Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hosted the event. The theme for the celebration was "African-American Coaches of Excellence."
The honorees included coaches Jimmy Collins from the University of Illinois Chicago and Dorothy Gaters from Marshall High School.
White said several of those being recognized are his personal heroes.
"The men and women who were honored have been teachers and mentors to our young people encouraging them to succeed on and off the playing field. Behind every great team there's a great coach," said Jesse White, secretary of state.
Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell and former Bulls star Bob Love received lifetime achievement awards.
ABC7's Jim Rose was the master of ceremony for the event.
