On Friday, April 12th, a great time was had by all at the 2019 Illinois Martial Arts and Boxing Hall of Fame Awards Banquet. This year, both Halls of Fame celebrated together, which was a fantastic idea. Muhammad Ali, Ernie Terrell, Tony Zale, James “Quick” Tillis are all in the Boxing Hall. Gerald Scott from Ada Park, Joey Ruiz, Gerald McClellan and the iconic Al Bernstein were part of the 2019 inductees. Bernstein gave a great speech about his Chicago roots and his ESPN and Top Rank days. Many friends and luminaries in the Martial Arts world were inducted in the 2019 Hall. Cardiologist Dr. Joe Marek, Bernie Gorak and the great Ted Love among others. But for me, it was a great, nostalgic night. I was honored to speak and accept the plaque for the induction of my dear friend, the late Master Jennifer Johnson Hampton. We met at Bradley University in 1969. Intelligent, inquisitive, beautiful and cunning were a few adjectives describing Jennifer. A few karate lessons I gave her in Williams Hall, the Student Center and Bradley Park turned into a great tournament fighter, referee and teacher at the national and international level. She pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and I was pledging Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at the time. She was responsible for my pledge line nickname of “Kato”, which was kind of hard to live down back then. I was so proud of her as I heard about her accomplishments over the years; both in the Martial Arts and in Law Enforcement. Then, we tragically lost her years ago. I have said, especially about people that have passed away, that immortality is the reality of dear friends and loved ones that continue to live in you. There aren’t a few months that will pass without me thinking of Jennifer in some way, or someone mentioning her name. Many thanks to Wanda Bolton and Sybil Thomas; sorority sisters at Epsilon Eta chapter with Jennifer who were of tremendous help in locating family members. I would admonish us all; take time to realize how lucky you are to have the true friendships you have.
Al Riley
State Central Committeeman, Second Congressional District