Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has commissioned Aleta Clark, Barbara Morris and Yvette Moyo as Honorary Deputy Treasurers in recognition of their leadership in the African American community.

"With their tireless dedication to others, Aleta, Barbara and Yvette have made the African American community stronger and our world better," Pappas said at a ceremony in her office attended by about 60 community leaders "They honor me by accepting the commission as Honorary Deputy Treasurers."

As Honorary Deputy Treasurers, Clark, Morris and Moyo will act as Pappas’ representatives in the community. In part, they will encourage homeowners to use cookcountytreasurer.com to apply for refunds and property tax exemptions. There is $79 million in available refunds and $39 million in unclaimed exemptions for senior citizens.

For years, Pappas has been making it easier for homeowners to navigate the Cook County property tax system. In December, staff from the Treasurer’s Office began helping homeowners with the property tax questions at JLM Abundant Life Community Center, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, building on the success of an ongoing effort at Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters.

The Treasurer’s Office is at Abundant Life on Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m. Staff is at Rainbow PUSH, 930 E. 50th St., on Tuesdays, noon to 7 p.m., and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the honorees:

• Clark, known as “Englewood Barbie,” is an advocate for the homeless, whom she calls her “friends,” and an activist against violence on the South Side. She distributes food and clothes outside the Chicago police station at Wentworth Avenue and 51st Street, an endeavor that recipients call Club 51. She is also the founder of Hugs No Slugs, an anti-violence non-profit.
• Morris is the chief executive of Black Coutours Inc., which arranges tours of African American historical sites and cultural experiences. A former teacher, she started Coutours in 1991.
• Moyo is chairman and co-founder of Real Men Charities, which sponsors annual Father Day celebrations in which men volunteer to cook for and serve their communities. The non-profit also owns the Quarry, an art and music event space in South Shore. She is also the publisher of South Side Drive magazine.

The ceremony was held on February 27, 2020, in the Treasurer’s Office, 118 N. Clark St., Chicago, Ill.

Note to editors: Photo is available here.

Caption: Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, with Honorary Deputy Treasurers Barbara Morris, from left, Yvette Moyo and Aleta Clark.