Night of 1,000 Stars 2025
On May 22nd, 2025, we hosted members of the Chicago literacy coalitions at the Harold Washington Library Center to celebrate our annual Night of 1,000 Stars. This heartwarming event brings together members spanning Chicago’s North Side Literacy Coalition (NSLC), South West Literacy Coalition (SWLC), and Consejo Hispano de Alfabetizacion (CHA) for a celebration of adult learners and program achievement. This year, IL Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Alderpersons from the 40th ward, Andre Vasquez, and the 25th ward, Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown, and IL State Library Literacy Office Program Consultant Ted Przybylo, attended and congratulated the participants on their achievements.
“When I think about adult learners and when I think about all the sacrifices that they make, I am so inspired,” said Secretary Giannoulias. He went on to highlight the tremendous courage and hard work that both staff and learners accomplish and the importance of critical adult literacy services across the state.
Students from member organizations Aquinas Literacy Center, Pui Tak Center, The Learning Center, Centro Romero, and Erie Neighborhood House shared their inspiring stories. At the same time, guests enjoyed catering provided by Inspiration Corporation and Eileen Molony Photography captured all the merriment and energy of the evening. Miriam Gonzales, Program Manager from The Learning Center, served as emcee, introducing the hard-working staff from the represented organization, featuring twelve diverse student performers on the stage. Attendees heard an original nonfiction piece, watched an exciting sword Taichi performance, heard a musical piece on the trumpet, and were moved by powerful testimonies, poetry and speeches that shed light on the dedication and fortitude of adult learners.
One of the many moving stories of the night came from Maria Delgado, a single mother of three, enrolled in the Spanish Literacy program at The Learning Center in the North Lawndale community. This program focuses on individuals who can not read or write in their native language which for Maria is Spanish. Over the last two years, Maria, with incredible patience, has become literate and grown in her independence. With the support from her tutor, Luz, Maria can now read and write whole paragraphs and continues to be an inspiring example for her children and community. Maria’s story underscores the power of what is achievable with accessible adult education programs.
We are grateful to shine a light on the stars of adult education, inspiring and celebrating their achievements within our Chicagoland community.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and stories of triumph from the world of adult education!
