And when he preaches, this IS how he sounds. However when he is not preaching,
he is very sober and calm sounding.
Here's his biography:
The Rev. Dr. Michael Louis Pfleger
The Community of Saint Sabina Church
1210 West 78th Place * Chicago, Illinois 60620 * (773) 483-4300
www.saintsabina.org
PASTOR - PREACHER - PARENT - LECTURER - ACTIVIST - "ERRAND BOY"
BIRTHDATE: May 22, 1949, Chicago, Illinois.
EDUCATION: North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois
Doctor of Divinity - honorary, 2004
University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois.
Master of Divinity - earned, 1975.
Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois.
Bachelor of Arts in Theology (Minor in Psychology) earned, 1971.
Quigley Preparatory Seminary High School, Chicago, Illinois.
1963-1967.
St. Thomas More Grammar School, Chicago, Illinois.
1955-1963.
Father Pfleger completed post-graduate studies at Mundelein College
and The Catholic Theological Union.
FAMILY: In 1981, he became the proud adoptive father of an eight-year-old son,
Lamar, who is employed with Continental Airlines. In 1992, he also
became the adoptive father of Beronti, who is presently a student at
University of Central Florida. In 1997, he became a foster father to Jarvis
Franklin, who was tragically killed as a result of gang crossfire, May 30,
1998.
MINISTRY: Since 1968, Father Pfleger has lived and ministered in the African-
American community on both the west and south sides of Chicago. He
spent two summers working in a Native American community in
Oklahoma, and did his seminary internship as a chaplain at Cook County
Jail and at Precious Blood Catholic Church, both in Chicago.
Father Pfleger was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Chicago on
May 14, 1975. In 1981, at the age of 31, he became the youngest full
pastor in the diocese when he was appointed Pastor of St. Sabina Catholic
Church.
Father Pfleger in his years of Ministry has founded several organizations.
Saint Sabina Aids Clinic - At our African-American History
Celebration, February 11, 2001, we presented a check to Dr. David
Abdulai of the Shekhinah Clinic in Northern Ghana. (The name
"Shekhinah" means "presence of God" in Hebrew). for the
construction of a center within the compound that would offer
volunteer and anonymous testing for HIV in the Northern region of
Ghana and beyond. The center will also provide laboratory service
for other infectious diseases such a tuberculosis. Each year Saint
Sabina provides the monies to run the clinic.
Social Service Department - This department was founded to meet
the need of the community in providing food, clothing, counseling
and human resource information to those going through difficult
times. This facility assist over 1,200 people per month.
Samaritan House - This program provides an apartment, mentor,
job training, job placement and social service support to two
individuals who we removed from a community shelter. We
financially pay their rent, and utility bills for one full year. Within
the year the individual are helped to become self-dependent and
return to the mainstream of life
Martin Luther King Youth Center - This center was put in place
as a meeting place for youth in the community, with a warm and
positive atmosphere.
Thea Bowman Spiritual Advance Center - This retreat center was
established in 1993. The purpose of this center was to provide a
location in the inner-city for churches and groups to come together
to draw closer to God as one body and develop into mature
Christians.
Employment Resource Center - This center was designed to help
individuals find employment, learn job preparation, offer computer
classes and to better prepare those for the work force.
The Ark - The Ark is dedicated to the youth in the community. This
is a positive alternative against gangs drugs and guns. Father
Pfleger says, "We must not just tell our kids to say no to gangs,
drugs and guns, but we must give them something to say yes to."
This center offers free programs 6 days a week to the youth of the
community and serves 300 youth per day.
Saint Sabina HELP Hotline - (773) 4-8-3-H-E-L-P. This hotline
was established to help any youth get out of a gang and to turn their
life around. Also, anyone who wants to report drug and/or gang
activity can make a report through this hotline.
Saint Sabina Elder Village - On July 24, 1999, Saint Sabina
Church broke ground on an 80-unit senior building. This facility
opened in July of 2000.
New Homes of Chicago - In 2003, Saint Sabina partnered with Quest
Management an African-American development company in the
building of Langston Cove. The building of 40 new homes in the
Auburn Gresham Community.
Safe Homes for Kids - In 2003, Saint Sabina opened up in
conjunction with the city of Chicago a Safe Home for Kids - A
foster home run and maintained by Saint Sabina. In 2004, a second
home was opened.
A.G.A.P.E, Inc. - In November 2003, Saint Sabina opened
A.G.A.P.E., Inc. and African boutique and gift shop to allow
entrepreneurs a place to show and sell their products.
Dr. King Park - January 2004, Saint Sabina partnered with the
Chicago Park District in purchasing a bust of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., and naming of the first park in Chicago after Dr. King.
Community Development - In February 2004, Saint Sabina invested
with an African-American businessman, in the building of B.J.
Market at 79th & Racine.
ACTIVISM:
March 2004 Racial Slurs - Father Pfleger led of protest against the Chicago Fire
Department and the fire fighters union president to denounce a rash
of racial slurs made over the department radio. Father Pfleger later
asked for the resignation of the union president after his remarks that
the victims were "fanning the flames" of this issue.
September 2002 Peace Rally - Father Pfleger led a rally of 300-plus at the Dirksen
Federal Building condemning suicide bombings, the destruction of
President Arafat's compound, and the obsession for President Bush
to enter war with Iraq.
August 2001 Trendsetter - After leading a 10-year battle to stop the sell of drug
paraphernalia at a store in Harvey, Illinois, and after an act of civil
disobedience occurred, where 56 members of the church were
arrested for blocking a street in front of this store, on August 2, a
Judge found two owners and three other defendants guilty of the sale
of narcotic paraphernalia, which is a class four felony.
August 2001 Southside Catholic Conference (SCC) - After a three-month, high
profile issue, Father Pfleger, and the Faith Community of Saint
Sabina was admitted into a predominately Caucasian sports league,
that originally denied Saint Sabina into the league. Father Pfleger
withdrew membership from this league because of the strong belief
of racism that was involved. Father Pfleger nor his members wanted
any part of unfair treatment, and unequal rules. Part of the agreement
Saint Sabina wanted to be in place before entering the league is as
follows:
Coaches signing a letter stating that there would not be any
intentional forfeits. (This is a result of constant promises by
coaches to forfeit games at Saint Sabina.)
Equal safety requirements. We will do whatever is desired
from us, but we want the same requirements to be met by the
other churches and schools for our children's safety.
A commitment to deal with the race issue and clearly define
race policies so there are known and defined consequences for
any racial slurs, taunting and/or behavior to avoid the issue
being dealt with individually.
January 2001 Royal Blunt - Led a demonstration and called for the stop of selling of this
new product in Chicago. Marijuana smoking is the main use for Royal
Blunt.
September 2000 GUN LAWS - Joined former Regan Press Secretary Jim Brady in
denouncing George W. Bush gun policies and his affiliation to the N.R.A.
August 2000 HOMICIDE SALSA - Had stores to remove a salsa called "Homicide"
glorifying violence.
August 2000 ALCOHOL BILLBOARD - Removed a billboard advertising alcohol that
stood on school property and requested billboard companies to remove
alcohol billboards around churches, schools and parks.
June 2000 TRENDSETTER - Presently in court with a store in Harvey, Illinois called
Trendsetter. This store is presently selling drug paraphernalia, which was
banned in the State of Illinois by Governor James Thompson in 1989. On
June 7, Father Pfleger led a demonstration at this store, which led to him
and 55 members of his church being arrested.
January 2000 CAR TITLE LOANS - Led a demonstration on Car Title and Payday loan
business, demanding the State of Illinois to regulate loan businesses.
December 23, 1999 FARRAKHAN - Joined Minister Louis Farrakhan in his call for a new
Spirit of unity among races and religions races and religion.
December 9 BIDIS CIGARETTES - Called for City Council to outlaw Bibis cigarettes
in the City of Chicago. Due to these efforts Bidis were banned in the State
of Illinois, as of January 1, 2001.
November 17 DECATUR, IL. - Led a press conference calling on Decatur School system
to support Rev. Jesse Jackson stance to judge students individually and
expose abuse of Decatur School.
September 30 ABANDON BUILDINGS - Lead a march with Alderman Terry Peterson
on 12 abandon buildings, placing 12 signs on them calling them slum
landlords and asking city action.
September 6 VIOLENCE SUMMIT - Convened South side Community Violence
Summit.
August 2 REWARD - Offered $3,000 reward for killer of 9-year-old girl in the
community.
1999 REWARD - Joined with Paul Vallas, C.E.O. Chicago Public Schools and
calling for rewards offered when young people are shot or killed in the city
of Chicago
1998 GUNS, GANGS and DRUGS - Launched aggressive campaign against
guns, gangs and drugs to create an atmosphere of safety. This campaign
brought about meetings with gang leaders and a cease fire.
April 1998 THE JERRY SPRINGER SHOW - Father Pfleger played a key role at the
negotiating table, with the distributor and producer of "The Jerry
Springer Show." Due to demonstration and pressure led by Father
Pfleger, the management team of this show agreed to end all acts of
physical violence effective June 8, 1998.
February 1998 BILLBOARD COUNTERATTACK - Purchased 12 billboards to
counterattack the alcohol, tobacco and billboard companies for targeting
their children. Billboard reads: ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND
BILLBOARD COMPANIES OBEY THE CITY ORDINANCE AND
STOP TARGETING US, SIGNED THE CHILDREN OF CHICAGO.
December 1997 BANNING OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO ADVERTISING ON
CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (C.T.A.) - After waging this
campaign, nearly as long as the alcohol and tobacco billboard campaign,
Father Michael Pfleger won yet another major victory for the residents of
Chicago, especially the children on December 10, 1997, when the Chicago
Transit Authority Board voted unanimously to ban the advertising of
alcohol and tobacco products from public transportation and C.T.A
property.
September 1997 BANNING OF ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO BILLBOARDS - After
waging a 14-year-long campaign against alcohol and tobacco billboards,
Father Michael Pfleger won a major victory on September 10, 1997, when
the Chicago City Council overwhelmingly voted (44-1) to ban alcohol and
tobacco billboards in most of the city. The ordinance, sponsored by
Aldermen Terry Peterson (17th) and Daniel Solis (25th) went into effect on
October 10, 1997.
February 1997 CAMEL JOE MENTHOL - Father Pfleger successfully stopped the
distribution of Camel Joe Menthol through all Walgreen Stores across the
country. This product was marketed towards the African-American and
Hispanic communities.
September 1996 SEAGRAM'S - Father Pfleger launched a letter-writing campaign against
Seagram's Liquor for expanding a television advertising campaign in
Boston, Massachusetts that targets young people.
July 1996 ANTI-ALCOHOL & TOBACCO BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN - Father
Pfleger, with Chicago HMO, secured 50 billboards which bear a message
attacking tobacco and alcohol advertising to children. This is part of his
ongoing effort to counter the saturation of alcohol and tobacco advertising
in African-American and Latino communities.
July 1996 JEWEL FOOD STORES - Father Pfleger uncovered a discrepancy
between the quality of service and cost of products at Jewel Food Stores in
African-American communities versus White communities. He spoke out
against the higher prices and subordinate customer service and demanded
that Jewel stop the disparate treatment of their African-American patrons.
June 1996 SEAGRAM'S - Father Pfleger issued a warning to Seagram's Liquors
not to advertise hard liquor on television in the Midwest, a move that would
break a 50-year voluntary ban.
May 1996 "WINDY CITY WEEDFEST" - Father Pfleger stopped a ten year
practice of the Chicago Park District which tacitly permitted the open
smoking and distribution of marijuana by providing a permit for the annual
"Weedfest." After his protest, Mayor Richard Daley decided to block
issuance of permits for any future "Weedfests."
December 1995 SAFE NIGHT - Saint Sabina was host to the first SAFE NIGHT
sponsored by the City of Chicago. SAFE NIGHT provides an alternative
to "typical" New Year's Eve celebrations by being a family oriented
celebration that is alcohol and tobacco free.
November 1995 TOOTERS AND TUMBLERS - Father Pfleger successfully led a protest
at Union Liquor which led to the cessation of the distribution of two
alcoholic products marketed towards children; "tooters" and "tumblers."
August 1995 GRAIN ALCOHOL - Father Pfleger spearheaded the passage of a bill by
the Chicago City Council which banned the sale of airline-sized bottles of
grain alcohol that is frequently used to make crack cocaine.
June 1995 EVERFRESH - Everfresh Beverages of Chicago agreed to redesign its
fruit drink bottles, after Father Pfleger and other community leaders
argued that the packages resemble liquor flasks, which made alcohol
attractive to young people.
August 1994 GRAIN ALCOHOL - After a 3 year battle, that included negotiations
with liquor distributors, protests, and sit-ins, Father Pfleger and the
Community of Saint Sabina successfully passed a law in the city of
Chicago, banning the sale of grain alcohol and any other alcohol over 152%
proof.
June 1994 HYPODERMIC PENS - Father Pfleger organized and launched a protest
on any store that was selling ink pens to grade school students shaped like
a hypodermic needle.
May 1994 FRIDAY NIGHT MARCHES - Began Friday Night Marches with church
members to combat violence and drug activity.
December 1992 COVENANT AGREEMENT - He was responsible for persuading more
than 60 Auburn-Gresham businessmen to sign a historic document agreeing
to reduce the sale of alcohol and tobacco products in their community
stores.
July 1992 LIQUOR TO MINORS - After leading a two-year protest against stores
selling alcohol to minors, Father Pfleger successfully coordinated and
executed a sting operation which identified 22 out of 34 South Side stores
guilty of selling liquor to minors. This action resulted in the city opening
an investigation into stores selling alcohol to minors and putting place an
ongoing S.A.M.S. Unit in the Chicago Police Department.
January 1992 POLICE HARASSMENT - Father Pfleger exposed the "witch-hunt"
tactics employed by Evergreen Park Police in the intimidation and
harassment of Black males. Actions forced the Illinois Attorney General and
the Cook County State's Attorney to initiate investigations of the charges.
November 1991 C.T.A. BOYCOTT - He successfully organized and led a one-day boycott
of all public transportation in protest of the Chicago Transit Authority's
planned service cuts and fare hikes.
June 1991 POWERMASTER - Father Pfleger launched a public protest to condemn
G. Heileman Brewing Company's plans to market "PowerMaster," a high-
alcohol malt liquor, in the African-American community. Heileman
announced that it would discontinue the product.
July 1991 ANTI-ALCOHOL & TOBACCO BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN - On July
3, 1991, Father Pfleger won a victory in court when a jury found him 'not
guilty' to charges of criminal damage to property for defacing alcohol and
tobacco billboards. His attorney argued a necessity defense: He broke the
law to prevent a greater harm of saturation of alcohol and tobacco
billboards. As a result of this fight, the largest billboard company in
Chicago filed for bankruptcy.
Jan. 1990 HOMELESSNESS - Father Pfleger opened a warming center on January
15, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, in response to the
growing rate of homelessness. The shelter provided overnight
housing for 75 to 100 women and children during the winter
months. Each year on the birthday of Dr. King, members of the
Saint Sabina feed, clothe and provide sleeping bags for hundreds of
homeless people in Chicago on lower Wacker Drive.
January 1991 PERSIAN GULF WAR - As a peace activist, Father Pfleger played a key
role in the Anti-War campaign.
May 1990 ANTI-ALCOHOL & TOBACCO BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN - As a
result of Father Pfleger's vigorous fight to stop the saturation of
African-American and Hispanic communities with alcohol and
tobacco billboards, the number of billboards advertising liquor and
cigarettes dropped from 118 to 40 in the Auburn-Gresham
community.
June 1989 CRIME AND COMMUNITY CONTROL - Father Pfleger founded
"Standing Up-Taking Back," a social action organization designed to
combat crime, drugs, abandoned property and to empower African-
American communities.
April 1989 ANTI-DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CAMPAIGN - Father Pfleger,
along with Father George Clements, began an aggressive attack on drugs
and drug paraphernalia in Chicago. Through their efforts the issue gained
national and international attention and provided them with an opportunity
to testify before the U.S. Congress and discuss the problem with Drug Czar
William Bennett. On August 25, 1989, Gov. James Thompson signed into
law the Drug Paraphernalia Bill of the State of Illinois. Father Pfleger is
presently lobbying for Federal Paraphernalia legislation.
Father Pfleger has been recognized for his fight against alcohol and
tobacco billboards, drugs, and racism in Chicago Magazine, People, Time,
Ebony, U.S. Catholic, Newsweek, Priorities, Profile and Jet magazines;
The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post,
U.S.A. Today, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, The
Chicago Reader and numerous other papers and journals. He has also been
profiled on the following television shows: "Day One," (ABC);
"EXTRA", "Good Morning America," "Inside Edition," Entertainment
Tonight," "MNBC," "60 Minutes,"(CBS); BBC in Great Britain, and the
Larry King Show.
ADVISOR: Father Pfleger has served as an advisor to numerous organizations in
different capacities, including acting as a consultant to the Office of
Evangelization, Archdiocese of Chicago and as a member of the Ministers
Advisory Board for Chicago Mayor Harold Washington from 1983-1987.
TEACHER: Father Pfleger has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University
of St. Mary of the Lake Graduate School of Theology, but his teaching is
not limited to within classroom walls. He has preached revivals and has
given numerous lectures on liturgy, worship, vocations, ministry in the
African-American Community, racism, drug abuse, and alcohol and
tobacco billboards both locally and nationally. Some of the cities:
Glasgow, Scotland; Rome, Italy; San Francisco, CA; Houston, TX; Gary,
IN; Milwaukee, WI; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Israel; Miami, FL; Washington,
D.C.; Dallas, TX; Minneapolis, MN; Atlanta, GA; New Orleans, LA;
Las Vegas, NV; Detroit, MI; Dayton, OH; San Antonio, TX;
Indianapolis, IN; Des Moines, IA; Green Bay, WI; and Jacksonville, FL.;
Albuquerque, New Mexico and many others.
Father Pfleger has also conducted numerous workshops and seminars at institutions of higher
learning including: Northwestern University; University of Chicago; Loyola University;
Northern Illinois University; Mundelein College; Wilberforce University, Cornell
University; University of Dayton; Northeastern Illinois University; St. Xavier College;
Moraine Valley College; Chicago State University; Malcolm X College; Olive-Harvey;
Kennedy-King College; Iowa State University; North Park College; De Paul University,
Loyola University, Dominican University: Benedictine University and many others.
SPECIAL HONOR: At the request of Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Father Pfleger was the
keynote
speaker for the national Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative
Service. This event was held on January 20, 2003, at Ebenezer Baptist
Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
AWARDS: In the course of his extensive and active ministry, Father Pfleger has been
recognized for his commitment to equality and passionate stance against
injustice. Some of the awards and honors he has received include:
April 2004 The Guardians Police Organization
Social and Economic Award
March 2004 Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago
Neighborhood Leadership Award
December 2003 Featherfist
Faith-Based Initiative Award
Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
Merri Dee Heart of Gold Activist Award
Community Mental Health
Service Award
November 2003 The Spiritual Perspective
Mighty Men of Valor
August 2003 Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
Rosa Parks Award
This award was presented by Martin Luther King, III
May 2003 Urban Life Center
Humanitarian Award
February 2003 Southwest Community Congress
Citizen of the Year Award
October 2002 Msgr. John J. Egan First Annual Award
Social Justice Award
March 2002 The 2002 Millennium
Humanitarian of the Year Award
March 2002 Dominicks Foods
Outstanding Spiritual and Community
Leadership for Youth
April 2001 Rising Star
Life Achievement Award
August 2001 National Black Prosecutors Association
Thurgood Marshall Award
August 2001 Chicago Housing Authority - Tenant Patrol
Standing in the Gap Award
May 2000 Million Mom March
Pastoral Service and Unwavering Leadership Award
April 2000 Rising Star, Inc.
Lifetime Achievement Award
April 2000 Today's Black Woman Expo
Recipient of charitable donation for
Saint Sabina AIDS clinic - Northern Ghana
December 2000 National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry
Peace and Justice Award
December 2000 True Family Values
Faith and Love Award
December 2000 Family Federation for World Peace and Unification
Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon
November 2000 Community Mental Health Council
Dedicated Service Award
September 2000 Alden Health Care Center
Award of Excellence
August 2000 Network for Life
Outstanding Service Award
March 2000 The Hydiah Project, Inc.
Outstanding Community Service Award
February 2000 The Mentors Action Network
Racial Healing Award
October 1999 Chatham Avalon Park Community Council
Recognition Award
October 1999 American Council on Alcohol Problems
Distinguished Service Award
August 1999 South Central Community Service, Inc.
Spiritual Leadership Award
March 1999 N'Digo Magazine
N'Faith Award
February 1999 Association of Chicago Priests
Pope John XXIII Award
February 1999 Notre Dame Club of Chicago
Zora Zorich Humanitarian Award
January 1999 Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Martin Luther King, Jr. Award
January 1999 S.I.T.T.E., Inc.
October 1998 Chicago Housing Authority
Visionary Award
May 1998 Millati Islami
Path of Peace Award
March 1998 African-American Construction Association
Outstanding Community Service Award
February 1998 6th District C.A.P.S.
Community Award
1997 Interfaith Organizing Project
November 1997 Community Mental Health Center
October 1997 E.C.H.O.
June 1997 American Lung Association
Community Service Award
April 1997 Pastor's Network
Keeper of the Dream Award
Feb. 1997 Minister Louis Farrakhan/Nation of Islam
Distinguished Service Award
Feb. 1997 Rainbow/PUSH
Outstanding Minister Award
Jan. 1997 Northern Illinois University - N.A.A.C.P. Chapter
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award
Nov. 1996 The "I Have A Dream" Foundation
The Phoenix Award
Oct. 1996 Massachusetts Governor's Alliance Against Drugs
1996 Drug Fighter of the Year Award
Jan. 1996 Chicago Commission on Human Relations
1996 Religion Award
Dec. 1995 Positive Note Magazine
The Rare Jewel Award
June 1995 Athletes of Concern
May 1995 A.T. & T
April 1995 The Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence
Citizenship Award
Feb. 1995 Chicago Park District
Jan. 1995 Greater Lansing Area Holiday Commission
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Award
Jan. 1995 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Award
Oct. 1994 South Austin Coalition
Organizing Church & Community Action
Sept. 1994 Black Heritage Expo '94
Umoja Award
Jan. 1994 University of Chicago Medical Center
Humanitarian Award
Oct. 1993 Staying In Touch
Community Empowerment Award
July 1993 State of Massachusetts
Quest Award - (commitment in fighting drug abuse)
May 1993 John Marshall Law School
Freedom Award
Jan. 1993 St. Paul of the Shipwreck - San Francisco, Ca.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Award
Oct. 1992 Archdiocese of Chicago - Ethnic Ministry Office
Special Achievement Award
Oct. 1992 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial
Golden Eagle Humanitarian Award
Sept. 1992 Operation P.U.S.H. - 21st National Convention
Prophetic Voice Award
July 1992 Stephen A. Douglas Association
Honoree
March 1992 Congress on Urban Ministry
Pioneer in Urban Ministry
Oct. 1991 Latin American Task Force
Humanitarian Award
1991 Mac Murray College
N.A.A.C.P. Civil Rights Award
Nov. 1990 Community Renewal Society
Caleb Foote Gates Award
First Catholic Church to receive Award for improving
the quality of life in its community and the city.
Oct. 1990 Liberty Baptist Church
Achiever in Religion Award
May 1990 S.I.T. (Staying In Touch)
Recognition Award
May 1990 National Crime Prevention Council and ADT Security
Spotlight on Chicago Award
March 1990 Dollars and Sense Magazine-Blackbook
Par Excellence Award
1990 Lions Club of Chicago-Chatham
Citizen of the Year
Feb. 1990 WBBM Newsradio 78
Citizen of the Year
Feb. 1990 Southwest Community Congress (S.C.C.)
Citizen of the Year
Feb. 1990 Bahai House of Worship
David Kellum Award
For outstanding influence on youth of all races.
Feb. 1990 Masjid Hon. Elijah Muhammad
Community Service Award
1989 Soul Children of Chicago
Humanitarian Award
Oct. 1989 Second Congressional District
Leadership in the African-American Community
Presented by Congressman Gus Savage
1989 St. Paul of the Shipwreck - San Francisco, Ca.
Lwanga-Ruiz Award
May 1989 City and County of San Francisco
Board of Supervisors Commendation
For selfless commitment to those in need.
April 1989 IR Electrical Organization
Community Award of Appreciation
Nov. 5, 1989 Father Pfleger celebrated Mass at the Vatican accompanied by members
of St. Sabina Choir. 'The Voices of St. Sabina', a Black gospel choir,
was the first Catholic Church choir from Chicago invited to sing at the
Vatican.
1988/1990 Association of Chicago Priests
Coordinating Board Award
For outstanding contribution to the life of
the Church of Chicago.
1987 State of Illinois
Certificate of Appreciation
Presented by Gov. James Thompson
Jan. 1985 Community of St. Sabina
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Award
Presented by Mrs. Coretta Scott King
MEMBERSHIPS:
Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Advisory Board
Chicago Committee on Urban Opportunities, Board Member
Pediatric Asthma Chicago, Board Member
Character Curriculum Committee at the request of Paul Vallas, C.E.O of
Chicago Public Schools was asked to develop values curriculum for K
through 12th grade, Co-Chair
Saint Sabina Employment Resource Center, Founder
Thea Bowman Spiritual Advance Retreat Center, Founder/Director
American Lung Association, Board of Directors
Soul Children of Chicago, Board of Directors.
Community Renewal Society, Board of Directors.
Doctors Hospital of Hyde Park, Board of Directors
Dusable Museum of African-American History, Board Member.
One Church One Addict, National Steering Committee.
N.A.P.A.R.E., Committee Member.
The Coalition for New Priorities, Advisory Committee.
THE ARK (A center dedicated to the development of the skills, talents,
gifts and spirit of the African-American youth.), Founder.
Community Linkages - Substance Abuse & Community Outreach, Board of
Directors.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Center - Chicago, Founder.
Illinois Commission on African-American Males - Crime and Drug Task
Force, Co-Chairman.
The Woodlawn Project, Advisory Board.
New Life Performance Company, Advisory Board.
National Center for Evangelization and Parish Renewal, Staff Member.
Ghana Benevolent Society, Board of Directors.
Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission, Ill. Council,
Member.
Black Evangelization Committee - Archdiocese of Chicago, Member.
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's National Rainbow Coalition, Executive
Committee Member.
Operation P.U.S.H. Ministers' Committee, Member.
"One Set of Rules Committee for Fairness in the Media," Member.
As a minister, Father Pfleger has sought to break down the walls of racism and
denominationalism by building unity among all people founded on truth and based on
Jesus' command to love one another. This holy calling has led him to be a parent, a
preacher, a teacher, a lecturer, and an activist. However, he believes his most important
role is as
"AN 'ERRAND BOY' FOR JESUS!"
`
http://old.saintsabina.org/aboutus/pastor/pfleger.bio.txt
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