Suburban Mosaic: Top stories from our diverse communities in 2023

In the past year, there have been many triumphs to celebrate, milestones to mark, as well as challenges to overcome for members of our diverse suburban mosaic.

In 2023, we wrote stories about trailblazers, changes to state laws affecting minorities, waves of new refugees and migrants arriving in our suburbs, and outstanding suburbanites and their contributions, among other topics.

Here are some the highlights. For more stories, visit dailyherald.com.

How racism, reform and grace shaped Jesse White's long career

After more than two decades on the job, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White chose not to run for reelection in 2022. White, 88, handed over the reins on Jan. 9 to his successor, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias. It gave White a chance to be "basically full time" with the famous Jesse White Tumblers, which he founded in the 1950s. During his illustrious career, White has fought racism and corruption, inspired thousands of young people and managed an office serving 8.7 million drivers.

U.S. quarter bearing likeness of first Chinese American movie star

A Naperville group marked the Chinese Year of the Rabbit on Jan. 28 while also commemorating the release of a U.S. quarter bearing the likeness of the late Chinese American actress Anna May Wong. The Anna May Wong quarter is the fifth coin in the American Women Quarters Program. Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood. She appeared in more than 60 movies, including silent films and one of the first movies made in Technicolor. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

Indian-American businesswoman appointed to Schaumburg village board

Schaumburg Cultural Commission member Esha Patel — a village resident since 2008 — became the first Indian-American woman to serve as a Schaumburg trustee. She was appointed to succeed the late Frank Kozak, who died in early December 2022 at 78.

Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad inspires Islamic school students

The excitement was palpable when Ibtihaj Muhammad walked into Islamic Foundation School and mosque in Villa Park — among not only its 550 students but also parents, employees and community members who welcomed the Olympian in January. The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist in sabre fencing gave a talk before the entire school community, followed by a book signing of her children's titles, “The Proudest Blue” and “The Kindest Red.”

Fremd student expands mission to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers

Ruby Arun, now a junior at William Fremd High School in Palatine, is expanding her mission to inspire girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields. A first-generation Indian American, Ruby, of Inverness, has a passion for mathematics and has been participating in school math teams since third grade. She started the nonprofit Mission: MathMinds to create more interest in math fields at a younger age, so more girls are keen to join STEM fields. Ruby recently was recognized by the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 board after Mission: MathMinds donated more than 2,000 books to district schools.

Harper launches mentorship program for Black, Latino students

Harper College in Palatine launched a mentorship program for first-year Black and Latino students that aims to address equity gaps while affirming their identity and ensuring representation. It is a peer-to-peer group mentorship model to help incoming freshmen cope with college life, said Esmeralda Guerrero Lopez, coordinator for student diversity initiatives, including the GLIDE Mentorship Program.

New law allows gender change on birth certificate without doctor’s affirmation

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a new law allowing Illinoisans to legally change the gender on their birth certificate. Under the new law, which took effect July 1, residents no longer need a medical professional to affirm they have undergone gender reassignment surgery or other clinical treatment to change their gender on their birth certificate. Once the change takes effect, they simply have to submit a statement expressing their intention to change their gender classification.

Making history: Aurora University names a Latina as president

Susana Rivera-Mills, 52, became the first Latina to lead Aurora University since it was founded in 1893. The former Ball State University provost and vice president for executive affairs took the helm June 1. She replaced Aurora University President Becky Sherrick, who stepped down at the end of the 2022-23 school year after 22 years.

Fremd student earns prestigious national chess prize

At 17, Aditya Gupta of Rolling Meadows has earned a distinction few teens have achieved. The senior at Fremd High School in Palatine is among only five high school students in the nation to receive the 2023 Scholar-Chessplayer Award from the U.S. Chess Federation — awarded only twice to an Illinois student. Aditya also is captain of Fremd's varsity chess team, which finished in fourth place at the Illinois High School Association's 2023 state contest in February.

Elgin hosts first Pride Parade and Festival

The first Elgin Pride Parade and Festival took place in and around Festival Park in downtown Elgin kicking off Pride Month in June. It was the culmination of four years of work spearheaded by ELGbtq+ founder Kayla Bates. Planning began in 2019, but the pandemic put the event on hold until this year.

Leaders say Muslim Americans are gaining political clout

On April 4, nearly 50 candidates of all backgrounds who identify as Muslim ran for elected office across Illinois. In total, more than 150 Muslims were elected or appointed statewide, according to the Muslim Civic Coalition. Community leaders say it's a sign of Muslim Americans' growing political clout, how far the community has come and decades of hard work by first- and second-generation immigrants.

Illinois adopts new LGBTQ+ protections

Two new Illinois laws aim to safeguard the rights of LGBTQ+ people as other states move toward restrictions. They were adopted days after the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans. One law, effective Aug. 8, updated language in existing laws about youths in foster care to be more gender-inclusive. The other law, effective today (Jan. 1), makes it easier for LGBTQ+ couples to marry.

Illinois adopts laws mandating teaching of Native American history, repatriating remains

Illinois adopted new laws extending cultural protections to Native Americans and requiring the teaching of Native American history in public schools. The Human Remains Protection Act establishes procedures for handling human remains and grave sites uncovered in Illinois. Another law requires school districts to allow students to wear items of cultural, ethnic or religious significance at their high school graduation. A third law mandates instruction in Native American history in all social studies courses that teach American history and government.

Trailblazing Advocate president ready to face health industry challenges

For the last two years, Dia Nichols has served as president of the Central Chicagoland Patient Service Area and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge — joining a small field of hospital executives who are people of color. The 49-year-old Inverness resident earlier this year took the helm as Advocate Health Care's first Black president.

DuPage County group partners with faith groups to host MLK events

The DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Committee has been hosting a series of MLK events throughout the year in partnership with various faith communities and groups to promote King's vision of unity and social justice. Its efforts will culminate with the Jan. 15 DuPage MLK Breakfast at The Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

Suburban houses of worship beef up security amid rising hate crimes

Some suburban houses of worship are looking to beef up security amid a rise in hate crimes and incidents of Islamophobia and antisemitism. Several suburban mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and schools were among the recipients of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s $20 million in security grants awarded to 116 nonprofit organizations statewide.