. Pat Dowell
James Floyd
Christa Hamilton
Teena Lorie Harris
Sen. Mattie Hunter
Kristina Kaupa
Libby Massey
Cody McSellers-McCray
Commr. Donna Miller
Lydia Murray
Michelle Nasser
Meera Raja
Ald. Mike Rodriguez
Jamie Simone
Leon Walker
Roopa Webber
LEGACY | VIDEOS | SUPPORTERS
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’re grateful to the organizations and partners whose generosity helped make our 55th Anniversary Celebration possible. Thank you for supporting Centers, honoring our legacy, and investing in a stronger future for South Side families and communities.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Bright Star Community Development Corporation
Ginsberg Jacobs LLC
Habilitative Systems, Inc
Lydia and Tom Murray
McGuire Engineers, Inc
The Monk Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
OneDigital
Porte Brown Accountants & Advisors
TrueNorth Companies
Wintrust Bank, N.A.
LEGACY | VIDEOS | SUPPORTERS