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Community Corner

13th Annual Black History Month Program: Storytellers Present Their Journeys

The Northbrook Community Relations Commission sponsored the 13th Annual Black History Month celebration on February 26th, held once again at the North Suburban YMCA.  “Journeys: Paths Taken to Chicago and the North Suburbs,” featured a variety of speakers sharing inspiring stories of how they overcame discrimination to find success in their personal and professional lives.

Presenters used a variety of mediums, including storytelling, photography and dance. A common theme was that racial discrimination of all kinds still exists, but with love, perseverance and respect it can be overcome.  The evening was dedicated to the memory of Nelson Mandela.

The first speaker James Foster grew up in the rural, segregated South.  In 1965, he participated in the walk from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. He decided to leave home with $40 in his pocket, and the next day after he arrived in Waukegan, Illinois he went to work in masonry and welding because he only had $20 left. He credits the 1963 March on Washington for changing everything in his life for the better.

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Dancer Diamond Jack talked about what it took for her to succeed as a Chicago Bulls Lovabull. She was one of the only African-American women to try out for the highly-competitive dance team. “Stay focused and determined. Be brave, and do not believe you are too young to make a difference,” she advised.

Photographer Bill Sanders shared his experience as the first African American in his squads while serving in the Air Force. At first he endured many racial slurs but eventually became close friends with the men he served with. During his time in the military he discovered his love of photography, particularly portraits. He started a photo restoration service and eventually became the owner of an IT services firm.

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Kara Cooper is a senior at Glenbrook North High School and has experienced what it is like to be "the only one." She is a four-year varsity cheerleader and serves as Vice President on the Executive Board. During times that she was bullied, she remembered that Martin Luther King, Jr. said that we must live together like brothers or we will perish. “My struggles have made me stronger.  No one should be defined by how they look,” said Cooper.

Nikki Burnett, known as “Nikki B,” is a successful entrepreneur, wife and mother. She has worked in real estate, retail, and an art gallery. Her latest business is Basketball Mom Apparel. Her confidence has taken her far from the projects where she first grew up. She said that her son motivates her in the hard times, and she always stays positive and does not dwell on yesterday.

The final presenter was Reginald McLaughlin, known professionally as “Reggio the Hoofer.” He demonstrated how he uses his tap dancing to tell stories and spread his message of loving one another. His tap dance abilities took him away from an unsafe neighborhood where most of the people he grew up with are now dead. While he studies and performs nationally and internationally, Reggio is based locally with Old Town School of Folk Music, The Chicago Department on Aging and Global Roots Out-Reach. Reggio has been a popular tap instructor for many years at the Y’s North Suburban School of Dance in Northbrook.

The North Suburban YMCA donates space for many local organizations, and this was the second year the Black History Month celebration was held there. “The Northbrook Community Relations Commission greatly appreciates the Y’s cooperation, energy and service to the Village of Northbrook,” said event chair Rochelle Singer.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to make services accessible for all families and individuals. All board members are community volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the North Suburban YMCA has served area families in its fifteen-city region for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that meet the needs of our community and are accessible to all. For more information, call Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250, or visit www.nsymca.org

About the Northbrook Community Relations Commission

The Northbrook Community Relations Commission was established by the Village of Northbrook to foster and promote understanding, mutual respect, cooperation and positive relations between and among all residents of Northbrook, to the end that a sense of shared community among residents is strengthened, the value of each individual is affirmed and the constitutional rights of all are realized. The Commission sponsors a wide range of public events throughout the year. Their next major event will be the 3rd annual “Taste of Asia,” Northbrook’s celebration of Asian American Heritage, to be held on Sunday, May 18th at the North Suburban YMCA.





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