Governors State University celebrated the grand opening of its new Social Justice Building at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 5.
The Social Justice building will house the Social Justice Initiative (SJI), which aims to provide legal aid, educational resources, and community outreach programs to underserved populations in the Southland region of Chicago.
“It’s hard to believe that less than a year ago today, we stood at the same spot and broke ground for this building,” said Therese King Nohos, vice p[resident and general counsel for GovState. “As we stand here now, we see a beautiful structure that was built with its aspirational purpose in mind. As you may have noticed, the roofline reaches skyward. This allows light to flood into the conference room, but it also serves as a symbol of the aspirational work to be done here, which will raise up our community and its people.”
Architect Dominick Demonica designed the building, and construction was managed by the vice president of administration and finance at GovState, Dr. Corey Bradford, and his team, who ensured a safe and timely completion.
The SJI building was made possible through the vision and dedication of GSU President Cheryl Green, who has championed social justice throughout her tenure. Generous donations from community members and organizations also supported the project.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony included speeches from GSU faculty and staff and local and state officials. Speakers emphasized the importance of social justice and the role of education in promoting equality and opportunity.
“I’m just so excited that my esteemed colleagues, our honored guests, members of the community and the friends of Governors State University are here today to help us mark this momentous occasion in the history of our institution,” Green said. “As we gather to celebrate the opening of the Social Justice Initiative building, we are not just opening the doors to a building. We are opening the doors to opportunity, to equality, to justice for all, This building represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to our core values as an institution of higher learning.”
“I would like to congratulate President Green, Dr. [Phyllis] West and your respective staff for your remarkable vision and dedication to the residents of Southland,” said Nathalina Hudson, the chief of staff in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. “Social justice is so much more than a feel-good word in its simplest terms; social justice means that Illinois residents are entitled to reliable resources, full participation in our democracy and human rights protections.
“Safer homes and neighborhoods, clean air and water, affordable housing, quality health care and trustworthy legal assistance should never be obstructed by income or any other equity barriers.”
The SJI’s legal clinic, which offers free legal aid to community members, already has assisted numerous individuals in navigating the complex legal system. The Equal Justice Initiative has recognized the clinic’s work and provided some of the funding to support its continued operation.
The overwhelming consensus of the speakers at the ceremony was that the SJI is poised to significantly impact the lives of countless individuals, providing them with the resources and support they need to achieve their full potential.