The Katherine Marks Legacy Foundation will host an awards program and career day to perpetuate and uplift Katherine’s lifelong investments in support of children and families.
What started out as a Women’s Day tribute by Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman to honor the life and legacy of the late humanitarian has evolved into a communitywide celebration focused on women’s empowerment, mentorship, and community service, said Marks’ daughter, Rasheeda Marks Walker.
On Sunday, March 22, the Foundation will host the third-annual Katherine Marks Day CommuniTEA event at the Kenosha Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave.
A reception begins at 5 p.m., and the program starts at 6 p.m. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Southport Lighthouse will be lit at dusk, symbolizing the “Passing of the Torch” and carrying Katherine’s light forward through mentorship.
“My mom championed mentorship as an essential responsibility for community growth, often telling others, ‘It’s your turn, I am passing the torch to you.’ Katherine Marks Day is a symbol of this commitment, celebrating her spirit of servant leadership by honoring, acknowledging, and demonstrating the purposeful sowing into the next generations,” Marks Walker said. “She was a powerful person, a phenomenal woman, and a history maker; it just makes sense for this to happen during Women’s History Month.”
The Legacy Foundation will present Pam Drummond with the Lifetime Achievement of Community Impact Award for her selfless contributions that reflect Katherine’s commitment to Kenosha.
“This year’s program will highlight mentoring and sportsmanship, making Pam the perfect honoree,” Marks Walker said. “She worked tirelessly alongside Katherine and continues to carry the torch of leadership in my mom’s absence. She is truly a beautiful and quiet woman whose work to positively impact the community speaks volumes.”
Drummond is an avid tennis player, having competed in state and national tournaments, and continues to play a sport that brings her pure joy, Marks Walker noted.
Said Drummond: “Being committed to helping the next generation is fundamental to caring about the community, viewing giving back not as a choice but as a responsibility.”
In addition to a proclamation presented by Rep. Tip McGuire, the foundation will acknowledge the following community members: the Chatman Family, the Townsend Family, Mr. Walter Glass Sr., Mr. Tony Moore, Ms. Tenisha Williams-Jelks, the Johnson Family, and Dr. Carter Rockhill.
All of these individuals and families have dedicated their time to coaching, leading, and supporting the next generation, Marks Walker said. The focus areas for this recognition include mentorship, sports leadership, and multi-generational family support.
A memorial tribute will be given to the late Ms. Jamice Glass for her mentorship and advocacy in the medical field. Jamice’s spirit and legacy resembles that of Katherine Marks.
The CommuniTEA event is free and open to the public.
CAREER DAY EVENT
On March 23, the Katherine Marks Legacy Foundation will host the inaugural Career Day focused on careers in Government.
The experience day is designed to complement the “Passing the Torch” theme of the annual Katherine Marks Day observance by offering middle school students an opportunity to learn about careers in public service.
In addition to other stops, students will tour the County Administration Building and County Board Chambers and learn about county government from County Executive Kerkman, County Clerk Regi Waligora, County Treasurer Teri Jacobson, and Register of Deeds Jennifer Mack.
“Through her many years of service to the community she loved, Katherine left a legacy that continues to inspire me,” Kerkman said. “With this experience day, we aim to pass that spirit of service along to the next generation of leaders in Kenosha County.”
Marks Walker said the Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with Kerkman to support area youth and families.
“This inspirational career day will inspire and develop future students by providing invaluable opportunities for direct, meaningful interaction with professionals from a range of career fields,” Marks Walker said. “This day aligns with our core mission of empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.
ABOUT KATHERINE MARKS
Katherine Marks, 66, passed away Feb. 14, 2024. In 1992, she was the first Black woman to be elected to any office in Kenosha County, when she became the 8th District representative on the City Council — a position she would hold for 20 years, eventually becoming the first woman of color to be elected Council president.
During her years in office, Marks was a passionate advocate for her constituents, playing an instrumental role in revitalizing the Lincoln, Frank, and Uptown neighborhoods.
Later, she became the first woman of color to work in the mayor’s office, directing various community outreach efforts, including the launch of the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy in the former Brown National Bank building.
Marks also served as Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Kenosha County from 2005 to 2012, leading the organization through the establishment of visionary programs including Read Across Kenosha, Young Leaders of Kenosha, and Youth As Resources.
About the Kathrine Marks Foundation
The mission of the Katherine Marks Legacy Foundation is to sustain the vision & legacy of Katherine Marks by supplementing the growth and preparation of young leaders and entrepreneurs through various activities focusing on education, unification, and beautification.
For more information on the Katherine Marks Legacy Foundation, please visit katherinemarkslegacy.org.
