I AM BLACK HISTORY | Mary Morten

Mary Morten

Mary F. Morten is Black History because her life’s work sits at the crossroads of race, gender, sexuality, and justice. For more than four decades in Chicago, she has pushed institutions to evolve, challenged systems to become more equitable, and ensured that Black women and LGBTQ+ communities are not erased from movements that claim to fight for freedom.

A Chicago-based activist, strategist, filmmaker, and nonprofit leader, Mary has dedicated her career to advancing racial equity, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and violence prevention. Her leadership is not symbolic. It is structural. She has worked inside city government, national advocacy organizations, grassroots coalitions, and philanthropic institutions to create tangible change.

Mary made history as the first African American president of the Chicago chapter of the National Organization for Women. At a time when mainstream feminist spaces often failed to reflect the realities of women of color, she stepped in to broaden the lens and reshape the agenda. Her leadership challenged organizations to examine who was being centered and who was being left behind.

In 1996, she was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. That same year, she directed the City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues, building bridges between marginalized communities and public institutions. She also helped found the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, working to create affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth across the state.

Mary’s commitment to justice extends deeply into public health and violence prevention. In 2000, she was appointed Director of the Office of Violence Prevention for the Chicago Department of Public Health. There, she coordinated the city’s strategic violence prevention plan, reinforcing the idea that violence is not just a criminal justice issue but a public health crisis that requires community driven solutions.

Her leadership in women’s philanthropy further expanded her impact. She has held key roles at the Chicago Foundation for Women and the Chicago Abortion Fund, advocating for reproductive justice and economic empowerment. Through these roles, she helped channel resources to grassroots organizations and leaders working on the front lines.

Since 2001, Mary has served as President of Morten Group, LLC, a national consulting firm focused on racial equity, diversity, and social change. Through strategic advising, public policy work, and organizational development, she supports nonprofits, foundations, and institutions seeking to operate with greater integrity and accountability.

Mary is also an award winning filmmaker. Her documentary Woke Up Black explores the lived experiences of African American youth in Chicago, adding depth and nuance to conversations about identity, resilience, and structural inequality. Her storytelling reflects the same commitment that defines her advocacy: centering voices too often ignored.

In recognition of her lifelong contributions, the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago established the Mary F. Morten Award for Justice in her honor. It is a testament to the enduring impact of her leadership.

Mary F. Morten is Black History because she has never confined herself to one lane. She has understood that justice work is interconnected. Racial equity is tied to gender equity. Public health is tied to economic opportunity. LGBTQ+ rights are tied to human dignity.

Her legacy is not just in the titles she has held. It is in the systems she has challenged, the policies she has shaped, and the communities she has strengthened.

Black History is written by those who refuse to be silent. Mary F. Morten has been speaking, organizing, and building for over forty years. And Chicago is better because of it.