This Saturday, September 13, 2025, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will host its 42nd Annual Chicago Walk for Education at Burnham Park along South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The event, which opens registration at 7 a.m., invites participants to walk, run, bike, or skate in support of scholarships, programs, and resources that empower students across Illinois. The official program and warm-up begin at 8 a.m., with the event stepping off at 9 a.m.
Honorary chairs for the event include Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. The program will be emceed by Davante “Stone Pony” Stone and Frankie Robinson, with grand marshals Reggie Summarise, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Chicago; Dr. Macquline King, Interim Superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools; Vynessa Alexander, National Area III Director of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; Pete Frazier, Founder of Majestic Gents; Maddy B, Midwest Line Dancers; and Donavan Isaac, JukieThaKidd.
Funds raised during the walk will directly support UNCF scholarship programs aimed at increasing the number of African American college graduates. These initiatives focus on ensuring students are college-ready, enroll in college, and persist through graduation.
“For every one kid we give a scholarship to, there are five more who need it,” says UNCF Regional Development Director Lisa Rollins. “The average $5,000 scholarship can transform a first-generation student’s life—and their family’s future.”
In the past year, the Midwest region, including Chicago, has awarded over 500 scholarships totaling $2.8 million to Illinois students. This grassroots event serves as a vital effort to close the educational gap and provide opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
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