08/22/2026
Today, we stand with the Jelani Day Foundation as family, friends and supporters gather for the 4th Annual All Black Gala.
Nearly five years ago, 25-year-old Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day disappeared. His body was later recovered from the Illinois River, but the circumstances surrounding his death remain unanswered.
Out of unimaginable loss, Jelani’s family chose to build something that would help others.
The Jelani Day Foundation works to ensure that families searching for missing loved ones—particularly missing persons of color—have access to the resources, advocacy and support they need. That work includes helping families conduct searches, navigate law enforcement, engage the media and access therapeutic services.
Tonight, that mission takes center stage with nationally renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump serving as keynote speaker.
But at the heart of everything remains Jelani.
His name. His life. His family’s determination. And a question that has never gone away:
What happened to Jelani Day?
As we support the Foundation and the families it serves, we continue to say his name and stand behind the pursuit of answers, equity and justice.
💜 Justice for Jelani.
ABC 7 Chicago recently spoke with Jelani’s siblings, Dacara Bolden and D’Andre Day, about tonight’s gala and their family’s continued fight for justice.
Watch the ABC 7 Chicago coverage:
https://abc7chicago.com/videoClip/19682909/
