Empowering Communities Through Comprehensive Advocacy and Design
Transforming Communities Through Advocacy, Education, and Strategic Design
Dr. Marvel Parker’s AIDS Awareness Advocacy Inc. and Community Design Concepts are two pivotal initiatives that serve communities across the United States. AIDS Awareness Advocacy Inc. focuses on prevention through education and behavioral interventions, helping individuals lead healthier lives. Community Design Concepts offers professional services in nonprofit administration, community mobilization, grant writing, and project management. With years of experience, Dr. Parker’s leadership fosters collaboration to build resilient communities and ensure the success of critical health and social programs nationwide.
My husband and I recently traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska, to attend the second annual Black History Program, where he had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker. As the cousin and last surviving eyewitness to Emmett Till’s kidnapping, he shared his personal account of the events that profoundly influenced the civil rights movement.
The Till Institute proudly celebrates our visionary leader, Dr. Marvel Parker, on receiving the Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation Award—a prestigious honor recognizing individuals, nonprofits, public agencies, and corporations committed to preserving the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage. This award highlights Dr. Parker’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding cultural history, particularly her commitment to honoring the legacy of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley, whose stories continue to inspire resilience and change. She shares this achievement with Patrick Weems of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center, reflecting a powerful partnership in historic preservation
Pictured here is Dr. Marvel Parker alongside her dear friend, Reena Evers-Everette, daughter of late civil rights icon Medgar Evers.
Their friendship is rooted in faith, leadership, advocacy, and a shared passion for uplifting others through ministry, motivation, and community work. Together, they continue walking in the same vineyard of service and purpose.
2026 Preservation Excellence Awards
Pictured are Dr. Marvel Parker and her husband, Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., the last surviving eyewitness to the kidnapping of his cousin, Emmett Till. The photo was taken at the Chicago Cultural Center as they stood in front of the informational display for Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, the historic church connected to Emmett Till’s legacy and the Civil Rights Movement.
Pictured from left to right is Sharon Roberts, daughter of the late Bishop Roberts, former pastor of Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, alongside Quin, executive assistant to Dr. Marvel Parker, during the event honoring the historic preservation legacy of Roberts Temple.
A moment of history and remembrance as Dr. Marvel Parker stands with Governor JB Pritzker following the signing of legislation officially designating July 25 as Emmett Till Day in the State of Illinois.
This historic designation honors the life and legacy of Emmett Till and recognizes the enduring importance of remembering his story, the courage of his family, and the impact his life and death had on the course of American history.
July 25 will now serve as a day for Illinois to remember, reflect, educate, and ensure that Emmett Till’s name and legacy continue to be carried forward for generations to come.
Emmett Till Day — July 25 | State of Illinois
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© 2026 Dr. Marvel Parker