CHICAGO, IL — Community leaders, elected officials, educators, faith leaders, and advocates gathered Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Chicago Urban League to officially launch National Civility Month, reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing respect, meaningful dialogue, and safer communities throughout Cook County and the State of Illinois.
Hosted by the Chicago Urban League, the press conference brought together influential voices from government, education, faith-based organizations, and community leadership to emphasize the critical role civility plays in reducing violence, strengthening relationships, and fostering healthier, more connected communities.
Chicago Urban League President Karen Freeman-Wilson welcomed attendees by highlighting the purpose of National Civility Month and reminding participants that civility is rooted in communication, community, and environment. She emphasized that while incivility contributes to many of society’s greatest challenges, civility offers a powerful pathway toward healing, understanding, and lasting solutions.
Illinois State Representative Will Davis, sponsor of Illinois House Resolution 924, recognizing August as National Civility Month in Illinois, challenged attendees to consider the role each individual plays in building stronger communities. “Civility is about our conduct,” Davis said. “Think beyond yourself.”
Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller presented Reverend Anthony Williams and Chicago Urban League President Karen Freeman-Wilson with the official Cook County Resolution proclaiming August as National Civility Month. Sponsored by Commissioner Miller and adopted unanimously by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the resolution recognizes civility as a vital component of community safety, civic engagement, and violence prevention. It encourages residents, educational institutions, businesses, faith communities, and local governments to observe the month through educational programming, public awareness initiatives, and community engagement that promote respect, dialogue, and collaboration.
Representing South Suburban College, Dr. Kellie C. Martin, Executive Director of Public Relations & Resource Development, reaffirmed the College’s commitment to advancing civility through education and community engagement.
“Higher education has a unique responsibility to model these values.” Martin said. For the past three years, South Suburban College has actively participated in National Civility Month by hosting educational programs, awareness campaigns, and student-centered activities that encourage respectful dialogue and civic responsibility. “Dialogue replaces division and when we create spaces for respectful conversation, we cultivate understanding, strengthen relationships, and lay the foundation for lasting change. Civility is not simply an ideal, it is a responsibility we all share.” Martin concluded her remarks with a simple but powerful call to action, “Be kind.”
Reverend Anthony Williams delivered an inspiring message that resonated throughout the room, emphasizing the connection between civility and community safety. “Civility reverses the flow of violence,” Williams said. “Violence is infectious, but not contagious.”
He reminded attendees that intentional acts of kindness, respect, and compassion have the power to interrupt cycles of violence, influence others through positive example, and inspire meaningful transformation throughout communities.
The press conference concluded with a symbolic signing of the National Civility Pledge, as participating leaders publicly committed to modeling respect, empathy, and constructive dialogue within their organizations and communities. Their collective pledge served as a powerful reminder that lasting change begins with individual responsibility, collaborative leadership, and a shared commitment to building communities rooted in dignity, compassion, and mutual respect.
As National Civility Month continues throughout August, organizers encourage residents, businesses, educational institutions, faith communities, civic organizations, and community leaders to participate in conversations and initiatives that promote understanding, bridge differences, and cultivate a lasting culture of civility.
PHOTO: Official logo for South Suburban College featuring a blue shield emblem on the left containing the block letters “SSC” and laurel sprigs, accompanied by the text “SOUTH SUBURBAN COLLEGE” in blue on the right.
About National Civility Month
National Civility Month is observed each August to encourage respectful dialogue, strengthen community relationships, and inspire individuals and organizations to model kindness, empathy, and constructive engagement. The annual observance calls upon leaders and citizens alike to work together to create safer, more inclusive communities where every voice is valued and every person is treated with dignity.