Black Rockfordians: Their Journey Through the Forest City : an Oral History ProjectErnest Stokes This DVD was made to accompany the book of the same name. Narrated by Rockford native Michelle Williams (formerly of Destiny's Child), it covers the history of African Americans in Rockford, Illinois, starting with Lewis Lemon, the first African American in Rockford. The historical overview includes education, social life, business, churches, newspapers, government, and politics. Many prominent African Americans are interviewed for the film: Charles Box, Venita Hervey, Skip Gilbert, Estelle Black, Sam Gaynor and others. Pat Cunningham, Rockford historian, also appears. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 35
Page 37
... things is not by wanting things to change but by working hard at getting involved in the community . In spite of people not trusting politics , we must realize everything that started from the day that the Constitution was written up ...
... things is not by wanting things to change but by working hard at getting involved in the community . In spite of people not trusting politics , we must realize everything that started from the day that the Constitution was written up ...
Page 97
... things happen has been demonstrated here in the Rockford community . In 2000 , she ran as a County Board member for the sixth district . She explained , " District six is a really big district . It covers most of the West Side and goes ...
... things happen has been demonstrated here in the Rockford community . In 2000 , she ran as a County Board member for the sixth district . She explained , " District six is a really big district . It covers most of the West Side and goes ...
Page 98
... things were just not there . Eventually , after we stayed almost five years and built a home , we ended up back in ... things out . Have good morals and values and have the kids earn the things they want in life . " Elmer Rice Sr ...
... things were just not there . Eventually , after we stayed almost five years and built a home , we ended up back in ... things out . Have good morals and values and have the kids earn the things they want in life . " Elmer Rice Sr ...
Common terms and phrases
able African American Allen Annie Arkansas attended Baptist became began believe better Black Board Booker Washington Center born brother called Carl Charles church City Club College continued Department District Dorothy earned Elementary encouraged explained family migrated father Force Forest friends George Gilbert graduated Growing held high school hired housing husband Illinois important involved Jefferson Karen kids knew later lived located look married meeting MICHIGAN migrated to Rockford Mississippi mother moved named never opportunities parents played position President Public raise recalled received remembered retired returned Robert Rock Rockford community Rockfordians school system served Side social South Street talk taught teacher teaching things told took United University Verla West wife Willie Women young