Celebrating Andrea Henderson – A Lifetime of Service
February marks Black History Month, and as part of this month's celebration, the Community News Brief is focusing on Black women in the region who have made it their mission to serve their communities and pave the way for those coming after them.
Andrea Henderson first came to Macomb from Galesburg in 1973 when she was in the third grade. Her mother was a secretary for Burlington Northern Railroad. When she chose not to relocate to continue working for the company, she found a job at Western Illinois University, hence the move. However, the youngster was less than thrilled with the decision because she was close with her grandmother. By the time she reached fourth grade, she was allowed to return to Galesburg to live with her grandmother. However, her grandmother's ailing health brought Henderson back to Macomb at the beginning of her sophomore year. She graduated from Macomb High in 1984, attended WIU for three semesters, and then headed to Goose Creek, SC with a friend. And that move changed the course of her life.
'I met the man who would become my husband,' she said. 'After we married, Allen believed we should return to Macomb so I could finish my degree. We returned in 1988 with the plan to relocate to Texas in five years, but we've been here ever since!'
Henderson's first job in Macomb was at the newly- built Baskin Robbins, where she worked from high school through her time at Western, in addition to working as a campus switchboard operator. When she and Allen returned to Macomb, she worked at Kmart before being hired as a secretary in WIU's Purchasing Office. That job at Western paved the way for a 31-year career marked by advancements in purchasing, human resources, and affirmative action (later called Equal Opportunity and Access). This eventually led to Henderson becoming the institution's Equal Opportunity and Access director, where she managed affirmative action programs, as well as Title IX and ADA compliance. She retired in 2018, but hasn’t stopped working, as she currently serves as the City of Macomb’s part-time city treasurer.
During her time at Western, and even after her tenure at the university, and while raising two sons, Henderson was active in her community. She has been involved in various service organizations over the years, including Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ and its youth programs, Sunshine Band, YPWW, and UGlowGirl!, a girls empowerment program she created; PRIME - Pride & Responsibility in My Environment, a summer youth program; Big Brothers Big Sisters; and Samaritan Well, among many other organizations.
'All of my community service has focused on areas I feel are important and where I can contribute positively,' Henderson shared. ' I believe strongly in community engagement and giving back to the community where I live and raised my children.'
While she has been a part of several organizations, many have had a youth-centered focus, which began with her church. She recognized that young people needed positive activities, so she volunteered to lead the Sunshine Band and later assist with YPWW. Her work was further elevated when her husband's and the late Aaron Thorpe's vision for a summer youth program came to fruition.
'For the next 20 years, with the exception of one year, I spent eight Saturdays each summer volunteering with PRIME,' she added.
'Young people need positive activities, supportive volunteers, and role models to guide them, and I wanted to contribute in that way.'
Most recently, Henderson took on the organization and administration of a Summer Food Service Program to ensure children in the northeast quadrant of Macomb have access to nutritious lunches during the summer.
She also continues to work to build relationships with the youth in her circles so that they know someone is there who cares.
'The community is only as strong as the people who live in it and are willing to work for it. Getting involved is important to ensure lasting and meaningful programs and resources for the generations behind me,' she explained. 'If I don't do my part, I can't really expect anyone else to do theirs.
A community that lacks active involvement from its residents will not be a great place to live. People can help by sharing their time and talents and supporting others who do the same, even though that can sometimes be challenging.'
For Henderson, being a Macomb community member for 42 years has meant being a good neighbor, supporting local educational systems, engaging in community service, serving on boards and commissions and contributing positively wherever she sees the need or is asked to help. Over the years, she has strived to lead the charge for equity and equality in her community, both in her roles at WIU and in Macomb. She has seen others' work result in positive changes, in terms of increased diversity, but the work continues.
'This has improved access to basic needs, like hair care products and cultural foods, and even some forms of entertainment,' she added.
'I also believe there has been some improvement in job and educational opportunities; however, Macomb is not without its challenges and there is still much work to be done to retain, maintain and expand those gains.'
During her life's journey and work, Henderson is most proud of her consistency. She began her career as a secretary and worked her way into university administration, and she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees, raised two sons – and helped raise a stepson and foster son – along the way, and was able to retire at 52.
'I’m especially proud that when I encountered obstacles in any of those journeys, I didn’t quit,' Henderson concluded. 'I stepped back, figured it out, and got things done.'
