About Antoine

Alderman Antoine Collins Sr. has a strong commitment to serving his community. In April 2009, he became the third African American Alderman in the history of Calumet City to be elected to the city council. As the Alderman of the 7th ward of Calumet City, Antoine not only presides over the largest ward within the city, but he also serves as the Chairman of Business Permits and Licenses Committee. The Business Permits & Licenses Committee oversees the functions associated with business permits and licenses throughout all of Calumet City. Antoine has provided the 7th ward and Calumet City its very first Alderman Office in the history of Calumet City. The ward office serves as a meeting place for residents to get together with their alderman face to face, and he also utilizes the ward office to provide services and resources to residents of Calumet City.

As the Alderman, Antoine focuses not only on providing city related services; he has also made it his goal to redefine the aldermanic position by expanding the scope of work that has historically been the focus of an Alderman. Antoine works diligently to create a community where the residents feel proud to live in. He has devoted an abundance of time on transforming the youth within his community. Antoine is a strong believer that the youth are the future, and as a leader he must lead them on the correct path, not turn his back on them, and embrace them and show them love.

Antoine implemented an annual essay contest for the youth of Calumet City, where each year the youth write an essay expressing the pride they have in themselves and the community in which they live. Antoine believes that by providing this to youth, it will teach the youth the direct correlation of a persons’ overall character to the pride that they have in themselves. This pride will then transition over into all facets of their lives, inclusive of their personal lives and their interactions with others. Antoine firmly believes that our youth must be continually challenged to aspire to great heights.

The Collins Fresh Youth Network Radio Broadcasting Program is an after-school program for children in grades 7-12 that was implemented by Antoine. The program focuses on teaching participants the art of hosting, producing and engineering a radio program. The program is led by a radio personality and has a mandatory homework study session, as well as citizenship and academic requirements. Again, this program reflects Antoine’s commitment and drive to better the community he serves.

Antoine also takes time to care of the college students within Calumet City as well. He makes a point to mail out college care packages at least two times year to any residents that are away at college; though he does not restrict his giving to those within Calumet City. Antoine feels that this little incentive acknowledges the great job our youth are doing in bettering themselves through education, and may just be the small amount of encouragement and support to keep them going.

Alderman Collins spearheaded the 7th Ward Job Training Program which is designed to equip its’ participants with the skills necessary to compete for a job. The program consists of a series of free workshops that are focused on various subject matters that include proper interview attire, resume writing and tips for interviewing. Initially Antoine geared the program towards young adults ages 18-26, but in result of current economic climate, Antoine opened the program to anyone that is interested. Upon successful completion of the program, Antoine provides the participants leads on job opportunities through his communication with hiring managers and HR personnel from various job sectors.

As the Chairman of the Business Permits & Licenses Committee, Antoine has been instrumental in bringing new business to the South Suburban Region. More recently, Antoine worked with the Sonic Corporation to add a Sonic Drive-In Restaurant location within Calumet City. Sonic opened in June 2011. Not only has the addition of Sonic increased revenues within Calumet City, but it added an immediate 110 jobs to the community, with 84% of the jobs being occupied by Calumet City residents.

Antoine is married to Danita Collins. They have three children, Taylor, Taryn and Antoine Jr. In addition to his duties as Alderman of Calumet City, he also works as the General Assistance & Food Pantry Manager for Thornton Township in South Holland, IL. He has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Policy & Administration with a concentration in Government Management. Antoine is a member of the Thornton Township Regular Democratic Organization, South Suburban Branch of the NAACP, Young Elected Officials of America and NSBE. He has also received the 2010 Fred Hampton Image Award for Service. Alderman Collins comment to service has also been recognized by AKA Sorority Incorporated. This national organization has named Alderman Collins as the 2011 Recipient of the Monarch Award in category of Statesmanship. Alderman Collins joins a list of past Monarch Award recipients that includes the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Antoine exemplifies an elected leader that promotes public good and works within his community to promote change.