Elgin library celebrates Black History Month

Submitted by Gail Borden

The community is invited to the ninth annual Black History Family Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

This year’s festival is themed “Honoring Our Heroes: Contributions of African American Veterans.” More than 50 African American veterans will be honored at the festival, which will feature members of the Tuskegee airmen.

Special guests will include Major Henry W. Boulden Jr., Sgt. First Class Jarnett Dill and Sgt. First Class Kathy Harris.

The festival also will feature storyteller Linda Gorham, future African-American leaders, the South Shore Drill Team, children’s arts and crafts and culinary treats.

The free festival is open to the community and is sponsored by Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin Area School District U-46, the City of Elgin and Elgin Community College.

For nearly 10 years, the Black History Family Festival has successfully worked to bridge cultures by uniting the Elgin area in a celebration of the African American experience. The festival involves schools and families and has been successful in developing programs that involve participants in unique ways. Go to www.gailborden.info to learn more about this program.

For information, contact Gail Borden Library Program Coordinator Stacy Michel at (847) 289-5808.