Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations
The Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations exists to provide equity and opportunity to impact communities throughout the State of Illinois
Chairman and CEO of the Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations. The mission of the Commission is to promote human relations across gender, race and culture.
*Background is in Corrections and Law Enforcement (Appointed by former Governor Edgar to Illinois Parole Board and the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Served as Consultant to the Illinois Department of Corrections. After 23 years, retired from the Cook County Sheriff as a Deputy Sheriff. Taught school at Harper College and in the Chicago Public School System. Worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Chicago Civil Rights Movement. An Ordained minister of the Gospel where I have served as Pastor at several Chicago churches. Retired three years ago. Student of Critical Thinking, a subject that needs far more attention. Because this subject has been ignored, folks do not think clearly and as a result, make poor choices. Rev. Brooks is a writer, having gotten his start with the Scott Foresman Publishing Company and travels regularly, speaking on Critical Thinking and human rights. He has been honored by a number of companies and organizations and in 1984, saluted by President Ronald Reagan for his work in promoting economic development among the disenfranchised. Rev. Brooks was elected by small businesses throughout the State of Illinois to represent them at the White House Conference on Small Business.
He has served as the National Director of Fair Labor Standards for Blue Cross and Blue Shield (10 years). He is also an entrepreur, having built several companies, including the MERC Corporation, formerly headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. Rev. Brooks, the first African American to reside in Elk Grove, helped end discrimination against women in the Kiwanis organization. In those days, women were not permitted to serve as Kiwanians.