February is Black History Month: Honoring the past and creating better futures for children and families
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Safety First. Safety Always.
Black History Month holds profound significance for me—it is a time to reflect on the resilience, contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout history, while also honoring the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for us to stand in positions of leadership and service today.
This month serves as a reminder of the importance of representation, equity and advocacy—values I strive to embed in my work every day at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The stories of Black leaders, pioneers and changemakers remind me of the power of perseverance and the critical need to be a voice for marginalized communities. Their journeys motivate me to push forward in dismantling systemic barriers, advocating for underserved families and ensuring that the children and families we serve have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
Black History Month also fuels my passion for building a workplace and service framework rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion. It reminds me of the importance of engaging communities, uplifting voices that have been silenced and creating spaces where African American children and families see themselves valued and supported.
Ultimately, Black History Month inspires me to continue this work with purpose and pride, knowing that every step I take honors those who came before me while helping to create a better future for those who will follow.
When I joined DCFS nearly 27 years ago, my motivation was, and remains, my deep-rooted passion for helping children and families, especially those facing difficult and often unjust circumstances. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges many families in underserved communities faced—struggles with poverty, systemic inequities and limited access to resources. These experiences inspired me to dedicate my career to being part of the solution.
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I wanted to be a change agent, someone who could help ensure that all children, particularly African American children, are protected, valued and given opportunities to succeed. My educational background in social work and inner-city studies solidified my understanding of the systemic issues impacting communities of color and fueled my desire to contribute to meaningful change.
Joining DCFS gave me the opportunity to turn that passion into action—whether through advocating for vulnerable families, ensuring safe facilities and support services to workers, creating programs that promote equity, or mentoring staff to approach this work with cultural competency and compassion. Knowing that my work helps keep children safe, strengthen families, empower communities and ultimately create better outcomes for children has been my greatest motivation.
Christopher Towers
Chief, Office of African American Services
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Program Coordinator at Valley Area Agency On Aging
2 周I LOVE that Illinois is focusing on unification in marginalized communities. After working Child Welfare for the State of Michigan, I've seen the outpouring of love in many communities, but I've also seen the unique struggles they face when trying to support each other. Opportunities to keep families together are abundant, we just have to seize them.
Non-Profit/Social Services Organizational Culture and Program Operations Executive Administrator
3 周I am so glad to be a partner with DCFS! Thanks for not forgetting to acknowledge those who are so rarely acknowledged as major contributors to making a difference in the lives of children.