Awards

Bicentennial Medal - 2019

About Karen Freeman-Wilson

Karen Freeman-Wilson received a B.A. from Harvard College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Her exemplary service to the state of Indiana has additionally contributed to Indiana University; in 2018, she joined a panel of Indiana leaders at the third annual America’s Role in the World conference at Indiana University’s School of Global and International Studies later this month.

Freeman-Wilson is president and CEO of Chicago’s Urban League, where she advances the organization’s work toward serving the needs of African-American communities and advocating for equity. Prior to serving in this role, Freeman-Wilson was mayor of Gary, Indiana. As the first female mayor for Gary, Freeman-Wilson was also the first African-American woman in any Indiana city to ever hold the top office. During her time as mayor of Gary, Freeman-Wilson improved public safety, economic development and the city’s appearance and image. Prior to becoming mayor, Freeman-Wilson served as Indiana Attorney General. She has also held senior leadership positions at the state and national levels, including serving as CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and Executive Director of the National Drug Court Institute. Freeman-Wilson continued to shape national drug policy in consultation with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Department of Justice and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. She has served the state as Attorney General, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and judge. A licensed attorney, she also engaged in private practice for 25 years with a focus in municipal finance, government relations, family and criminal law.

In recognition of her contributions to the State of Indiana, and beyond, Freeman-Wilson has received numerous accolades. To name a few, she was recognized by Ebony magazine as a Leader of the Future, by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority with the National Award for Achievement in Civil Rights, and is an inductee into the Stanley Goldstein Drug Court Hall of Fame. In addition, she is a recipient of the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash, awarded by former Indiana governors Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon. In 2019, Freeman-Wilson received Indiana University’s Bicentennial Medal, in recognition of her distinguished contributions and service to the state.