In an interview with Joliet City News, Debra Upshaw, the president of the Joliet Chapter of the National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW), shared the deep commitment to community empowerment and service NHBW has for Joliet. With a tenure spanning over twelve years, eight of which she has served as president, Upshaw embodies the essence of leadership and dedication. Highlighting the mission of National Hook-Up of Black Women resonates deeply with Upshaw’s values, aligning with her vision of service and community upliftment.
As the president, Upshaw has brought a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence to her role. “I enjoy ensuring everything is done in the spirit of excellence. If you’re going to do it, you do it right,” she asserts, echoing the mantra instilled by her mother.
“30 years of working with the state of Illinois Department of Human Services Mental Health Division, and I’ve never worked as hard as I do here at Hookup,” Upshaw shared with laughter. “But It’s a testament to the passion and dedication I bring to the table every day. Ensuring we stay true to our founder’s vision is not just a job for me; it’s a personal commitment. Over the years, I’ve poured my heart into leading various programs to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Providing support has always been integral to our mission, ensuring the safety and well-being of families in various ways.
Debra Upshaw, President of National Hook-Up of Black Women Joliet Chapter
Addressing Critical Issue of Food Insecurity.
“National Hook-Up of Black Women is collaborating with the city of Joliet and other local organizations to tackle food insecurity in our community. We don’t have grocery stores on the East Side of Joliet. So, our focus is ensuring that residents have access to food every day of the week,” Debra Upshaw states passionately. “Through our partnership, we’ve coordinated schedules to ensure people can access food daily. In addition to our scheduled distributions, we’ve established a micro pantry. This allows individuals to access food even when our teams aren’t present. During a recent visit, I observed three cars lined up to access the micro pantry, underscoring the significant need within the community.”
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Actively Engaged in Youth Development
From leadership programs to addressing issues like domestic violence and financial literacy, Upshaw emphasizes the importance of guiding the next generation toward a brighter future.
“Our focus within these programs is on teaching leadership skills and fostering personal growth, particularly in female empowerment and identity development. We’ve collaborated with District 204, where we sponsor a girls’ leadership program at Joliet West High School. Before they closed the projects on the hill, every Saturday, we transported the kids to our facility and taught them alternatives to picking up guns, like using their voices. We offer scholarships to students maintaining a 2.5 GPA, prioritizing inclusivity over high academic achievement. Up to 10 students who meet the criteria will be eligible for the $1,000 scholarships. Many of these students come from families facing financial challenges, yet they display remarkable dedication in seeking these opportunities. National Hook-Up of Black Women provides support not only through financial aid but also by assisting them with their college applications and admission letters. Fortunately, We have a diverse team of retired educators, healthcare professionals, and individuals from various backgrounds who uplift and support one another.”
“The students who return home from college, whether it’s Harvard or Howard, often come back to us, and we couldn’t be prouder. One young lady who received a scholarship from us immediately upon securing a job sent us five $100 bills, expressing her desire to pay it forward to another student. This act exemplifies the message we aim to instill: the importance of giving back and supporting one another in our journeys.”
National Hook-Up of Black Women; Am I my sister’s keeper? Yes I Am
“Dr. Frazier wrote, ‘Am I my sister’s keeper?’ This phrase emphasizes our commitment to supporting each other’s success,” Debra Upshaw says with confidence. “We believe genuine community involvement transcends social status and educational background, driven solely by a shared love for our community.
“Providing support has always been integral to our mission, ensuring the safety and well-being of families in various ways. Whether it’s providing food, clothing, education, job assistance, or helping families displaced by disasters, by covering hotel expenses, we strive to create a safety net for those in need. Our focus is on empowering women and their families, acknowledging that family dynamics can include men as well. We recognize that every woman may face challenges, symbolized by her crown becoming crooked, but as her sisters, we are committed to helping straighten it. She must feel supported and encouraged. It’s when she thrives that the entire family can flourish.”
As National Hook-Up of Black Women celebrates 32 years of service, Upshaw looks toward the future with optimism and determination. With a diverse membership comprising individuals from various professions and backgrounds, the organization remains a light of hope and support for those in need.
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