Nicor Gas contribution celebrates Black History Month

CHICAGO - As part of Black History Month, Nicor Gas said it has given a $25,000 grant to the Museum of Science and Industry to support its Black Creativity Program, a celebration of African American achievements in science, technology, engineering, art and medicine.

Since 2013, the largest natural gas provider in Illinois has donated $250,000 to the museum's Black Creativity Program and more than $500,000 to educational programming since 1999. MSI's Black Creativity programs and exhibits currently reach over 10,000 students and families in underserved neighborhoods annually.

"At Nicor Gas, we are committed to supporting organizations that promote access to diverse programming throughout our communities," said John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. "We believe that when the next generation has access to educational resources inside and outside the classroom, we can help enable economic opportunities and contribute to thriving communities"

The Black Creativity Program offers a wide range of targeted, culturally relevant STEM education programming. "We are grateful for the continued support of Nicor Gas to our annual Black Creativity Program that is a rich testament to black artists and students across the Chicago area and beyond," said Chevy Humphrey, president and CEO of MSI. "With their gift, we have been able to provide more opportunities for our community to participate in and attend this year's program that has been an achievement of the museum since 1971."