2021 Black History Month Events

 
Celebrate MLK Jr.
January 18 | 2 pm


Celebrate MLK Jr. with crafts, activities and more that the whole family can enjoy. 

The New Jim Crow: Community Read on Racism 
Sunday, January 24 | 2 pm
 
Michelle Alexander's groundbreaking book The New Jim Crow describes mass incarceration throughthe lens of systemic racism. Join fellow community members for a lively discussion hosted by Elgin MayorDave Kaptain and facilitated by former ECC sociology instructor Joyce Fountain.

With special guests Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain and Benedictine University professor Dr. Vincent Gaddis.

Black Voices, Black Joy

A Virtual Event Series Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24 | 6 – 6:30 pm

Families. Celebrate Black history, culture, and heritage by sharing stories together in many ways.
 

Watch on Facebook at time of here:

Check out some resources for more information:

February 3

Theme: Affirmations of Black and Brown Identity

  • John Johnson, Gail Borden Public Library Director of Security

    • All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illus. Bryan Collier

  • Corey Dixon, Elgin City Council member

    • I Believe I Can by Grace Byers, illus. Keturah A. Bobo

February 10

Theme: Fantasy in Color

  • Andre Dyson, Gail Borden Public Library Digital Media Lab Supervisor

    • Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

February 17

Theme: Poetry and Parenting From A Black Mother’s Perspective

  • Dr. Mae Hicks Jones

    • What Shall I Tell My Children Who Are Black? A poem by Margaret T. Burroughs 

    • Original poetry by Dr. Mae Hicks Jones

February 24

Theme: Black America Triumphs

  • Pastor Andre Allen

    • The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander , illus.Kadir Nelson

    • I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes, illus. Bryan Collier
Raising Black Voices: Author Interview with Charles Waters 
Monday, February 15 | 2 pm
 
Join us for a dynamic presentation by children's author Charles Waters. His book, Can I Touch Your Hair?: Poems of Race,
Mistakes, and Friendship won many state awards, and is an ALA Notable Book.
Each child participant who registers….will receive a FREE copy of this book (limited to 200 registrants)!
Please stay tuned, as there may be supplies to be picked up at the Main Library for this program.