Black past, Black present, Black excellence: Black History Month at New Beginnings North Shore

I was honored to have been invited, humbled by Pastor Karl and his wife Angela Adair's hospitality, moved by the dance, music, and song, and inspired by the words of the speakers and honorees.

I'll post video and excerpts from the powerful presentations of the afternoon soon. In the meantime, congratulations to "2020 History Makers" award recipients Robin Rue Simmons 5th Ward Alderman and the incredibly talented Evanston Township High School (ETHS) Junior Howie Godfrey, composer, director, conductor, and producer of the musical "Locker No. 89." ETHS Sophomore Isabella Victorson joined Howie to sing selections from the musical.

Speakers included: Dino Robinson, founder and executive director, Shorefront Legacy Center; Daniel A Epstein, candidate for Illinois Supreme Court; students Tia and Tara Tate who performed the poem, "I am an African American Teen;" former 5th Ward Alderman Hon. Delores Holmes; 2nd Ward Ald. Peter Braithwaite.

PS: Pastor Adair may sell houses for a living ... but Wow. He. Can. Sing!

Read The Evanstonian's piece about Howie Godfrey here.