Geraldine Bates is a former Englewood resident. She is the founder and CEO of the Southside Neighborhood Gospel Festival, which was located in the heart of Chicago’s Englewood community and earned the recognition of being the largest neighborhood gospel festival. The festival has featured various gospel artist such as Albertina Walker, Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Karen Clark Sheard, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp and Avery Sunshine (R&B artist) and many more national and local artist. She has worked in the community through the gospel music industry, Christian churches, organizations, and a handful of other genres for over 15 years. Multi-talented, vision oriented producer, organizer, stage manager, entertainment and event coordinator. Currently, assist in producing the Choir Competition for Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin. Has served as the Entertainment Coordinator for the Great Migration Picnic and Stage manager for the Great Migration Award Ceremony.