Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Celebrates the 22nd Annual Community Wide Black History Month

Community honors legendary Athletic Career of Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Baseball 1987 Hall of Famer Billy Williams and for overcoming racism and segregation

Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Celebrates the 22nd Annual Community Wide Black History Month

The 22nd Annual Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 2:00-5:00 PM at Bolingbrook High School Auditorium 365 Raider Way, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

This year’s theme is “Black History 400 Years in the Making.” Allen J. Bryson is the keynote speaker. A native of Chicago and a product of Chicago Public Schools, Allen J. Bryson is an author, poet, spoken-word artist, motivational speaker, and educational specialist.

Darryl Van Leer will be performing his “emotionally riveting” one man show, a portrayal of some of history’s most influential African American figures. As always, honor roll students are introduced from Valley View District 365U middle schools and for the fifth year, scholarships will be given out to seniors who reside in Bolingbrook and have been accepted to college.

Mr. Billy Williams will be honored as the 2020 Hall of Fame Award recipient at the 22nd annual Community Wide Black History Month Celebration. He will be honored for his legendary athletic career and his ability to rise despite racism and segregation. Billy is a retired American baseball left fielder who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs and 2 seasons for the Oakland Athletics. Williams was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

With a mission to spread the awareness and education of black history in the community, Bolingbrook’s Black History Month Awareness Club is set to make a difference. The event is held annually during Black History Month and is geared to all residents regardless of race and origin to assist in building bridges of tolerance and understanding. The event is sponsored by Valley View District 365U, the Village of Bolingbrook, the Bolingbrook Arts Council, the Fountaindale Public Library and a host of local businesses. The event is free, open to the public with entertainment, children activities, free food and drinks along with raffle prizes.

Some of the past entertainers have included Windy Indie, The Jesse White Tumblers, The Magic of Spellbinder, Montu Dance Company, The South Shore Drill Team and The Ayodele Drum & Dance Company. Last year, the keynote speaker was Bill Norwood the first African American pilot for United Airlines. Sponsoring businesses have included Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Weather Tech, Andy’s Custard, and Chick- fil-A. Vice President Janice Haywood explains, “We have proudly reached the local communities for 20 years,” said Haywood. “This event connects the community with organizations and businesses by providing information that will increase awareness and understanding of African American Heritage.”

About Black History Month Awareness Club, Inc.

The annual event was created to promote diversity and Awareness of Black heritage through an educational and entertaining format. Bolingbrook attorney Anita Kontoh Carty, Felix George former DuPage Township Trustee, and Financial Advisor, Bernard Winston founded the Black History Month Awareness Club. The club works year-round to organize their one signature event that has now grown to draw hundreds throughout Will County. To learn more visit www.blackhistoryawarenessclub.com.

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