Aurora church launches monthly series with stories of black history, resilience
New England Congregational Church in Aurora launched a monthly social-justice program series on Sunday, Oct. 16, with "Stories of African American History and Resilience."
Homewood storyteller Kelly Campos performed the hourlong monologue after NECC's 11 a.m. worship service.
Campos, an actor and librarian at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, recounted black-history stories designed to educate, entertain and inspire.
She closed her performance by accompanying herself on guitar in "Before I Let Go," a solo.
Earlier she demonstrated how slaves made music using pairs of wooden sticks reclaimed from slave ships.
Campos' performance was co-sponsored by Students of the Beloved Community, NECC's social and racial justice committee, and the church education department.
The event concluded with refreshments.
Rev. Brandon Perrine, NECC pastor, said the program launched a series of programs to be held monthly after 11 a.m. worship. The public is invited. Future programs will be announced.
The church is at 406 W. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. Public worship services are held at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
Call (630) 897-8721 or visit newenglandchurch.org for more information.