Gail Borden Library to hold tribute to Risé Jones Feb. 16

On Sunday, Feb. 16, the community was supposed to be enjoying fellowship with and beautiful songs by the talented Dr. Risé Jones.

That event will instead be a tribute to Jones as we mourn the passing of this loving, creative and talented woman who left such a magnificent legacy in the community. Jones, 58, died peacefully at home on Dec. 7 of a pulmonary embolism.

The public is invited to a tribute to Jones from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at the Gail Borden Main Library Meadows Community Rooms, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

The gathering will feature presenters, musicians and crafters including library trustees Tiffany Henderson and Amanda Garcia, a proclamation by State Rep. Anna Moeller, Pastor Patrick Parks and Jon Pierre Badie of the African American Ministerial Alliance, Carl King, Chasity Gunn, Murna Hansemann, CHAR McAllister, Amber Peters, Margaret Brady, and Cristina Colunga Ramirez.

"It will be my honor to welcome people to this tribute,“ said Henderson. ”One of Risé’s favorite quotes was, 'Memories of our lives, of our works, and our deeds will continue in others,' by Rosa Parks. We hope this event will capture that spirit."

"While we cannot begin to touch on all the myriad projects that she created that embody peace, love and integrity, we will feature a sampling of those wonderful endeavors that generated such positive, lasting forces in our community,“ said committee member Danielle Henson.

Gwen Gage, committee member, said, "We thank the many performers and creatives that will be here to honor our friend Risé. We encourage everyone to come out so we can gather to lift her love of community and her ideals.“

Library spokeswoman, Natalie Kiburg, added, "Risé was a friend to so many of our staff members and people in the community. Thousands of people benefited from her friendship and her creative talents. It is with sadness and honor that we hold this event."

Attendees are asked to register at www.gbpl.info/honoringrise.