Annetta Wilson

Mrs. Wilson is the Founder and Executive Director of Sankofa Safe Child Initiative, which grew directly out of a grass-root community concern and activism. Sankofa originated from a Town Hall meeting on Adoption, Placement and Parental Rights held on June 18, 1999 by U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis with the National Council of Negro Women Chicago Midwest Section.

Sankofa's mission is to keep families in tact and we accomplish that by referring families in crisis to specific community resources such as churches, social service agencies, and health providers that can give meaningful, effective solutions to the urgent needs of our families.

Mrs. Wilson has been working in the child welfare arena for over 23 years, she is an innovative, energetic leader in her community and throughout the state of Illinois and is an inspiration to those who work with her and who are the recipients of her vision. Congressman Danny K. Davis appointed her to Chair his 7th Congressional District Child Welfare Task Force. She has worked timelessly addressing the question, "Why are there so many African American children in the child welfare/juvenile systems?" To address those issues Mrs. Wilson has convened Conferences, Forums and Hearings along with the Congressional Black Caucus throughout the United States. Mrs. Wilson has painted a portrait of a woman founded in civil issues, social justice, spirituality and family. Mrs. Wilson has been married to William Wilson for 40 years and they have two lovely daughters and one beautiful granddaughter.

Below is a list of awards received and leadership programs in which Mrs. Wilson participated in.

AWARDS:

• Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition “Loretta Lacy Advocacy Award”
• Illinois Department of Public Health in “Appreciation of dedicated Service to the HIV Prevention Community Planning Group in Illinois”
• National Association of Black Socials “Social Worker of the Year Award”
• National Council of Negro Women “Advocacy Award”
• North Lawndale Symphony of Services Community of Care “Develop of Youth Programs Award”
• Westside Community Development Corporation “Leadership Development Award”

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS:

• National Council of Negro Women Leadership Courses, Dr. Dorothy Height
• United Way
• Catholic Leadership Development
• Samuel Proctor Leadership Training sponsored by Children Defense Fund