• In addition to our weekly student spotlights, we are excited to be able to share some BBCHS alumni spotlights as well. These spotlights are really special to us as these individuals once walked the halls of BBCHS. It is our hope that our students and community are able to see and hear from our black alumni and how they have gone, grown, and have been successful in the world after high school.

February 8, 2021

  • Today we have the opportunity to hear from Chris Gandy. In 1999, Chris started his own financial services practice and, since then, has worked with business owners, physicians, professional athletes and key executives all over the country. Chris focuses on the areas of life insurance, disability income insurance, investments and tax-efficient strategies. After playing basketball for the Fighting Illini at the University of Illinois where he was co-captain and earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors, Chris played professional basketball for the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs and in L’Hermaine, France. After his time in the NBA, and before founding his own agency, Chris worked as a Northwestern Mutual Financial network representative. While there, he became a Million Dollar Round Table Member — an association of financial professionals. Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with friends, following the NBA and spending time with his best friend and son, Jordan.

    Chris shares, “The idea of Black Excellence for me is the idea that BBCHS has given me the seed so that I can give back and inspire other people.” Listen to more of the encouraging words he has to say in the video below.

    Thank you Chris for sharing your truth with us! We can all learn a lot from you. 

    Connect with Chris:
    Website: https://midwestlegacygroupllc.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidwestLegacyGroupLLC/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-legacy-group-llc 


February 15, 2021

  • Today we get the opportunity to spotlight BBCHS Alumni, Naomi Shepard. Naomi graduated last year and is now a freshman student at Illinois State University. In her time at BBCHS, she made such an impact on our school community by educating and encouraging our equity journey. 

    Naomi has the gift of sharing her racial identity story through her art. Last year, she was able to show her work to the faculty, staff, and Board of Education. We have asked her to participate in our Black History Month celebration of Black Excellence to share her story with us. 

    Naomi shares, “I believe black students exemplify Black Excellence the most. We are the near future, we are coming fresh with new ideas, music, art, for the world to grow off of.” 

    Connect with Naomi Here:
    Art Instagram: @marsarts23
    Personal Instagram: @naomis.23

    Review Naomi's Art Portfolio Here

    Alumni Spotlight Black Excellence Images

     

Black Excellence

Racial Identity Through Art


February 22, 2021

  • For today’s Alumni Spotlight Monday, we get the opportunity to feature young alum, Tyleah Whitlow. Tyleah is a 2020 BBCHS graduate who is passionate about photography and activism.

    We asked Tyleah what Black Excellence means to her. In the video she shares, “just being black is already excellent”. We invite you to watch the video below to hear her truth! You can also learn more about Tyleah in her bio here: 

    “My name is Tyleah Whitlow (aka ty or tati). I graduated from BBCHS in 2020.  I am a photographer and an activist. I love to uplift all people but mostly people of color because we have to love and stick up for each other if we don’t do anything else. I love roller skating, hanging out with my best friend, and appreciating the beautiful black girl in the both of us. Overall my passions are making everyone feel pretty and showing up for anyone I care about.”


February 24, 2021

  • As February is coming to a close, we have the opportunity to feature a few bonus alumni spotlights.
     
    Today we are sharing the story of A. J. Hunter, 2004 BBCHS Grad. We invite you to learn more about A.J in the bio and video below.
     
    Education:
    • Bachelor of Science, Communications – Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Class of 2008
    • Masters of Science, Integrated Marketing – Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL, Class of 2012
    • Digital Media and Marketing Certification – Duke University, Continuing Studies - 2019
     
    AJ is currently a National Marketing Manager for Verizon, where he excelled in sales for several years before being promoted into the Marketing Organization. Him and his team are focused specifically on Business to Business Marketing and they support over 3K wireless salespeople all across the country. They partner closely with organizations such as Apple, Google, and others on high priority product and promotional launches. He is also a member of the communications team for BOLD (Black Organization of Leaders and Doers) employee resource group at Verizon focused on digital engagement and special projects. In addition, he is a Co-founder and Treasurer of a Non-Profit organization, Our Whole Family, that is based out of the Kankakee Area. The Non-Profit actually received their articles of incorporation in 2018, but have actually been doing good work since 2016. The organization has given over 20K in scholarships and other school related items to minority students, and partnered with the Kankakee Public library for a Holiday program where they provided free food & fun to over 40 families. They are looking to accelerate some of the programming later this year and going into 2022 as things return more to normal. www.ourwholefamily.org. In AJ’s free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Courtney, family & friends, exercising, volunteering, reading, and collecting vinyl records.
     
    Connect with A.J. Here:
    Alexander (A.J.) Hunter, MSIMC - Marketing Manager - Verizon Business Group Greater Houston
     
    Non Profit Organization: