Elgin residents talk about the Civil Rights Movement

Learning about the Civil Rights Movement in Elgin with longtime residents Ernie Broadnax and Betty Brown will be one of the highlights of this week's programs in the ongoing "Reflections: Elgin Flowing Through Time, The 1920s-1970s."

As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, prominent Elgin leaders and role models will be interviewed by their children, grandchildren, or friends.

"Each One, Reach One: Fireside Interviews About the 1960s and 1970s Civil Rights Movement in Elgin" will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27, in Gail Borden Public Library's River Room, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin.

Journalist and image consultant Betty Brown will be interviewed by grandson Marcus Brown. Elgin historian Ernie Broadnax will be interviewed by grandson Evan Broadnax. In the midst of national efforts to seek racial and economic justice, leaders were creating change right here in Elgin. Share in this personal view of the Civil Rights Movement. Other interviewees may also be included.

The series continues through Aug. 1 at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove; Elgin History Museum, 360 Park St.; and other locations in Elgin. It is a communitywide celebration featuring the mid-20th century's vibrant years of art, music, dance, film, history, literature, theater, sports, architecture, and city infrastructure. Visit www.gailborden.info.

Other upcoming programs are listed below.

• From the swinging 1940s to the 21st century, that music and feeling called swing is made even more appealing by Bopology from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, in the Wing Park Pavilion at Wing Park, 1000 Wing St. in Elgin. This Chicago band provides a show suitable for all ages.

• Learn about "A History of the Bicycle in Elgin: Bicycle Builders, Fashionistas, Racers, and More" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the Rakow Branch Library, 2751 W. Bowes Road in Elgin. With at least four different bicycle companies in Elgin's past, a legacy of bicycle racing, and a growing bikeway network, retired city planner and bicycle advocate Tom Armstrong has a lot to talk about when he discusses the history of bicycle use and manufacturing in the Elgin area. Join us to trace the history of the bicycle in Elgin from the "Golden Age of Cycling" to today. Registration is required.