Multicultural display at Rondout School

Believing the world would be a better place if people took the time to learn about each other's cultures, retired Navy Chief Nathaniel Hamilton has a mission to educate young people to that end.

The Gurnee man has amassed huge collection of multicultural materials that he takes to area schools in hopes of raising awareness.

The traveling display is making a stop at Rondout School near Libertyville on Monday and Tuesday. Hamilton was invited by principal Stuart Lassiter to give his presentation to coincide with Black History Month.

The eclectic collection features thousands of items, from a Martin Luther King Jr. board game to posters featuring the history of Hispanics in America. Hamilton has been gathering the pieces for the last 25 years and figures he's invested $375,000 in acquiring them.

"I probably have enough to fill 100 tables," he said.

Hamilton said his eyes were opened as he traveled the world during his time as a signalman in the Navy.

"I always made a point to learn about the people in whatever country we were in," he said."There is a great need to raise awareness of the many contributions that have been made by all ethic groups. We need to be empathetic and sympathetic of each other's culture and therefore get along better."

Numerous posters, videos, photo books and other memorabilia highlighting the history of Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and other ethnic groups are on display for Rondout students to peruse.

Hamilton, who won't disclose his age, taught history, sociology and psychology at North Chicago High School for 17 years. He also founded the Angel Drill Team in 1967.

The group performed most recently in President Barack Obama's inaugural parade. It was a memory that Hamilton will remember forever.

"It was cold, but beautiful," Hamilton said. "What a historic day. The kids will never forget it."

Of all the items in his collection, Hamilton is most fond of anything related to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech is coming true," Hamilton said. "King talked the talk and walked the walk. It's too bad that he isn't here to see our new president."