By Matt Simonette

Staff writer

Mayor Richard M. Daley was among the speakers honoring Clarence Wood, outgoing chairman of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, at the Commission’s 61st annual luncheon Jan. 29 at the Palmer House.

In his speech, Mayor Daley linked the city’s schools with the ultimate prosperity of diversity.

“If you want a society (that) understands differences in people—ethnic, religious or sexual orientation—all the differences, we need a better educated society,” he said. “All of us have to do our part in regards to educating another generation.”

Wood, who is also president and CEO of Jane Addams Hull House, was awarded the Commission’s first Social Justice Award.

In his acceptance speech, Wood said a tremendous amount of work still needs to be done to eliminate discrimination in the city and ensure equality for all.

“Just because the water is quiet, that does not mean that the alligators are gone,” Wood said. “It takes zeal and vigor to scrub America of its racist past.” But he then invoked a quote from Frederick Douglass: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress,” and said that the pieces are nevertheless in place for a city that will one day be committed to equality for all its citizens.

“Diversity is real in our city,” he said.

Daley later extended that message of diversity to the city’s GLBT community, who he called “part and parcel of Chicago.”

“They should not be isolated, discriminated against or hated. They’re someone’s son or daughter. They’re families. They get married,” Daley said.

He added that full marriage rights are integral to achieving equality. When those are granted, Daley said, the results will be about “breaking down barriers and misunderstanding. I‘ve met (gays and lesbians) who are adopting and raising kids and are amazing parents. To me this is all about a change in society that’s for the better,” he added.

Among the other honorees at the luncheon were Officer Carrie von Sagun-Steiner of the Chicago Police Department, the Chinese-American Service League, Silk Road Theatre Project and ABC-7 journalist Harry Porterfield. Luke Visconti, co-founder of DiversityInc. Media, gave the keynote address.