Festival celebrates African-American culture

Kiesha Williams commutes from Chicago to Elgin for her job as an Elgin Area School District U-46 social worker.

Saturday, she drove to the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin to soak up the scene and sense of pride during the fourth annual Black History Family Festival.

"I encouraged students to do it, so I have to set an example," said Williams, who also sponsors the Ebonier Club at Elgin High School, which celebrates African-American culture.

That culture and history was on full display at the library. Last year's event drew more than 4,000 people. This year's showcase featured food samples, singers and dancers, genealogy exercises, and a panel of African-American leaders and achievers.

Rev. Janie McCutchen of the Second Baptist Church and U-46 social worker said it was her first time at the festival.

One to-do item was to watch some younger church members dramatize historical African-American figures.

"I'm very excited to see all the people attending the festival, (it's) a multicultural turnout. It speaks to the fact that we as a nation are embracing different cultures," McCutchen said. "African-Americans have a culture. We do take pride in those before us, their accomplishments, and more recently (the achievements) of President Obama."

Ernie Broadnax wore a shirt with pictures of Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other black leaders while he presented a history lesson on famous and notable black people in Elgin's history.

Broadnax, a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Elgin, credited library leaders for helping organize and host the event, which is now in its fourth year.

Broadnax also reflected on the many "firsts" he's seen in his life, not only in Elgin, but in the United States. He also said young people can look to local African-Americans in leadership positions, such as Femi Folarin, who is Elgin's city manager.

"There's been so many improvements, changes of a positive nature," he said. "The changes came about because of everybody working together. That's how I feel."