Where we’ve been is just as important as where we are going.
That was the common thread of those who spoke Sunday at Kewanee’s Black History Month Extravaganza. The annual event was held at the First Congregational Church with this year’s theme “We’ve all come a Mighty Long Way.”
Delivering remarks were Mayor Gary Moore, Marshall Jones, a member of the planning committee, State Rep. Travis Weaver, Cong. Eric Sorenson’s District Representative Derek Jones, Kewanee City Councilman Tyrone Baker and Minister Louis Guthrie of the Second Baptist Church.
Guthrie gave a brief history of Second Baptist, the oldest predominately Black church in Kewanee which was organized in 1901. The church, built in 1907, is still in use.
An original poem, “Divisions,” written especially for the program, was read by its author, Lovondi Jordan.
It was also pointed out that even though knowing your past is important, it is equally, if not more important to keep moving forward and each generation creates a way that will be the next one’s history.
Students read their winning essays in the 2026 Black History Month contest including Raelynn Carlton and Walker Ornelas, first and second place winners in the fourth through sixth grades, respectively, and Angie Rivas who won first place in the seventh and eighth grade category. Second place winner Laini Clark was unable to attend due to illness.
First place winners received $100 gift cards while second place winners received $50 gift cards for their efforts.
Recipients of scholarships in 2025 were announced including Dr. Ronald Thompson Memorial Scholarship — Alevia Dickens, Wethersfield High School and Jackie Hinton, Kewanee High School and Sgt. Floyd Blanks Memorial Scholarship — Eva Ceja, Wethersfield High School.
