Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Marks 28 Years of Community Celebration (Bolingbrook, IL) – As communities across the country prepare to observe Black History Month, the Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club is marking a milestone of its own—28 years of celebrating Black history, culture, and community impact in the southwest suburbs.
Founded in 1997, the organization has spent nearly three decades bringing residents together through its annual Black History Month celebration, which has become a staple event in Bolingbrook. The gathering draws families, students, educators, and community leaders from across Will County and beyond for an afternoon focused on reflection, education, and unity.
This year’s celebration will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bolingbrook High School, 365 Raider Way. The event is free and open to the public.
Organizers say attendees can expect an afternoon of performances, activities, and recognitions that highlight the contributions and achievements of African Americans while promoting inclusion throughout the region.
A featured highlight of the program will be the recognition of Christine Houston, an award-winning screenwriter, professor, and television trailblazer. A Chicago native, Houston is best known as the creator of the NBC sitcom “227,” which aired from 1985 to 1990. She made television history as the first African American woman to receive a “created by” credit in primetime and continues to mentor future storytellers as a screenwriting professor at Chicago State University.
The program will also include keynote remarks from Dr. Sandy Womack and a performance by the Victory Cathedral Worship Dance Ministry.
In keeping with its family-friendly focus, the event will offer games and crafts for children, while adults can enjoy complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and local organizations.
Education and youth achievement remain central to the club’s mission. During the celebration, the organization will recognize outstanding middle school students from Valley View School District 365U, honor local seniors who have been accepted to college, and award scholarships to deserving students.
The Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club was established by community leaders including attorney Anita Kontoh Scott (Carty), former DuPage Township Trustee Felix George, and financial advisor Bernard Winston. Under the guidance of its current board, the organization continues to grow its reach, attracting hundreds of attendees each year and strengthening cultural pride throughout the area.
The annual event is supported by several community partners, including Valley View District 365U, the Village of Bolingbrook, the Bolingbrook Arts Council, Fountaindale Public Library, and local businesses.
As the club enters its 28th year, organizers say their mission remains unchanged: to educate, inspire, and promote unity through the celebration of Black history and heritage.
More information about the event and the organization is available at www.bolingbrookblackhistory.com.
Bolingbrook Black History Month Awareness Club Marks 28 Years of Community Celebration
