March 1, 2022

The Chicago Music Awards (CMA) 40th Anniversary Special Honorees are: 

THE SPECIAL JEAN BAPTISTE POINTE DUSABLE HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Cesar Rolon Jr

CEO Imagen Consultants Inc. Founder – Latino Fashion Week

Cesar Rolon Jr has an extensive and versatile background in community affairs, marketing, promotions, event planning and development. As a former radio and television executive, Cesar launched Imagen Marketing Consultants, a boutique agency specializing in multicultural and experiential marketing for over fifteen years ago.

As the former Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce and the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Cesar has been instrumental in securing over 45 million dollars in grants and donations for various non-for profit organizations.

Cesar currently serves on several boards, which includes the Chicago Public Schools, Dia De La Mujer Latina, Institute of Latin Music, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center Chicago, the Puerto Rico Fashion Council and Vive En Forma – Get Fit Live Fit, Illinois Transplant Foundation and the Global Disaster USA organization just to name a few. Cesar has a huge passion for community and education, which he believes goes hand in hand.

Cesar holds a B.A. in International Business and Human Resource, Northeastern Illinois University and has won numerous outstanding community achievement awards and serves on numerous boards throughout the State of Illinois.
 

Melody Spann Cooper

Chairman Midway Broadcasting Corporation

Melody Spann Cooper is Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, a best-in-class African- American owned media boutique whose properties include radio and interactive platforms. The two properties combine to provide niche programming to Chicago’s thriving Black and Hispanic populations. As Chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, she joined an elite list of America’s female broadcast owners after purchasing the company’s controlling interest in 1999. 

Midway Broadcasting properties include WVON 1690AM, the oldest Black-oriented radio station in Chicago. With its urban talk format, the station is lauded as a leading source of information and community empowerment. In 2007, Spann Cooper spearheaded the corporation’s expansion with the development of WRLL 1450AM, Chicago’s Home for Hispanic Independent Broadcasters. WRLL is committed to preserving the authentic voice and culture of Chicago’s growing Latino target market. In addition to the company’s radio properties, Midway Broadcasting Corporation has established itself as a premier event and integrated marketing company. 

Spann Cooper’s other professional affiliations include: Commissioner of the Illinois Bicentennial Commission , the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council for the Obama Library Foundation; Board Member of Chicago’s tourism board, Choose Chicago; Trustee of the Museum of Science & Industry; Member of the African-American Legacy of the Chicago Community Trust; The Executive Committee of the Business Leadership Council; Board Member of The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Hales Franciscan High School.