The Community Black History Committee held its annual “Community Black History Extravaganza” at the First Congressional Church on Sunday afternoon. Community leaders such as Kewanee Mayor Gary Moore and Rep. Eric Sorenson (IL-17), along with residents came out to pay tribute to local Black history.

The event’s theme was “Keeping Hope and Faith Alive,” and the Wethersfield High School choir sang “I have a Dream” to kick things off.

Speakers at the event were both Moore and Sorensen, who spoke on local and state Black history. Other portions of the event included recognizing Dr. Ronald Thompson Memorial Scholarship winner Elijah Reed, a student of WHS, and acknowledging the winners of the Black History Month essay contest. Alaina Clark and Benji Vargas won the 4-6 grade contest and Kyra Galbraith and Audrey Massens won the 7-8 grade contest.

Committee member Etta LaFlora, acting as moderator for the extravaganza, said “We are here because we care. All of us in this room show proof we care, and that the community cares”.

The Community Black History Committee members who organized the event are Marshall Jones, Anita Blanks, Bill Jordan, Etta LaFlora and Bruce Lang.