ECC's monthlong black history celebration begins

Elgin Community College kicked off Friday its monthlong celebration of black history with a community breakfast.

Keynote speaker David Stovall, professor of educational policy studies and African-American studies at the University of Illinois-Chicago, talked about the development of Black History Month and its continued relevance.

Stovall has done research on critical race theory, school-community relationships, youth culture and the relationship between housing and K-12th grade school systems.

He has been working with youth, community organizations and schools in Chicago, New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Upcoming ECC Black History Month activities include:

• Black History Family Festival: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. This year's theme is Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories. Award-winning author and lecturer Glennette Tilly Turner will present her nationally recognized Underground Railroad research program.

Also features Muntu Dance Theatre, a presentation of Future African American Leaders, Second Baptist's Church Sankofa Wax Museum's Exhibit to honor local African-American historians, children's crafts and stories, refreshments and more. Visit gailborden.info.

• Documentary film screening: 12:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, Building G, Spartan Auditorium. "Project 2-3-1 Two Boxcars, Three Blocks, One City" documents the presence, heritage, and contributions of African-Americans in Elgin.

Executive producer Ernie Broadnax will answer questions after the film.

Events are free and will be held at Elgin Community College's main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

For details, call the Office of Student Life at (847) 214-7425 or for a complete list, visit elgin.edu.