RELEASE: Citizen Action/Illinois to Commemorate 50 Years of Progressive Action and Progress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Schrader
josh@citizenaction-il.org
Citizen Action/Illinois to Commemorate 50 Years of Progressive Action and Progress
CHICAGO, IL – Citizen Action/Illinois will host its 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Hilton Chicago, bringing together advocates, organizers, elected leaders, and supporters to honor five decades of building power for social, economic, and political justice.
For fifty years, Citizen Action/Illinois has been at the forefront of the movement for progressive change—organizing communities, championing consumer protections, expanding access to healthcare, strengthening democracy, and electing leaders committed to justice. Today, as the fight for federal protections grows more urgent and threats to fundamental rights escalate nationwide, the organization’s mission is more vital than ever.
This milestone celebration will uplift the leaders whose contributions have shaped the organization’s legacy and illuminate the path forward for the next generation of progressive organizing in Illinois and beyond.
Event Details
WHAT: Citizen Action/Illinois 50th Anniversary Celebration
WHEN: Friday, November 7, 2025 at 5pm (program starts at 6:10)
WHERE: Hilton Chicago
DETAILS: Evening program, honoree presentations, and celebration of five decades of grassroots organizing and progressive victories.
Honorees
Egan-Evans Award for Distinguished Service – Robert “Bob” Creamer
Citizen Action/Illinois is honored to present its highest recognition, the Egan-Evans Award, to founding Executive Director Robert “Bob” Creamer. From his early work with Chicago’s Citizen Action Program in 1970 to co-founding the Illinois Public Action Council in 1975, Bob built the foundation for what has become the state’s largest public interest and progressive coalition. His trailblazing leadership in grassroots organizing and electoral politics helped secure major policy advances and strengthened the progressive movement in Illinois for generations.
This award commemorates Monsignor John Egan, a civil rights champion who marched in Selma with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Congressman Lane Evans, a progressive legend from Rock Island and founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Palmer-DeLaforgue Lifetime Impact Award – Betty Magness
A powerhouse for civic engagement, Betty Magness will be honored for her decades of leadership and service. As Co-Chair of Chicago Women Take Action, Illinois Political Director for the National Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and a Board Member of the Citizen Action/Illinois Education Fund, she has been instrumental in mobilizing communities and strengthening democratic participation across the state.
This award commemorates Dr. Alice Palmer and Linda Delaforgue. Dr. Palmer was a lifelong champion for social justice, an educator, global activist, and Illinois State Senator who helped shape progressive politics and mentored future leaders—including Barack Obama. Linda DeLalaforgue dedicated her entire career to Citizen Action/Illinois, rising from canvasser to Co-Director and becoming the strategic force behind major policy victories in healthcare, consumer protection, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Together, their vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice laid the foundation for the organization’s impact today.
Rising Star Award – Congresswoman Delia Ramirez
Citizen Action/Illinois will recognize Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, the first Latina elected to Congress from Illinois, for her unwavering commitment to progressive values, immigrant rights, and community-rooted leadership. Her work continues to inspire a new generation working toward justice and equity.
Citizen Action/Illinois believes that we all do better when we all do better. Funds raised will directly support grassroots campaigns, voter engagement efforts, progressive candidate development, and advocacy for policies that uplift communities across Illinois.
This unforgettable evening will honor our history, celebrate our movement, and power the next 50 years of progress.
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For Media Inquiries:
Contact
Josh Schrader
Citizen Action/Illinois
(402) 860-0689
josh@citizenaction-il.org