City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is set to keynote the African American Contractors Association (AACA) 31st annual membership gala. The event, hosted by AACA President and Founder Omar Shareef, will take place on March 26, 2025, at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.
The gala will also feature Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. as a special guest. Jackson has been a long-time mentor to Shareef, guiding him in advocating for African American inclusion in the city's construction industry. "Rev. Jackson understands what it means to even the playing field, and we are the epitome of that," Shareef stated. He emphasized AACA's commitment to advocating for equal opportunities in professional services and goods within African American communities.
The event aligns with Women's History Month, highlighting the role women have played. Shareef noted, “Women have been at the forefront in making sure we are getting our fair share of contracts in the city, state, and the United States.”
The 2025 membership theme is "We Must Continue to Fight for our Seat at the Table," reflecting AACA's mission of unity and inclusion. Through partnerships with prominent construction companies, Shareef has worked to increase African American presence in Chicago construction projects.
Since founding the AACA in 1989, Shareef has focused on overcoming barriers that limited African American employment in construction. He aims to build more opportunities within the sector.
Shareef invited Conyears-Ervin to speak due to her significant role in public service. As Chicago's first elected City Treasurer in over 20 years, Conyears-Ervin manages a budget exceeding $10 billion and serves as an ex-officio trustee for multiple city pension funds. Her previous experience includes serving as an Illinois State Representative, where she sponsored substantial funding for Chicago Public Schools.