McCormick Alum Honored by Ebony

10-29-2013

By B. Vaughan

William E. Hall, class of 2011, has been honored in Ebony Magazine's [POWER 100 2013] Community Crusaders

Ebony Magazine, in their December/January issue will salute 100 normal, everyday people doing outstanding things.

William "Will" Hall, a 2011 graduate of McCormick, is known for his passion for the community. While a student at McCormick, he founded CommuniGize and is the founder of the Acts of Love Campaign. CommuniGize is a unique not-for-profit organization that emerged from the intelligence and dedication of professionals within the fields of education, social services, finance and healthcare.

In addition to sharing their knowledge and wisdom, this group provided training, mentoring, coaching and grooming for a variety of students on the elementary, junior high, high school and college level for a number of years prior to the start of CommuniGize.

On August 28, 2011 CommuniGize, through Will's vision, launched Acts of Love, as a means to develop the community leadership skills of young people in communities across the world.

Over the summer, Acts of Love sponsored a "No TV Week" encouraging young people and their families to experience each other in new ways. From an Arts 'n' Crafts night, to discovering their family tree, to a family game night, the week long event sought to bring families closer together.

Acts of Love has just completed a Love Young People tour within ten Chicago neighborhoods. From July 25 to August 15, Will's team collected well over 10,000 books and distributed them to children in nine neighborhoods and three community events. They helped to create home libraries and reached out with love to young people, inspiring their imaginations and desire to read.

Continuing with the importance of families and reading themes established over the summer, Will is pleased to announce that next year they are launching the first Family Literacy Academy on the Westside of Chicago. They will bring families from the Austin community together to enjoy a family breakfast, reading games, and will provide tutoring, assistance in test prep, and a parent academy. Volunteers are always welcome. Book donations are truly appreciated. And most of all, Will says, is love to share with the people.

To volunteer or donate, visit the Acts of Love web site.

Click here for the Power 100.