Elgin library, U-46 schools mark Black History Month

Storytellers, a film festival, African drum performances, and celebrations of African-American culture will bring black history to life in the Elgin area this month.

Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin and several Elgin Area School District U-46 schools will educate the public and students about African-American history and culture in honor of Black History Month.

The library's 11th annual Black History Family Festival is Saturday; it features award-winning author Glennette Tilley Turner, and a virtual visit to hallowed grounds in Elgin and to historic Underground Railroad sites throughout Illinois. The event includes a performance by Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, a presentation of Future African American Leaders from U-46, Second Baptist's Church Sankofa Wax Museum exhibit honoring local African American historians, children's crafts and stories. The program will run from 1 to 5 p.m. at the main library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Admission is free to the public. For more information, visit BHFFelgin.org.

Events scheduled at U-46 schools include:

• Black history celebration and student performances, 7 p.m. Feb. 10, South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin

• Kucha and Baba Tony storytellers and African drum performance, 9 a.m. Feb. 12, Ronald D. O'Neal Elementary, 510 Franklin Blvd., Elgin

• Culture of Africa for Kids Everywhere performance, 1 p.m. Feb. 12, O'Neal Elementary, 510 Franklin Blvd., Elgin

• Kucha and Baba Tony storytellers assembly, 9-9:50 a.m. and 12:45-1:35 p.m., Feb. 17, Highland Elementary, 190 N. Melrose Ave., Elgin

• African drum circle performance, 10:25 a.m.-2 p.m., Feb. 19, Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin

• 11th annual African American students Black History Month banquet, 6:30-8 p.m., Feb. 25, Bartlett High School (commons), 701 Schick Road, Bartlett

• Margaret Spivey, who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., will share her story with students visiting classrooms throughout the month at Hillcrest Elementary, 80 N. Airlite St., Elgin.

• During the last week of February, African American writers will speak to students during a writer's week at Bartlett High School and an African American educators dinner will be held at Elgin High School, 1200 Maroon Drive, Elgin.

• Larkin High School students will participate in the monthlong "I'm Not the One" campaign aimed at breaking away from stereotypes.

• Students will create schoolwide presentations about historical African roots to be showcased at an open house celebrating various cultures, 1-2 p.m. March 16, Parkwood Elementary, 2150 Laurel St., Hanover Park.

"While teachers weave lessons on African American history into classes throughout the year, Black History Month provides even more opportunity to intentionally recognize the many contributions made by African Americans to our nation, our state, and our communities," U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said. "We're grateful to our many community partners who help us celebrate this month."