West Cook News

River Forest Village President Cathy Adduci is urging village residents to learn about racism.

In a recent announcement to River Forest residents she suggested they attend white accountability groups sessions.

“As our nation observes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this Monday, I encourage residents to attend the National Day of Racial Healing on January 18 and White Accountability Groups starting later this month,” Adduci said to residents in an announcement from River Forest.

“Hosted by Dominican University, these are opportunities for the River Forest Community to engage in their Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation efforts." She included a link "to learn more about the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Group, which continues their dedicated work.” 

The white accountability groups are led by University Ministry Coordinator and adjunct faculty member Amy Omi and Assistant Professor of Spanish and Title V Project Director Lisa Petrov. 

“White Accountability Groups are for people who identify as white and/or have white skin privilege to explore how to recognize whiteness and white privilege, identify and interrupt our internalized dominance, and collectively develop strategies for liberation and change,” the duo wrote on their intake form for those seeking to participate in the white accountability groups. 

The groups are scheduled to meet over Zoom every other week on Monday beginning Jan. 31 from 4 to 5:15 p.m.

Dominican University is a private Catholic university based in River Forest that serves 3,029 students. 

Petrov's publications on race go back to 1995. 

“She is extremely particular in the way she wants things done and is not friendly. She has an attitude but if you agree with everything she says, she will like you,” a student reviewing Petrov said on RateMyProfessor.

Another student posted, "Lisa is by far one of the best professors at Dominican. She truly cares about her students and their future."

Petrov led an Equity Plan group aimed at receiving federal funding for developing race-based curriculum and protocols. She has also written extensively on pursuing federal grant funding. 

Omi was first hired in a music role in 2011. 

Omi was a supporter of the school's first LGBTQ Mass. 

Adduci is in her third term as village president of River Forest. She was a village board member for four years prior to assuming office as president.

In addition to her roles in public service, Adduci operates business services firm CMA Associates Inc.

She is in rotation to become president of the Illinois Municipal League next year.