Black business groups blast college board over sputtering minority
business participation
Send a link to a friend
[April 10, 2024]
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor
(The Center Square) – Citing data that shows most state community
colleges are falling short of meeting state-mandated minority
participation goals, Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce
Chairman Dr. Cornel Darden Jr. is calling for the Illinois Community
College Board to be defunded.
Despite state law calling for 30% minority participation among vendors,
Darden pegs such business with most community colleges at just 1%,
adding that some institutions still have no dealings.
“Black companies always get the short end of the stick,” Darden told The
Center Square. “So, we're advocating that we get many of these state
institutions to reach those goals. What's going on with the community
colleges specifically is that they've been the most egregious and not
even attempted to meet the goals.”
Joined by several other Black business organizations in pushing for such
equity, Darden added that the reasons he’s heard for noncompliance are
vast, ranging from some not believing in the law to others insisting
that the targeted goals are merely aspirational.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Apr/10/images/ads/current/humanesociety_sda022411.png)
[to top of second column]
|
![](../images/041024PIX/news_c6.jpg)
Chicago Southland Black Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cornel Darden
Jr. - BlueRoomStream
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Apr/10/images/ads/current/holzwarth_lda_SFARM_2024.png)
“We've actually met with every single community college in the state
of Illinois and it's just been a horrible experience,” he added.
“When we approach them about reaching the goals, they respond with
hostility.”
More recently, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, who also chairs
the Illinois House Appropriations - Higher Education Committee,
hosted a subject matter hearing on the issue.
Darden said the group is also pushing for colleges and universities
to become members of the Black Chambers of Commerce and other Black
trade associations so they are familiar with and have a connection
with minority owned businesses when opportunities arise.
“We're not just coming up with that, they are already members of
white chambers of commerce and white trade associations,” he said.
“We think that's the first step to take because their No. 1 excuse
is that they don't know where these Black businesses are. If you're
having a hard time reaching Black and minority businesses, then you
should be advertising those solicitations in Black owned media.” |