The Following is an Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Danville Release
Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church of Danville is pleased to announce that Danville’s own Mary Catherine Roberson, who is currently the Director of Constituent Services for Illinois’ Second Congressional District for US Congresswoman Robin Kelly, will serve as the speaker for its Sixtieth Annual Lincoln-Douglass-King Banquet. The banquet will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 5.00 p.m; at New Life Banquet Center, 1419 N. Bowman Avenue.
The banquet will also include the presentation of Allen Chapel’s Community Service Award to Mr. Andreas Coleman. Mr. Coleman has served this community in several different ways. The programs that he volunteers his time to focus on structure and discipline to help our youth to become positive young adults. Also, Mrs. Giselle “Jill” Mockabee, who is the owner of Dis-N-Dat Beauty Supplies in Danville, will receive the Business Award. Mrs. Mockabee, after being diagnosed with Alopecia, opened her business in 1999 to serve women who have suffered hair loss through Alopecia or cancer. In addition, Serenity Reed will receive the first Outstanding Youth Award given by Allen Chapel. Ms. Reed was selected for her extensive involvement in church, school, and the Danville community.
The Lincoln-Douglass Banquet was started by Presiding Elder Richard D. Smith of the Fourth District Illinois Annual Conference of the AME Church in 1965 at Allen Chapel AME Church in Danville. Presiding Elder Smith, who was the pastor of Allen Chapel at that time, wanted to commemorate the civil rights contributions of President Abraham Lincoln and Abolitionist Frederick Dougalss. In 1988, Reverend David Jarrett, who was the pastor of Allen Chapel at the time, changed the name of the banquet to commemorate the civil rights legacy of Dr. Martin King, Jr.
For tickets and ad information, please contact LDK Banquet Chair Aleta Randle, Sandra Finch or Virginia McKinney at 217-446-5639.
