Black History Family Festival returns Feb. 1 at Gail Borden Public Library

Those visiting Black History Family Festival Saturday will get the opportunity to "Rise Up, Unite, Celebrate!" as well as applaud the accomplishments of selected Elgin Area Unit District U-46 students.

The festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin.

One African American senior from each of U-46 high schools will receive a $500 scholarship from the festival.

The students are chosen for being good citizens, academics, extracurricular and community activities, and aspirations after high school.

This year's recipients are Jordan Snyder of Bartlett High School; Marteena Mendel-Duckins of Larkin High School; Arianna Ramos of South Elgin High School; Alayzia Hairston-El of Streamwood High School; Jasmine Jacobson of Elgin High School; and Eryonna Wallace of the Dream Academy.

The students will talk about their sources of inspiration and hope.

"Gail Borden Library is honored to host the festival, which recognizes the accomplishments of these students," said Jean Bednar, library board president. "The festival celebrates the present but also looks to the future when encouraging young people."

Another highlight of the festival will include keynote speaker Brittany Barber, recipient of the 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in the City of Elgin, known for engaging and challenging audiences as well as reminding women, students and everyone who they really are and what they are capable of.

The band Accidentally on Purpose featuring TJ Ptak will perform a variety of music, including soul, R&B, reggae, jazz, pop and rock.

The festival also will feature Future African American Leaders, crafts, stories, spoken word artists, voter registration, Larkin High School Black History Club, Mama Lee's Gourmet Popcorn and more.

No registration is needed to attend this free event.

The festival is hosted by the Black History Family Festival Committee and Gail Borden Public Library in partnership with Elgin Community College, City of Elgin-Government, City Services and Community News, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Elgin Area Unit District U-46, and The Links Inc. Hoffman Estates Chapter.

For information, call (847) 742-2411 or visit www.gailborden.info or www.facebook.com/gailbordenpubliclibrary/.